Stephani Ezatoff’s dramatic take on the popular African American Gospel hymn “Run On” is a tribute to Elvis Presley’s 1967 rendition. The tune has a strong sense of musical heritage, yet it features Ezatoff’s unique vocal approach and artistic vision.
The recording was done at Nashville’s famed Sound Shop Studio on Music Row, and, remarkably, steps away from where Elvis did his own version at RCA’s Studio B. It adds a considerable layer to the project, linking Ezatoff’s performance to a pivotal moment in the song’s recording history.
Aaron Minick’s thrilling arrangement forms the basis of the track. Its handling reflects the two sides of divine love and judgment, giving the music an ambiance that can be both intimate and imposing. The arrangement is not only a typical rendition of the material, but also allows the emotional contrasts to play out with a striking sense of scale. Perhaps the most unique of Ezatoff’s creative choices was to sing all the vocal parts herself. The ethereal nature of the decision is that the voices build off each other, gradually increasing the intensity of the performance.
It’s almost a soundtrack for a movie, says producer Brian Speer, gesturing to the expansive nature of the recording. The arrangement has a sense of progression and drama, the vocal layering helping to turn the standard source material into something immersive.