Nuove Mystique Delivers Clever Interpretation of Walter Hawkins Classic, "Jesus Christ Is The Way"

Aug. 30, 2012 - PRLog -- Birmingham, AL  USA - Alabama A & M Alums Janice Jamar, Charles Malone, Kathy Rice, and Terry Hazzard, known as Nuove Mystique, recorded the Walter Hawkin's classic "Jesus Christ is the Way" in dedication to the memory of Professor Richard F. Tucker. Presented splendidly by Nuove Mystique at the celebration of his life and legacy, the single was released worldwide on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 by the Warner Music Group on fellow alum Dr. Henry Panion's Audiostate 55 Entertainment label.

Nuove Mystique was formed over thirty (30) years ago by Richard F. Tucker, while members were in their teens and students at Alabama A & M University.  “Nuove Mystique,” which is Latin for “New Mystery,” was chosen by Professor Tucker because it described the feelings and emotions evoked by the musical arrangements he created for the group to perform. The sounds and blends of the vocal performances were always seasoned with an element of jazz and surprise, whether the group sang Gospel, pop, or classical music.

The members – Kathy Rice, soprano; Janice Jamar, alto; Charles Malone, tenor, and Dr. Terry Hazzard, baritone – were selected based on the unique timbres of their voices, which Professor Tucker anticipated would together create a special blend. Nuove Mystique rehearsed diligently and frequently performed throughout the region. They would often speak of how each voice was integral to the sound for which they were known and could not be replaced. Thus, as the first member graduated so ended Nuove Mystique.

Over the years the bond of friendship between the members and Professor Tucker remained. Yet they never imagined they would be re-united to sing “Jesus Christ is the Way" at the special service celebrating the life of their beloved Richard F. Tucker on September 9, 2011. It was an amazing tribute, pulled from among the staples of their archived repertoire and witnessed by the many friends, family, and fellow alumni in attendance that day, many of whom had likewise experienced the sounds of Nuove Mystique some thirty (30) years ago. One in particular was Dr. Henry Panion, III, also a student of Professor Tucker and fellow classmate of Nuove Mystique. Dr Panion, a noted producer and arranger, was moved by Nuove Mystique’s triumphant presentation and invited the group to his Audiostate 55 Recording Studios in Birmingham, AL to embark upon the journey of recapturing the experiences of that day.

Having not sung together in over 30 years, could the experiences of that day be rendered by Nuove Mystique, one where each note was articulated with a level of clarity, emotion, and meaning that seemed somewhat "mystical?" Nuove Mystique pays a wonderful tribute to Professor Richard Tucker on this recording while amply professing their faith. Kathy, Janice, Charles and Terry have traveled many roads over the past thirty (30) years, but it is clear as to what has kept them and brought them back together for such a time as this...for "Jesus Christ is the Way."