Stevie Lee Woods and The NRL Band give their interpretation of a song first sung by Larry Fleet, Where I Find God, a heartfelt and cozy touch. It is a dangerous undertaking to cover a well known track, it may even feel as unnecessary as it is why I liked the song in the first place. The band in this case is more inclined towards the latter.
Stevie Lee Woods and The NRL Band do not attempt to reinvent the song but instead maintain it simple and straight forward. The orchestration is bare, composed by soft guitars and light supporting instruments that enable the song message to be more prominent. Nothing is excessive or pushed and such simplicity is in favor of the track. It gives room to the lyrics to breathe and get to the listener at a more personal level.
Stevie Lee Woods performs the song in a down-to-earth and natural fashion. His voice is imbued with a feeling of experience and the lyrics are personal and lived. The performance doesn’t rely on vocal tricks or heavy production, instead, it focuses on emotion and sincerity.
The message of faith, gratitude and meaning in every moment of life that the song conveys is central to this version. The style of the band emphasizes how the country music and gospel themes are closely related and that storytelling and spirituality tend to go hand in hand.
Overall, this rendition of “Where I Find God” is a reminder of the power of simplicity in music. Stevie Lee Woods and The NRL Band have a version that is genuine, reassuring and quietly potent by remaining faithful to the core of the original and adding their own natural touch.
