CD Review: The Vessel – Serita Campbell

The Vessel – Serita Campbell
3G Records
2005

Serita Campbell’s nickname “Versityle” fits her well.

The Vessel, the fourth and latest CD from Serita Campbell, a Milwaukee-based singer, songwriter, producer, and now president of her own label, 3G Records, is all about musical versatility. Imagine Mary J. Blige or Lauryn Hill singing for the Lord, and you have a good sense of The Vessel.

The project is an even-handed mix of hip hop accoutrements: heavy beats, raps, and even some Snoop Dogg slang while Campbell spits lyrics with an intensity that is fresh and never overbearing.

While “Rollin’ with Christ” is arguably the CD’s best track, with effective rapping contributed by Dirty Redd of Blood Related, “I’m Sorry” gives Campbell a chance to wrap her vocal muscles around a gospel ballad. Listeners will also enjoy “My Testimony,” which is just that: Campbell’s story told in rap.

Despite my love for traditional gospel, I respect and enjoy the work of musicians who push the envelope. Campbell’s The Vessel is different, edgy, always enjoyable and never boring or repetitive. It infuses hip hop into the sacred in the same way that Dorsey infused blues into the sacred. Artists like Serita Campbell are moving the music forward, and that’s exactly what any art form needs.

TBGB Pick of the Week: December 25, 2005

"The Conqueror"
Leanne Faine & Favor
Serenity Entertainment 2005
From the Upcoming CD The Conqueror
www.leannefaine.com

On "The Conqueror," singing dynamo Leanne "Holy Ghost Power" Faine strikes again with another up-tempo traditional-sounding gospel shouter. The track is reminiscent of Faine's energetic workouts with the Thompson Community Choir, but this time her backing ensemble is Favor, a group of men and women who respond to her calls with an almost athletic prowess.

If you are listening to "The Conqueror" while operating a motor vehicle, be sure to watch your speed limit, as you will surely have quickened your pace when this one comes on the radio or CD player!

Z'iel: A Group to Watch in 2006

TBGB NOTE: I saw these ladies perform at this year's GMWA and they were nothing less than sensational. Whether singing a cappella or "with cappella!" they are so fine they could get the devil himself to change his ways if he heard them. Definitely a group to watch in '06!

From Black Gospel Promo:

BIOGRAPHY OF Z'IEL

This group of young ladies has been touched from birth to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to every man, woman, boy and girl. They were all born and raised in the Bright Star Baptist Church of Shreveport, LA. These ladies have been singing together all their lives in their church Sunday school choir, youth choir, youth rallies and many other events. They have always shared the vision of a mission to be steadfast in the gospel music ministry, keeping God in their lives. They understand that "no weapon formed against them shall prosper." Zie'ls' youthfulness along with their faith in God, dedication to His Holy Word and their exceptional sound makes them special. God's anointing power has placed Crystal Bell(soprano), Aphten Jones(soprano),Christina Bell(contralto), Undrea Northcutt (alto) and Keyondra Lockett(alto/contralto) together as Zie'l.

The word "Zie'l" means achieving goals. After some research it was found that the names origin is German.

During Zie'ls' early beginning they participated in a local radio station's(KMJJ) talent show and placed 3rd. This was a very bold step in Zie'ls' ministry, as they were the only gospel act of the line up. They worshipped and praised God competing against secular artist, before a secular audience. Zie'l participated in the New Artist Showcase at the Gospel Music Workshop of America in New Orleans ,LA in 1999. Many engagements and events followed. After being heard by a local radio personality, Zie'l was introduced to Pastor Kenny Bobien and was featured on the song "His Love" on his latest CD self titled Kenny Bobien, June 2001. Zie'l was also featured on Odyssey Sound Labs' project Gospel Artist United, released spring 2004.

Zie'ls' first CD titled "Give Him Your Heart Today" was released in December 2002. This project was produced by J.J. Jones of Kool Music Productions, Carona, CA.

Zie'l has shared the gospel stage with such recording artist: Yolanda Adams, Kurt Carr, Kirk Franklin,Blessed, Carolyn Traylor, Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole, The Williams Brothers, Benjamin Cone III of the Mississippi Mass Choir, Chapter 5, Repairers of the Breach, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Vickie Winans, Micha Stampley, Stephanie Dotson (Gospel Dream winner, 2004), The Bright Star Male Chorus, John P. Key, Same Seed, Billy Rivers and the Angelic Voices of Faith and many others.

This energetic group of young ladies don't limit their ministry to just singing. They participate in community activities as well as their home, church and college responsibilities.

TBGB Pick of the Week: December 18, 2005

“Send the Praise Up” – Roslyn (Cherysh 2005)
From the CD Yet Dreaming
www.roslynministries.com

Hearing this song without knowing anything about the artist, you would be certain the voice was coming from a male tenor. The voice, however, is that of Ohio-based contralto Roslyn. A former commercial jingle singer who triumphed over personal demons and is now Praise and Worship Leader for Deliverance Christian Church in Canton, Ohio, Roslyn is a rock-bottom deep singer with plenty of soul.

Among the growing accomplishments on Roslyn’s gospel CV is her portrayal of the legendary Mahalia Jackson on stage.

While most reviewers have singled out “Everyday” and “Live Your Dreams” for radio play, I believe the standout performance on Roslyn’s debut project Yet Dreaming is “Send the Praise Up.” It’s a lively gospel dancer that includes – on one version – a superb rap introduction. I prefer the version with the brief rap, but either variation stands on its own. It’s Roslyn’s testimony that sending praises up sends the devil back down.

International Gospel Music Hall of Fame Inductees for 2005

From a press release distributed by the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum:

Detroit, MI – On Saturday, October 22, 2005 at the Detroit Marriot Renaissance Center Hotel, the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum (IGMHFM) celebrated its 9th Annual Induction and Awards Ceremony. It was another star-studded evening as international, national and local gospel artist were honored and inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

The renowned Dr. Bobby Jones of BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel Hour was the Master of Ceremonies for the auspicious occasion. Along with mingling with gospel music legends, guests were treated to a night of soul stirring gospel performances by Witness, The Christianires, Bishop Neal Roberson, Rosalyn Burnwick-McDuffie, Jonathan Dunn, Marcus Cole, Evelyn Turntine-Agee and many more. The Red Carpet Event was also a huge success as it was hosted by Staffy Butler and broadcast LIVE on TCT worldwide.

The 2005 Inductees are gospel music pioneers and superstars, which include“Queen of Soul” Ms. Aretha Franklin, Dr. Myles Munroe, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Pastor John P. Kee, Rev. Dr. Lawrence C. Roberts, Reverend Timothy Wright, Rev. F.C. Barnes and gospel sensations Luther Barnes & the Sunset Jubilaires.

Inductees were graced by the presence and introductions of legendary gospel icons like Detroit’s very own Pastor Marvin Winans, “the Music Doctor” Rance Allen, the legendary Bill Moss and music diva, the lovely, Dr. Emily “Cissy” Houston, who presented the award and inducted Ms. Aretha Franklin.

Reverend Edgar Vann of Second Ebenezer Church and Mr. Don Jackson, of Central City Productions, Stellar Awards Producer, were the 2005 recipients of the Phyllis Siders Award of Merit for their outstanding commitment to and impact on the Gospel music world.

A new component of the capital campaign for the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame was also introduced. It’s called “Club 52”! It is the Hall of Fame’s new way to allow everyone that wants to help in giving gospel music a home to do so. Simply by giving a dollar a week, you can assist in building a brand new, state of the art museum for Gospel Music. Click here to join “Club 52”!

Nominees to the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum must have been involved in gospel music activities for at least 25 years. Individuals, groups, choirs, quartets, broadcast personalities and promoters are represented among past years’ inductees.

This spectacular event is held annually to preserve the legacy of gospel music, and to keep alive the precious memories of all those who have made significant contributions to the furtherance of gospel music.

Ballots for nomination of the 2006 Class of Inductees will be available online at www.igmhf.org beginning January 10, 2006.

Next year will mark IGMHF’s 10th Anniversary of inductions and the stage is already being set to celebrate the ground breaking of the new home for the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum.


Devin S. Gough
International Gospel Music
Hall of Fame and Museum
www.igmhf.org
Ph: 313-592-0017
Fax: 313-592.8762

Gospel at the Grammys: 2005 Nominees

From www.grammy.com:

Field 11 - Gospel
Category 51 - Best Gospel Performance
(For solo, duo, group as collaborative performances. Singles or tracks with vocal containing Gospel lyrics. All genres of Gospel music are eligible.)

• Be Blessed
Yolanda Adams
Track from: Day By Day
[Elektra/Atlantic]

• Looking For You
Kirk Franklin
[Fo Yo Soul Entertainment/Zomba Label Group]

• I Call You Faithful
Donnie McClurkin
[Verity Records]

• Lift Him Up
Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir
[Verity Records/Zomba label group]

• Pray
CeCe Winans
Track from: Purified
[Puresprings Gospel/INO/Sony Urban Music/Epic]

Field 11 - Gospel
Category 52 - Best Gospel Song
(A Songwriter(s) Award. For Song Eligibility Guidelines see Category #3. (Artist names appear in parenthesis.) Singles or Tracks only.)

• Again I Say Rejoice
Israel Houghton & Aaron Lindsey, songwriters (Israel & New Breed)
[Integrity Gospel; Publishers: Champions For Christ Music Publishing, Integrity's Pulse! Music, Sound Of The New Breed Publishing.]

• Be Blessed
Yolanda Adams, James Harris III, Terry Lewis & James Q. Wright, songwriters
(Yolanda Adams)
Track from: Day By Day
[Elektra/Atlantic; Publishers: EMI April Music, Flyte Tyme Tunes, Jibranda Music Works, Minneapolis Guys Music, Jamyo Music.]

• Heaven
Erica Campbell, Joi Campbell, Trecina Campbell & Warryn Campbell, songwriters
(Mary Mary)
Track from: Mary Mary
[Columbia; Publishers: EMI April Music, Wet Ink Red Music, That's Plum Song, It's Tea Tyme, Babooschka Worldwide Tunes, Gold Forever Music, Songs of Universal.]

• Lift Him Up
Joeworn Martin, songwriter (Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir)
[Verity Records/Zomba Label Group; Publisher: J Swirv Entertainment.]

• We Must Praise
James Moss, songwriter (J Moss)
[GospoCentric Records; Publisher: Millenni-era Music.]


Field 11 - Gospel
Category 56 - Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album
(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)

• I Know The Truth
Shirley Caesar
[Shu-Bel Records / Artemis Gospel]

• Live From Houston ...The Rose Of Gospel
Dorinda Clark-Cole
[GospoCentric Records/Zomba Label Group]

• Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs
Donnie McClurkin
[Verity Records]

• Say The Name
Martha Munizzi
[Martha Munizzi Music/Integrity Music]

• Singing The Old Time Way
Bishop G.E. Patterson & Congregation
[Podium Records]

• Be Exalted
Marvin Sapp
[Verity Records]

Field 11 - Gospel
Category 57 - Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album
(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)

• Day By Day
Yolanda Adams
[Elektra/Atlantic]

• Mary Mary
Mary Mary
[Columbia Records/ Sony Urban]

• The J Moss Project
J Moss
[GospoCentric Records]

• Dream
BeBe Winans
[Still Waters (A Hidden Beach Experience)/TMG]

• Purified
CeCe Winans
[Puresprings Gospel/INO/Sony Urban Music/Epic]

Field 11 - Gospel
Category 58 - Best Gospel Choir Or Chorus Album
(For choirs or choruses only, with or without lead vocalist(s).)

• I Speak Life
Donald Lawrence, choir director; Donald Lawrence & Company
[QuietWater/Verity /Zomba]

• Live At The Fellowship
John P Kee, choir director; VIP Mass Choir
[Verity Records]

• One Church
Kurt Carr, choir director; The Choir Of Life (Japan), The Choir Of Life (USA) &
The Kurt Carr Singers
[GospoCentric Records]

• One Voice
Gladys Knight, choir director; Saints Unified Voices
[Many Roads Records]

• 20/85 The Experience
Hezekiah Walker, choir director; The Love Fellowship Choir
[Verity Records/Zomba Label Group]

Single Review -- "Move on Over": Lisa McClendon (Integrity Gospel 2005)

Lisa McClendon, rising gospel star and praise and worship leader at the Potter's House in Jacksonville, Florida, moved on over to the House of Blues in New Orleans to record a live CD that will hit store shelves on January 31.

The new single from the project, "Move on Over," features Lisa's sassy vocals over a shuffling rhythm and brazzy jazz background, complete with trombone. The track echoes the sound of the Crescent City while it gets its inspirational message across. It's a subtle but genuine tribute to the soul of New Orleans, a soul that has been stirred but not shaken.

Plus, you just have to love a song with a chorus that includes the line, "Move on over, let me sing the song/even if the key's wrong."

Stellar Awards Nominations

TBGB thanks Tammy Taylor for providing the listing of the Stellar Awards nominees for 2005. Special cheers for TBGB favs the Cosmpolitan Warriors and DeNetria Champ for their multiple nominations, and also for Chicago Mass and Shekinah Glory. Lots of Chicagoans are nominated and -- as Martha S. says -- that's a good thing.

Sorry to see that our buddy Tracy Worth didn't make the list for best video, but there's always next time! Be encouraged, Tracy! Your season will come.

The Stellar Awards will be recorded live at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN on January 21, 2006. Drum roll please...


Radio Station Awards Nominees are:

Large Market:

WGRB Chicago, IL
WPGC Washington, DC
KDYA San Francisco/Richmond, CA

Medium Market:

WCOA Baltimore, MD
WBBP Memphis, TN
WFMI Virginia Beach, VA

Midsize Market:

WPZZ Richmond, VA
KMBM Sacramento, CA

Small Market:

WEUP Huntsville, AL
WEUV Huntsville, AL
WGOK Mobile, AL
WTJZ Hampton, VA


Artist of the Year

Mary Mary; Mary Mary; Sony Urban Music / Columbia
J. Moss; The J Moss Project; Gospo Centric
Donnie McClurkin; Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs; Verity
Donald Lawrence; I Speak Life; Verity


Song of the Year (Songwriter; Song; Label)

BeBe Winans; "Safe From Harm"; Stillwaters/Hidden Beach
Donald Lawrence; "Celebrate "; Verity
Jonathan Nelson; "Healed"; Verity
Warryn Campbell; Erica Campbell; Trecina Campbell; Joi Campbell ; "Heaven"; Sony Urban Music/ Columbia


Male Vocalist of the Year

Micah Stampley; The Songbook of Micah ; EMI Gospel/ Dexterity
J. Moss; The J Moss Project; Gospo Centric
Donald Lawrence; I Speak Life; Verity
Smokie Norful; nothing without You; EMI Gospel


Female Vocalist of the Year

DeNetria Champ; I Really Love You; JDI Records
Twinkie Clark;Home Once Again: Live in Detroit; Verity
Dianne Williams; The Remix; ICEE Records
Lashun Pace; It's My Time ; EMI Gospel

Group Duo of the Year

Keith Wonderboy Johnson presents The Spiritual Voices and Friends; Unity; World Wide Gospel
Mary Mary; Mary Mary; Sony Urban Music / Columbia
RiZen; RiZen 2; ChezMusique / Artemis Gospel
Donald Lawrence & Co.; I Speak Life; Verity



New Artist of the Year

DeNetria Champ; I Really Love You; JDI Records
Tamela Mann; Gotta Keep Movin'; TillyMann Music
J. Moss; The J Moss Project; Gospo Centric
Micah Stampley; The Songbook of Micah ; EMI Gospel/ Dexterity


Choir of the Year

Shekinah Glory Ministry Shekinah Glory Ministry Live; Kingdom Records
GMWA Mass Choir; GMWA Mass Choir; GospoCentric
Chicago Mass Choir; Project Praise; New Haven
Dr. Charles G. Hayes & The Warriors; The Remix; ICEE Records
Producer of the Year

PAJAM; The J Moss Project; Gospo Centric
D'Lawrence; I Speak Life; Verity
Kurt Carr; One Church; Gospo Centric
Cedric Thompson; The Songbook of Micah ; EMI Gospel/ Dexterity


Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year

Anointed; Now Is The Time; Sony Urban Music / Columbia
Ted & Sheri; Celebrate; Word / Curb
The Rance Allen Group; The Live Experience; Tyscot
Donald Lawrence & Co.; I Speak Life; Verity



CD of the Year

Mary Mary; Mary Mary; Sony Urban Music / Columbia
J. Moss; The J Moss Project; Gospo Centric
Donald Lawrence & Co.; I Speak Life; Verity
Smokie Norful; nothing without You; EMI Gospel



Traditional Group/Duo of the Year

Keith Wonderboy Johnson presents The Spiritual Voices and Friends; Unity; World Wide Gospel
The Christianaires; Stand Up! Live; Marxan/ Malaco
RiZen; RiZen 2; ChezMusique / Artemis Gospel
The Canton Spirituals; New Life, Live in Harvey, IL; Verity



Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year

Kurt Carr; One Church; Gospo Centric
J. Moss; The J Moss Project; Gospo Centric
Donald Lawrence & Co.; I Speak Life; Verity
Smokie Norful; nothing without You; EMI Gospel



Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year

Donnie McClurkin; Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs; Verity
John P. Kee; The Color of Music; Verity
Walter Hawkins; A Song In My Heart ; Coda
Daryl Coley; Just Daryl; Alliant Music Group/ Diego



Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year

Joann Rosario; Now More Than Ever... Worship; Verity
Ann Nesby; Sounds of Blackness/Unity ; SLR
Nicole C. Mullen; Everyday People; Word/Curb
Kierra "Kiki" Sheard; I Owe You ; EMI Gospel



Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year

DeNetria Champ; I Really Love You; JDI Records
Dottie Peoples;Live in Memphis - "He Said It" ; AIR
Dianne Williams; The Remix; ICEE Records
Evelyn Turrentine Agee; Go Through ; Light Records



Contemporary CD of the Year

Kierra "Kiki" Sheard; I Owe You ; EMI Gospel
J. Moss; The J Moss Project; Gospo Centric
Donald Lawrence & Co.; I Speak Life; Verity
Deitrick Haddon; Crossroads; Verity



Traditional CD of the Year

Walter Hawkins; A Song In My Heart ; Coda
RiZen; RiZen 2; ChezMusique / Artemis Gospel
The Canton Spirituals; New Life, Live in Harvey, IL; Verity
Bishop Paul S. Morton; Seasons Change; Tehillah Music Group/Light



Urban/ Inspirational Single / Performance of the Year (Artist; Song; Label)

Kierra "Kiki" Sheard; "You Don't Know"; EMI Gospel
Deitrick Haddon; "God is Good "; Verity
J.Moss; "I Wanna Be"; Gospo Centric
Mary Mary ; "Heaven"; Sony Urban Music/ Columbia



Traditional Choir of the Year

Mississippi Mass Choir; Not By Might, Nor By Power; Malaco
Mark S. Hubbard & The Voices; Blessin’ Waitin’ On Me ; Utopia Records
Bishop Michael V. Kelsey & The New Samaritan Mass Choir; Masterpeace; SamariSounds Records
James Grear & Nu Friends; James Grear & Nu Friends LIVE; Alliant Music Group



Contemporary Choir of the Year

Joshua's Troop; Project Youth; New Haven/ Provident
Daryl Coley Presents Eddie Baltrip & Fulfillment; Instrument of Praise ; Alliant Music Group/Diego
Rodnie Bryant & IYGMC; Change of Seasons; Tyscot
Sounds of Blackness; Unity; SLR



Instrumental CD of the Year


Tim Bowman; This Is What I Hear; Liquid 8 Records
Ben Tankard; Piano Prophet ; Verity
Angella Christie; Draw The Line; ACSM
Kirk Whalum; The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter II ; Warner Records



Special Event CD of the Year


Various; Look Up Sing Out... Power ; EMI Gospel
Martha Munizzi; When He Came ; Martha Munizzi Music
Various; WOW Gospel 2005; Verity
Various; Gotta Have Gospel! Vol. 2 ; Gospo Centric



Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year

Various; Taking the Gospel to the Streets Volume 2 ; Holy Hip Hop Music / EMI
Lil iRocc Williams; The Sequel ; Authority/Whitaker
The Phanatik; Incredible Walk; Cross Movement Records
The Ambassador; The Thesis ; Cross Movement Records



Children's Performance of the Year


The Cathedral Choir; Let The Children Sing! Vol. III; I Get My Praise On ; Anvil Records
Lil iRocc Williams; The Sequel ; Authority/Whitaker
Rodnie Bryant & IYGMC; Change of Seasons; Tyscot
Gospo & the Gospel Kids; Sing Unto The Lord A New Song ; TGKS Records



Quartet of the Year


The Canton Spirituals; New Life, Live in Harvey, IL; Verity
The Christianaires; Stand Up! Live; Marxan/ Malaco
The Soul Seekers; The Soul Seekers; Gospo Centric
Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s; Tell The Angels ; MCG Records



Music Video of the Year (artist, song/CD title, label)


The Rance Allen Group; "Something About the Name Jesus"/ The Live Experienced; Tyscot
Dr. Charles G. Hayes & The Warriors; "The Remix" The Remix; ICEE Records
Israel & New Breed; Live From Another Level; Integrity Gospel
J.Moss; "We Must Praise" The J.Moss Project; Gospo Centric



Recorded Music Package of the Year (click for info)

Denise Trotman; I Speak Life; Verity
Wendy Jones; The J.Moss Project; GospoCentric
Tracy Wallner, Michael Gomez; RiZen 2; ChezMusique / Artemis Gospel
Detchapat Arttasan; Mary Mary ; Sony Urban Music / Columbia