TBGB Pick of the Week: August 31, 2009

“Don’t Do It Without Me”
Bishop Paul S. Morton
From the bonus edition of Cry Your Last Tear (Tehillah/Light 2008)
www.lightrecords.com

“Don’t Do It Without Me” is the best song not found on Cry Your Last Tear, Bishop Paul S. Morton and the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir’s latest release.

That is, unless you have the Bonus Edition of the album, in which case you are familiar with this lovely and unpretentious track, attributed to Morton’s labelmate Bishop Neil C. Ellis and a host of other writers. The song is a passionate plea to the Lord, delivered with the musical gravity afforded a Lucie Campbell composition, that asks simply, “Whatever you’re doing in this season, please don’t do it without me.”

"Don't Do It Without Me" is contemporary today but destined to become part of the venerable traditional catalog in the future.

"If I Be Lifted Up" - The Anointed Pace Sisters

“If I Be Lifted Up”
The Anointed Pace Sisters
From the Tyscot CD Access Granted (release date: October 20, 2009)
www.tyscot.com

Singing together for 40 years and with debut projects for the Faith Record label under their collective belts, the Anointed Pace Sisters finally received national attention in 1992 with their initial release for Savoy, U-Know. Songs such as “Be a Fence” introduced the eight-sister ensemble’s signature style of impassioned vocals and a heavy beat moving straight ahead at mid-tempo. It’s a sound seemingly inspired by the ‘80s and ‘90s Clark Sisters.

The group’s latest release, Access Granted, was produced by the talented Asaph Ward and is slated to hit the streets October 20. The album’s first single, “If I Be Lifted Up,” proves the group is nothing if not consistent. Fans of The Anointed Pace Sisters will enjoy the single, as it follows the formula of “Be a Fence” and other hits, such as “High Praise” and “It’s Already Done.” If you are not already a TAPS fan, however, this single is not the one to change your mind because it does not cover any new ground.

"Just Couldn't Keep It" - Angela Spivey & the Voices of Victory

"Just Couldn’t Keep It”
Angela Spivey & the Voices of Victory
From Eyes on the Prize (Tekoa Records 2008)
www.tekoarecords.com

It’s hard to listen to or watch Chicagoan Angela Spivey and not have a smile on your face. When it comes to positive energy, Angie is a force of nature. Her happiness is infectious, and her upbeat, optimistic nature shines through her music.

A year ago almost to the day, TBGB made the exciting title track of her 2008 album, Eyes on the Prize its Pick of the Week. The latest single culled from the album, “Just Couldn’t Keep It,” is mid-tempo and straightforward, with calls from Angie and responses from the Voices of Victory, a group out of her home church, First Corinthians MB. The song riffs on the "I just couldn't keep it to myself" theme that has appeared frequently in gospel music through the years.

Truthfully, Angie's “Just Couldn’t Keep It” is not as compelling as “Eyes on the Prize,” but it is tuneful nevertheless, and sure to garner a radio following.

"When I Rise" - Cathy Townsend

“When I Rise”
Cathy Townsend
From the CD RE-Born! RE-Juvenated! RE-Joicing!
www.cdbaby.com

Chicago psalmist Cathy Townsend is a veteran gospel singer. Since making her music debut at the age of seven, Cathy has soloed, sang in trios and groups, and directed and participated in choir. Her relaxed jazz vocal style has taken her from the sanctuary to prison ministry to city and civic events and has enabled her to travel nationally and internationally singing gospel.

"When I Rise," the single from Cathy's RE-Born! RE-Juvenated! RE-Joicing!, is a relaxed reflection on the joy of waking up to another day. Her voice is powerful but prayerfully introspective. For obvious reasons, it's best played at the beginning of a busy day, but works just as well as a cool-down before bed.

Seon Thompson - I'm Out - Live

Seon Thompson
I’m Out – Live
Just Wait Records 2009
www.justwaitrecords.com

Singing preachers have thrilled congregations for many generations. Not surprising: gospel songs and preaching are natural comrades. By mixing the fiery rhetoric of the sermon with which they are so skilled with the emotionality of music, preachers don’t just sing, they minister.

The latest example of a singing preacher to make it onto CD is Seon (pron. SEE-on) Thompson, Pastor of the Refuge Temple Church of Flint, Michigan. The vocally assertive pastor’s debut album, I’m Out – Live, was recorded in front of an enthusiastic audience at the Whiting Auditorium in Flint. With industry go-to guys Tyrone Dickerson and Carnell Murrell, Thompson produces a no-holds-barred project complete with Murrell-penned gems, classic hymns, and contemporary gospels.

Thompson really shines on the traditional pieces, specifically the hymn “God Will” (aka “God Will Take Care of You”) and Rev. Brewster’s “Surely God is Able.” The arrangements are bluesier than the originals and move with a shoulder-strutting rhythm, but the vocal vigor with which Thompson rips into these classics is strictly old school. Although a new composition, Murrell’s “I’ve Been Delivered” is given a traditional reading, complete with walking rhythm and delightful work from the background vocalists.

A superb addition to this collection is "You're the One" by Excelsior's F. Darnell Davis. It's a lovely though overlooked song, but Thompson gives it renewed life with his cover version.

The high point of the album is the ten-minute title track. When Pastor Thompson performed this song before the Gospel Announcers Guild at the GMWA last month, he wrecked the room. From the sounds of the audience at the live recording, he did the same thing in Flint. “I’m Out” is an amazing performance, demonstrating the power and the glory of gospel singing, especially live, which is gospel's ideal setting.

Expect to hear more from Pastor Seon Thompson in the future!

Four of Five Stars

Raphael Saadiq and Roy Tyler at the Fillmore

While performing at The Fillmore in San Francisco, Raphael Saadiq, multi-instrumentalist and former lead singer of the RnB group Tony! Toni! Tone!, pays public homage to a musical influence that I’ll bet many of his fans were unaware: Bay Area gospel quartet singing.

To prove it, Saadiq brings on stage one of his favorites of the genre, Oakland’s Roy Tyler, former member of the Gospel Humming Birds. Together, Tyler and Saadiq burst into a quartet driver that has the audience clapping along. Watch it here.



This isn’t the first time Saadiq and Tyler have worked together. Saadiq provided guest vocals on “Tired of the Game,” a track on Three Way Calling (Severn, 2004), Tyler’s CD with the group New Directions. The album is available on iTunes.

Resting On His Promise -- Youthful Praise featuring JJ Hairston

Youthful Praise featuring JJ Hairston
Resting On His Promise
Evidence Gospel/Light Records 2009 (release date: September 1, 2009)
www.lightrecords.com

When at the beginning of the decade JJ Hairston assumed leadership of Youthful Praise at Turner’s Faith Temple COGIC in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he may not have realized it at the time, but he was walking in the footsteps of his pastor, Bishop J.C. White.

In 1967, Bishop White introduced the thunderous Institutional COGIC Radio Choir to the world with the smash “Stretch Out (When Trouble Comes).” The choir performed its breakout hit as guest artists on Shirley Caesar’s first solo LP, I’ll Go, and many times afterward on its own.

Hairston’s group, Youthful Praise (YP), delivers the same high-energy, high-volume sound as Bishop White’s Institutional COGIC Choir, but updated for the 21st Century. YP is a supercharged praise and worship choir whose crisp, melodic, top-decibel singing is outdone only by the full-throated, auditorium-filling voices of the soloists. With musicians weaving gentle strings, symphonic rock and power gospel into the mix, listening to Resting On His Promise is like listening to the gospel equivalent of an arena rock concert.

Clocking in at more than seven minutes each, the album’s two opening praise songs – “You Reign” and “Hear Me Lord” – set the stage for the aural experience. Many of the songs on the album run six-plus minutes and have similarly larger-than-life arrangements.

A few top gospel artists guest star on the project, including Pastor Shirley Caesar who this time is the guest instead of the host. She fronts YP on the traditional-sounding “High Praise.” Myron Butler solos on “Great Expectation.”

But it’s that gospel firecracker Dorinda Clark-Cole leading the choir on “Still Mighty, Still Strong” that gives the album its finest moment. It demonstrates that traditional gospel soloists and YP’s tidal wave of P&W sound go together like peanut butter and jelly, and are just as tasty. JJ Hairston and YP should consider recording an album on which a parade of stone singers such as Dorinda Clark-Cole and Shirley Caesar lead the choir. It will be nothing short of spectacular.

While most of the lyrics are praise and worship-oriented, songs such as the hit “Resting On His Promise” address the current theme of encouragement during tough times through faith and prayer. “Powerful God” is another song focused on struggle and deliverance, ending with an emotional vamp.

The album concludes with “You Can Make It,” a quick-tempo, old school Pentecostal rouser that reminds the listener that JJ and YP are saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Four of Five Stars

"Working It Out" - The Gospel Spirituals

"Working It Out"
The Gospel Spirituals
www.myspace.com/gospelspirituals

The Gospel Spirituals of Houston, Texas was founded by Pastor Lee LeFleur in 1982 as a family group. After a few personnel comings and goings, the quartet today consists of original members Evang. LaKeisha "Keisha" LaFleur-Clayton, Evang. Lori LaFleur and Nkita "Nikki" LaFleur. Broderick LaFleur handles percussion and new member Anthony Clayton assists on vocals.

Lori solos on the group's latest single, "Working It Out," a slow-tempo song on the all-too-familiar subject of getting through tough times: "In spite of everything you've been through, God, He's working it out."

The group sings with evangelistic fervor, and the performance and production is raw and genuine, much like countless locally-produced indie records of the 1970s.

The Gospel Spirituals' full-length project will be released late fall of this year. To purchase the single or contact the Gospel Spirituals, email them at thegospelspirituals@yahoo.com or visit the quartet's MySpace page: www.myspace.com/gospelspirituals.

Expectancy - Bishop Steven J. Bennett Presents House of Prayer & Praise Ministries Mass Choir

Bishop Steven J. Bennett Presents
House of Prayer & Praise Ministries Mass Choir
Expectancy
House of Prayer & Praise Ministries 2008
www.HOPPministries.org

Straight outta Detroit’s west side come Bishop Steven J. Bennett and the House of Prayer & Praise Ministries Mass Choir. Expectancy is part of the church’s theme for the year: Expectation, Expansion and Elevation. It’s also the name of the group’s album and a track on the CD.

Expectancy is truly a family affair. Four of “Pastor Steve’s” children – Kimya Scott, Leah Bennett, Myra Bennett and Stephanie Pride – contribute their estimable talents to the project as featured soloists and choir members.

Stephanie is the family’s standout singer. She has graced other projects with her effervescent voice and is set to release a solo album later this year. On Expectancy, surrounded by la familia, Stephanie leads “Holy One,” a fresh contemporary gospel song with hit hooks. Here, guitars buzz around Stephanie's bubbly-sweet singing while a keyboard set on harpsichord plays what sounds like a caffeinated Bach cantata.

The title track gives Stephanie a chance to sing herself into a preacher’s cadence. Her sister Leah leads “New Day,” a spunky, poppish contemporary gospel song that also has single potential.

The album really blossoms during the traditional segment. Ernest J. Lee’s introductory bluesy piano notes on “Passing By” elicit shouts of appreciation and fond recognition from the choir. Jhonnie Mae Ashford and Bishop Bennett then launch hungrily into a litany of old and new congregational songs. One, “Back on the Road Again,” is a neo-traditional song and the album’s featured single. “Trust in Jesus,” another neo-traditional composition, was written by Stephanie, who doubles as its soloist.

The final track, “Satan is Defeated,” plays like the triumphant conclusion to a modern musical or pop opera.

Expectancy is a friendly, welcoming mixture of contemporary gospel and praise and worship songs to spark the spirit and traditional music to soothe the soul.

Four of Five Stars

TBGB Pick of the Week: August 24, 2009

“They That Wait”
Fred Hammond feat. John P. Kee
From the forthcoming CD Love Unstoppable (release date: September 29, 2009)
www.verityrecords.com

Someone coined the phrase “Commissioned Nation” to describe the legions of gospel enthusiasts who helped make the genre-bending Detroit ensemble Commissioned one of the top gospel groups of the 1980s and early 1990s.

A name forever linked with Commissioned is founding member Fred Hammond. After exiting Commissioned in 1994, Hammond further developed his gospel music career, first as the leader of the Radicals for Christ Choir, then as a solo artist. Fifteen years after going solo, Hammond remains an A-lister. His new album, Love Unstoppable, is slated for release September 29 on Verity Records.

The album’s first single, “They That Wait,” is already making big noise on the gospel charts. It’s a bright, aerobic hand clapper with long, infectious sing-along phrases and a fiery duet between Hammond and John P. Kee. Supported by superb background vocalists, the duo cites Isaiah 40:31 to encourage the faithful to “wait on Him,” because “they that wait on the Lord…shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and never faint.” It’s one of Hammond’s finest singles in a career of hitmaking.

"Made It" - Praise Report

“Made It”
Praise Report
From the Ace Beat Records album It’s Time 2009
www.acebeatmusic.com

Ace Mungin’s Ace Beat Records of Fayetteville, Georgia “bridges the sound of the young and hip with the classic and timely.” It’s gospel house music with “the power of the grooving bass line working the dance floor.”

One of the label’s current singles, “Made It” by Praise Report, fits this description to a T.

Ricky Nelson and Praise Report deliver soulful, feel-good vocals with the energy, melody and harmonies common in today’s evangelical ensemble singing. The steady rhythm track, on the other hand, is a flashback to the Seventies: a Gamble-Huff fueled locomotive in Peter Max bellbottoms and cheshire cat smile strutting toward its destination. By the time Praise Report interpolates the “whoa-oh-a-oh” line from the O’Jays’ “I Love Music,” the listener already has his seat on the Love Train.

"The Platform" - Cam

“The Platform”
Cam
From the Duolos Records CD The Platform
www.gospelcam.com

On the title track of his sophomore CD, Oklahoma’s Cameron Dukes, aka “Cam,” encourages listeners to use whatever platform God gave them to lift up the kingdom as disciples. He sings, “God gave you a platform, stand upon your platform, teach upon it, preach upon it…”

Cam’s “platform,” at least on this single, is holy hip hop, what he terms “rhythm and praise.” On the cover of his new album, Cam poses with an acoustic guitar, but on “The Platform” (the single), no guitar is aurally distinguishable. Instead, the song is moved by polyrhythmic electronic beats and a powerful marching bass line. Cam takes a straightforward, relevant message and puts it to a simple, compelling melody. He trades lead vocals with himself.

“The Platform” sizzles with that exciting electric urgency of holy hip hop, which as a subgenre suggests implicitly that the time to straighten up is now, no delay, no excuses.

The song’s message can also be interpreted as a commentary on the time-honored struggle between what constitutes “gospel music” and what is considered too “worldly” to be sacred. “The Platform” argues that there’s no one way, no right or wrong way, to deliver the gospel. Whatever style or talent you were given, that’s what you use. Amen!

The Dream - Maurette Brown Clark

Maurette Brown Clark
The Dream
AIR 2007
www.malaco.com

Known affectionately as the “Princess of Praise and Worship,” Maurette Brown Clark hit the ball out of the park with her first live album, The Dream. It produced two major gospel hits: the antiphonal sing-along “One God” and the current charter “It Ain’t Over (Until God Says It’s Over).”

The album also earned Maurette her first Stellar Award in 2008 for Praise & Worship CD of the Year. Her daughter Jada Simone Clark earned a Stellar that same year for her performance of “I Am What God Says I Am,” also from The Dream.

Backed by a tight-knit group of musicians and marvelous background vocalists that include Anthony Brown and Answered Prayers, Maurette does what P&W artists do best: sing and minister their heart out such that the recording session inevitably becomes a church service.

In addition to the two hits mentioned above, the two-part “Sovereign God” is worth catching on The Dream, and from the sounds of the live audience, it was a crowd pleaser that evening. Jonathan Nelson’s “My Heart Has Been Restored” is a jazzy ballad with a spirit-filled climax, and interestingly, the musicians remain in the jazz mood while accompanying Maurette on the standard, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.”

In addition to Nelson, other top-shelf songwriters contributing to the project include Donnie McClurkin and Maurette's choir director, Richard Smallwood. Maurette herself penned a few songs on the album, including the title track, an extended testimony centered around a simple, effective four line tone-poem.

The gorgeous, crystal-clear piano accompaniment of Eddie Brown, especially on “Alright” and “Lord We Praise Your Name,” bears mentioning. Like the snap-and-crackle of a fire on a chilly winter night, Eddie's playing is crisp and stands on its own, deserving nearly as much of the spotlight as Maurette.

The Dream was recorded at the Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore, where the Pastor is gospel artist Dr. Jamal H. Bryant. The album is a superb live performance with demonstrated staying power as a gospel super-seller.

Five of Five Stars

"Alright" - The Disciples of Christ

“Alright”
The Disciples of Christ
From their self-released album Unique Praise
www.myspace.com/disciplesofchrist10
Booking: Arlene Bell - 281-608-5551

Still more gospel from that happening city of Houston, Texas!

Arlene Bell, Shirley Benson, Shaniece Benson and Candice Jackson are the Disciples of Christ, a quartet whose single, “Alright,” marries ‘80s drums-and-bass driven funk (think Prince and Morris Day) with hard-singing lead vocals and deep south harmonies. The song's message of reassurance is declared with such gusto by the ladies that even the biggest doubter would find it hard not to acquiesce.

The Disciples of Christ have been nominated twice for the Texas Gospel Excellence Award and have shared the stage with the likes of Lee Williams & the Spiritual QCs, Jimmy Hicks, Doc McKenzie & the Hi-Lites, and Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson. Their debut project, Unique Praise, from whence "Alright" comes, was released in January of 2009.

Kevin LeVar: Crossing Destiny Bridge

by Bob Marovich, The Black Gospel Blog

Growing up in Refreshing Spring Church of God in Christ just outside Washington, DC, gospel singer Kevin LeVar was surrounded by top gospel music talent.

HOB recording artists the Refreshingettes hailed from Refreshing Spring. The church’s Minister of Music was none other than Evangelist Myrna Summers. Her 1970“God Gave Me a Song” with the Interdenominational Youth Choir of Maryland and DC earned the songstress a Grammy nomination. LeVar’s mother and father sang with Summers, and Kevin called her “godmother.”

Despite this, the self-proclaimed “mischievous kid” was not known for singing. Not, that is, until the day gospel great John P. Kee, working with the church’s young people at a music conference, reflexively handed the seven year-old LeVar the lead microphone.

“[Kee] put the mike in my hand and had me to sing the song,” LeVar remembered, “and I began to sing it. I sang it with such passion I just began to cry, and before it was over, the whole church was in tears.”

LeVar’s unplanned debut performance left him committed more than ever to the church’s music ministry. Later, he became a substitute teacher in Maryland public schools, but his desire to sing gospel music professionally trumped classroom duties and LeVar finally stepped out on faith. He left his teaching post and began singing gospel throughout the Maryland and Washington, DC area.

“I thought I’d immediately find success in the music industry, but that didn’t happen.” In fact, LeVar entered a confusing nine-year “valley-like situation where I didn’t know what the next step would be.” During this time, the singer learned about true ministry, that it was “not just about standing on the stage singing to people, but it was actually about caring for people.” This insight would leave an indelible imprint on his music ministry.

LeVar never lost his dream to sing gospel full-time, and after much persistence, local acceptance became national acceptance. Soon he was appearing on network cable television programs and performing at major events. His debut CD, Let’s Come Together, recorded with the singing group One Sound, was released in September 2008 on April Washington-Essex’s Habakkuk Music label. It landed at #22 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums Chart. The album’s current radio single is “A Heart that Forgives.”

LeVar wrote the song after witnessing “some of my friends and mentors treated badly by life. I saw their hearts become calloused, and they didn’t want to trust or love anymore. I didn’t want to turn out that way or end up like that.”

But just as he experienced with John P. Kee, LeVar became overwhelmed with emotion while recording “A Heart That Forgives.” He recalled: “I thought I was over some of the things that inspired [the song], but when I got behind the mike to record it, it was like God showed me I had to let go of some more things. I was fighting back tears.”

LeVar’s tearful performance on “A Heart That Forgives” has won the singer countless new fans and inspired what LeVar is calling a “Forgiveness Campaign.” Scheduled to launch on or before the first part of 2010, the Forgiveness Campaign seeks to encourage at least one million acts of forgiveness. It will do so through a web presence as well as personal appearances, speakers and dramatizations.

“So many of us have been hurt before and we’re living our lives out of that hurt,” explained LeVar. “It is important for us to let go of our past so we can embrace our future.”

Meanwhile, LeVar will spend the rest of 2009 touring, singing and promoting Destiny Bridge, a concise but powerful book he wrote recently to “encourage people to step out and not be afraid to go after what God is showing them.” Next year, LeVar plans to work on his sophomore CD, one that will focus on the importance of family and relationships.

For more information, go to http://www.kevinlevar.com/


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Introducing Eunice Wright -- Wait On Me

Introducing Eunice Wright
Wait On Me
Joyful Noyze Records 2009
www.myspace.com/joyfulnoyzeentertainment

Last month, TBGB reported that “In Me,” the single from Delaware psalmist Eunice Wright, “is a hypnotically lullaby-like, contemplative ballad set to a lovely melody." Turns out that it’s the crown jewel of her debut album, Wait On Me, released on Joyful Noyze Records.

With its orchestral prelude and tender-to-dramatic reading by Eunice, “In Me” is also the most original and memorable song on the album and really needs to be squeezed into radio rotation. The echoes of “In Me” barely fade from the speakers when Eunice returns with a bluesy rendition of the camp meeting hymn “Oh How I Love Jesus.” She sings the support beams off of the church with this chestnut.

“I Want God to Get the Glory” is another potential single off Wait On Me. It is a melodic, slightly jazzy contemporary praise song written by Donald Ashley, who graces the performance with his vocals. The title track and the catchy “Don’t Let Your Faith Fail” are cut from the inspiration and encouragement cloth that many popular worship songs are today. Eunice concludes her debut with “Praise Him," an old school-style handclapper she wrote.

William “JB” Bratten III provides expert production and a coterie of background singers supports Eunice with panache. Most importantly, Eunice Wright’s lovely and powerful gospel voice demonstrates that the Lord answered her prayer when she stood in front of her church at age five and sang “Lord Make Me an Instrument.” He made her an instrument all right, and what an instrument it is!

Four of Five Stars

Q & A with JJ Hairston

JJ Hairston of the group Youthful Praise spent time with The Black Gospel Blog recently to talk about the group's genesis, its musical influences, and the forthcoming CD, Resting On His Promise (Light Records/Evidence Gospel), to be released September 1.

TBGB: You grew up in the Church of God in Christ. How has this influenced your music ministry?

JJ: It’s influenced us tremendously. At its base, the Church of God in Christ is a traditional movement. We have our youthful vigor as a choir, but at the end of the day we are a church choir. We present songs for a church service. We make music for people in the church.

TBGB: Your pastor, Bishop J.C. White, made his own mark on gospel music. How has he influenced your style?

JJ: Not only have we learned from Bishop White, and from all that he did musically with the J.C. White Singers and the Institutional Radio Choir, but we're still learning from him.

TBGB: Are all the members of Youthful Praise from Bishop White’s church? If not, are they all members of COGIC?

JJ: Most of the members of Youthful Praise are in Bishop White’s church, Turner's Faith Temple in Bridgeport, Connecticut. A few attend other churches and belong to other denominations. These are people that we met while on the road touring. We liked their sound and invited them to join Youthful Praise.

TBGB: How do you define Youthful Praise’s sound?

JJ: It is a hybrid of different sounds. Some call it contemporary praise and worship. I like to think of Youthful Praise as having a church choir sound but our songs are praise and worship oriented. We’re not your typical choir!

TBGB: To what do you attribute Youthful Praise’s meteoric rise to success?

JJ: It may seem like we’ve achieved success in a short period of time but we’ve been singing together for quite a while. The choir was started twenty years ago by teenagers in the church who were too old to sing with the children’s choir but not old enough for the adult choir. It was originally known as “Teens for T.F.T. [Turner's Faith Temple].” Five of the original members are still with us. I wasn't with them at the beginning. I took over as director only seven or eight years ago.

TBGB: What is the age range of today’s members of Youthful Praise?

JJ: Members range in age from 19 to 37. But we’re together all the time so age really doesn’t matter.

TBGB: Your current single, “Resting On His Promise” – who wrote it and what was the inspiration for it?

JJ: I wrote it because we are going through crazy economic times, and it seems like every morning on the news, we hear how far the economy is down. People are worried. I want to encourage everyone, and especially the people of God, that God said he would never leave us or forsake us. Anyone can sing a praise song, but it also needs to encourage God’s people. That what “Resting On His Promise” is all about.

TBGB: What other songs on the new album are potential singles?

JJ: Another potential single is “Powerful God.” This song is basically a testimonial. The question it asks is, “How did I make it out of my trials?" The answer is, "Because I serve a powerful God.”

TBGB: What has been Youthful Praise’s biggest hit to date?

JJ: Even though “Awesome God” was the song that made us well known, our biggest hit to date is “Incredible God, Incredible Praise.” It was a new praise and worship song that attracted people who never heard of us before.

TBGB: Stars such as Shirley Caesar and Dorinda Clark-Cole sing with Youthful Praise on the new project. What was it like working with such gospel legends?

JJ: It was amazing! I started out wanting to record Dorinda on this album, and then since Shirley Caesar and we are label mates, I asked if she would sing on “High Praise" because it’s a traditional song and I consider her the “Queen of Traditional Gospel.”

TBGB: After the CD is released on September 1, where will Youthful Praise be?

JJ: Everywhere! We’ll be everywhere! DC, Chicago, Texas, Detroit, all over. Later we will travel overseas to Italy and Switzerland.

TBGB: So Youthful Praise is truly an international sensation!

JJ: Yes, for example I am getting emails from fans in Africa. I didn’t know anyone in Africa even knew who we were!

TBGB Pick of the Week: August 17, 2009

"The Master Plan”
Tamela Mann
Tilly Mann Music Group 2009
www.tamelamann.com

A message on gospel singer Tamela Mann’s website countering rumors that she and husband David have “been called on home to glory” reminds TBGB of the film Casablanca, in which Humphrey Bogart states sardonically that rumors of his death have been greatly exaggerated.

Hearing Tamela sing “The Master Plan” should put those rumors to bed once and for all. She lends her mighty gospel blues voice to this slowly simmering (and new) number that encourages listeners to shake off the blues. Her message: whenever you think nobody cares and wonder how bad things can happen to good people, remember that “God has a master plan.”

Tamela’s bouncy, contemporary praise song “The Joy of the Lord” may be the single preferred by radio, but nothing beats the soul-wrenching gospel blues, especially from this Texas-based singer and actress.

DVD: Bro. Steve TV Series Presents Understanding Church Growth

Bro. Steve TV Series presents
Understanding Church Growth
www.brosteve.com
www.churchgrowthDVD.com

Hollywood-based multi-media entrepreneur Steve Harris – known to the church community as “Bro. Steve” – has over the past several years created a number of informational videos on a variety of topics relevant to the church and gospel music communities. One of his latest projects, Understanding Church Growth, took more than three years and 122 people to produce. But the result was worth the wait, as it is an easy-to-follow compendium of the dos and don’ts of building and sustaining a church of any size.

Bro. Steve introduces each chapter, then gives the forum to successful church leaders such as Bishop Charles Blake, Pastor of West Angeles COGIC and now Presiding Bishop of his denomination; Dr. Robert Schuller, Founder and Pastor of the Crystal Cathedral; Bishop Noel Jones of the City of Refuge Church; Rev. Dr. Clay Evans, Founder and Pastor of Fellowship M.B. Church; and Dr. Jack Hayford, Pastor of the Church on the Way and Presiding Elder of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. Bro. Steve’s father, Pastor Wardell Harris, also provides tips from his own experience leading a COGIC church.

Combining documentary and talk show techniques, and incorporating archival photos and video whenever appropriate, Understanding Church Growth is an informal, intimate conversation with these pastors, starting with how they built their churches from humble beginnings to enormous, effective institutions of worship and ministry. Their testimonials run from common sense suggestions to details on how to choose a church architect, launch a capital fundraising project, and sustain the organization with sound financial decisions. In so doing, these pioneer evangelists provide consulting worth far more than the cost of the DVD set.

Beyond the informational value, the DVD set is a rare opportunity to simply listen to these larger-than-life church CEOs relate their very human journeys to build their churches. Their stories are full of pitfalls, courageous determination, hard lessons and triumphs, and in the end makes one feel as if starting a new church or becoming a pastor for the first time is doable. Their collective wisdom is helpful to anyone who wants to build a nonprofit organization with membership and a ministry or mission, or is in the midst of taking the nonprofit to a new level of service.

The only caveat is that at nearly four hours in length, Understanding Church Growth is best viewed like a mini-series, over a period of several days, so that the information is not overwhelming but inspiring and stimulating.

Four of Five Stars

"I Love the Lord" - The Voices of Clouds

“I Love the Lord”
The Voices of Clouds
VOC Records
www.thevoicesofclouds.com

Legendary quartets never die: they change record labels or produce their own material, but they continue travelling the gospel highway, singing the glory down along the way.

Such is the case with Rev. Charlie Wells and the Voices of Clouds, which quartet record collectors will remember from the group’s output on Song Bird Records and Hoyt Sullivan’s Champ and HSE imprints. It was in the 1970s with Sullivan and HSE that the group, organized in 1954, finally attracted national attention, becoming one of the label’s top quartets.

Despite their success, the members eventually went their separate ways, but a few years ago, Joe Jones, Jr. was able to persuade his father, Joe Jones, Sr. and Rev. Wells to re-organize the group. Good move: the reconstituted Voices of Clouds went on to take home awards at conferences and appear on television.

“I Love the Lord,” led by Rev. Charlie Wells, is a drive-tempo quartet shouter that at three-plus minutes is reminiscent of the days when 45s didn’t allow much more than that. Yet Wells was just warming up when the performance comes to a conclusion, so one can only hope that an extended version of the song will be available soon.

Javen - Keeping the Faith

Javen
Keeping the Faith
Melrose Music (Universal)
(release date: August 25, 2009)
www.javenonline.com

Javen first appeared on TBGB’s radar screen last fall when his single, “Keeping the Faith,” was included on a new artist sampler. The minty fresh music of the Bahamian-born, LA-based Javen reflects the Christian/gospel mix for which west coast artists have been known since the days of Hawkins. Like the Hawkins Family of the Seventies, Javen has a sound made-to-order for young Christians searching for a musical identity of their own.

On Keeping the Faith (the album), Javen proves that the title track is no accident. He sings with complete confidence in his material, which is built on tantalizingly sweet melodies and praise and worship lyrics with cross-chart potential. The songs on the CD borrow heavily from Christian power pop and the “rhythm and praise” of artists such as Israel Houghton and Deitrick Haddon, both of whom contribute vocals to the project.

The title track and current hit single is at once laid-back and finger-popping, its lyrics an encouragement during times of trouble. A trance beat opens “With All My Life.” “Count It All Joy” has the spritely hit record sound of “Keeping the Faith.” “Not Gonna Worry” brings the dance club back into the musical mix, which is appropriate given the song’s lyrical focus on enjoying each moment with the Lord.

Thus endowed with fresh, approachable material, and with a career that includes acting for stage, television and movies, Javen is poised to become an inspirational star and role model for youth and the young at heart.

Four of Five Stars

"My Desire" - Stephanie Pride

"My Desire”
Stephanie Pride
From the forthcoming CD Revival (scheduled for release December 2009)
www.myspace.com/musicbystephpride

In addition to her killer good looks, radiant personality and twenty-four carat smile, Stephanie Pride is a stone singer who can shift from urban inspirational hipster to gospel spitfire to stage-pacing evangelist in no time flat.

On her song, “My Desire,” Stephanie shows she can also grace a hypnotic Shekinah Glory-like praise and worship number with her lovely, soaring voice. By the end, she is back in evangelist mode, ministering to an appreciative audience.

“My Desire,” along with the buzzy, urban-flavored “When I Praise” are slated for release on Stephanie’s solo project, Revival, due out this December.

Meanwhile, the singer-songwriter has contributed songs and lead vocals to projects by Bishop Greg Davis and Brenda “Oh Clap Your Hands” Jefferson. She also co-produced Expectancy, the latest album by Bishop Steven J. Bennett & House of Prayer and Praise Ministries Mass Choir, which TBGB will review sometime in the next couple of weeks.

Chosen Children - Children of God The Movement

Children of God The Movement
Chosen Children
(self produced)
www.myspace.com/childrenofgodthemovement

Some children’s choirs are cute. Other children’s choirs are cute and can sing. Children of God The Movement is cute and can sing. In fact, it's hard to believe such a big sound comes from such petite people!

This is not surprising, given that Children of God The Movement was organized out of the children’s choir at Bishop Larry Trotter’s music-rich Sweet Holy Spirit on Chicago’s southeast side. Today, Children of God the Movement is a full-fledged community youth choir, truly a movement, with members hailing from several denominations and churches in and around Chicago. In addition to Sweet Holy Spirit, choristers come from congregations such as True Vine COGIC, Good Hope Freewill Baptist and Streator Community Church.

The group’s debut CD, Chosen Children, presents a group of energetic youngsters with a strong, unified sound and studied articulation in their delivery of the lyrics. The musicians – and particularly the percussionists – are splendid. Chosen Children contains well-selected material for the voice ranges and while the songs are not too complex, they are not simplistic, either. The chaste praise and thanksgiving messages are age-appropriate. The live audience is loudly supportive, or perhaps it’s the choir cheering for itself, but nevertheless, the enthusiastic applause drives the energy meter far to the right.

Tracks to catch are the opening number, “We Welcome You;” the lyrically clever and musically compelling “God’s Honor Roll” (ideal for the coming school year) and “Praise the Lord.” Each of these three tracks features the group in full fortissimo voice, which is their sweet spot. I’m not sure who the female soloist is on “The Lullaby,” an atmospheric closing number, but she has a lovely sound and is one of the best soloists on the project.

Children of God The Movement performed at this year’s Chicago Gospel Fest and continue to tour around Chicago. It even has a gig in Selma, Alabama later this year. My guess is that in a generation’s time, we will hear well-known gospel singers paying tribute to this organization because it gave them their start.

Four of Five Stars

TBGB Pick of the Week: August 10, 2009

“How I Got Over”
Vickie Winans
From the forthcoming Destiny Joy Records album
How I Got Over (available August 25, 2009)
www.vickiewinans.com

Gospel music veteran and fashionista Vickie Winans weaves her personal testimony into the classic “How I Got Over,” a liberating, hard-charging, uptempo performance guaranteed to bring congregants to their feet and clapping along.

Background vocalists give 110 percent with staccato responses to Vickie’s lead. Her 21 year-old nephew Tim Bowman, Jr. cameos with a jazz scat that doubles as an instrumental break while giving the traditional song a “21st Century” makeover.

“How I Got Over” is Vickie’s best traditional performance since covering Calvin White’s “As Long As I Got King Jesus” for her 1997 Live in Detroit (CGI Records).

Fenton Williams, Numero Group in the Guardian UK

Laura Barton of The Guardian writes a lovely article about Ecorse, Michigan record entrepreneur Fenton Williams. Williams started several labels, including Revival Records. Revival was dedicated to Christian and gospel music.

The intrepid forgotten music seekers at Numero Group are releasing a compendium of tracks -- sacred and secular -- from Fenton Williams' vault of tapes. Read more here:

Hail, Hail Fenton Williams

"Jesus Christ" - Ron Barrett

"Jesus Christ”
Ron Barrett
From the CD It’s the Grace of God Keeping Me
Vocal Vessel Music Group 2008
www.myspace.com/ronbarrett

Like his cousin DeLois Barrett Campbell, Ron “Everybody’s Uncle” Barrett is one of Chicago’s go-to traditional gospel singers. Whether for a funeral, anniversary or church celebration, when a group needs someone to present a gospel song in the old-fashioned way, Stellar Award nominee Ron is the guy to call.

“Jesus Christ,” from Ron’s 2008 It’s the Grace of God Keeping Me, is a call-and-response number with a choir. It’s retelling of Jesus’ life in folk-song couplets make it a perfect piece for a youth group to sing at Christmas and Easter. The beat and harmony have a distinctly African feel but the instrumentation is decidedly contemporary gospel.

Coko - The Winner in Me

Coko
The Winner in Me
Light Records 2009
www.lightrecords.com

It may be a muggy, humid August, but it's time for hot Coko!

A former member of the singing group SWV (Sisters With Voices) and Hezekiah Walker’s Love Fellowship Tabernacle Choir, Cheryl “Coko” Clemons has matured tremendously as a solo performer. Her latest project, The Winner in Me, showcases her growth and phenomenal talent. The album is a winner, Coko's best work to date, and among the best projects TBGB has reviewed this year.

Light Records, in association with MusicDoll Entertainment, has given The Winner in Me Class-A production and A&R. Coko doesn’t disappoint, either, bringing her A game and showing herself capable of more than holding her own alongside a galaxy of talented special guest artists, including Canton Jones, Israel Houghton, Kelly Price, Lady Tibbs and labelmates Youthful Praise.

Although I do not know whether it is the designated single, “The Joy of the Lord,” featuring Israel Houghton, has a bright, pleasing melody and plenty of bounce. It has that indefinable but recognizable hit record feel. “Make a Way,” with Canton Jones, whose propulsive rap interjections throughout the track are reminiscent of Jay-Z, is a ball of fire. On the electrifying title track, Coko sings every ounce of energy out of the notes until they topple, punch drunk, off the stave and into the ether.

“Oh Mary,” with Kelly Price, is related to the story of Mary and Martha but serves as a metaphor for all women, especially “my sisters under pressure,” to be encouraged and know that they are beautiful inside and out. Coko weaves in the famous lyrics of “Oh Mary Don’t You Weep” here and there, but it’s an entirely different melody. Another completely modern reworking on the album is “May Be the Last Time,” the Staple Singers’ classic famously covered by the Rolling Stones. Here, it is beat heavy and armed with a new melody and lyrics.

The Winner in Me is a blend of pop melodies and some praise and worship pieces flavored by gospel energy and messages of inspiration and hope. It’s Coko’s musical cotillion and if she continues in this vein, gospel music will welcome a new superstar.

Five of Five Stars

Minister Greg Harris Live - Your Worst is Over and Your Best is Yet to Come

Minister Greg Harris - Live
Your Worst is Over and Your Best is Yet to Come
Sabbath Day Records 2009
www.sabbathdayrecords.com

I first heard Minister Greg Harris of Little Rock, Arkansas sing last week when he opened one of the morning sessions of the Gospel Announcers Guild/GMWA meeting in Cincinnati with a congregational gospel song. He whipped that song into a heady froth, too, converting the conference room, if only for a few magical moments, into a little wooden church.

That’s basically what Minister Harris brings to his live album, Your Worst is Over and Your Best is Yet to Come. Recorded at Little Rock’s Holy Temple COGIC in front of his hometown crowd (TBGB friend Lady Donna Creer was in the audience), the album finds Harris delivering a decent performance, backed by strong background singers and musicians.

The album opener is “What Did You Bring,” a standard “get in the praise mood” number with an island feel during the instrumental interlude. Next is a stretched-out, heavily retooled version of “Just a Little Talk with Jesus” during which Harris lets loose the full potential of his vocal abilities, accompanied by fantastic gospel piano, courtesy of Frank Ray, Jr. or possibly Harris himself. "Halelujah" is a moody, jazz influenced opus on the need for uplift during a time of personal loss.

Harris is not the only featured soloist on the album. A couple of the female singers give the Minister an excellent run for his money. Linda Williams, for example, discharges Aretha-like blue notes and stratospheric runs on “Someday,” Harris' first original composition and one accepted in the GMWA's New Music Seminar for 1989. Evangelist Venita Brown gets deliciously soulful on the title track.

Not all of the soloists are of equal skill, and there are a few rough spots mid-project, but that’s part of the live gospel music experience.

The album's high point is “These Men Are Not Drunk.” No, this song has nothing to do with a breathalyzer test but rather about people intoxicated by the presence of the Holy Ghost in their lives. Shonna Brown is stunning as she takes home this neo-traditional Baptist congregational song, which combines high energy choral singing with the addictive repetition of a quartet workout.

The playing times of a couple songs, as listed on the liner notes, are off by a country mile, but overall, Minster Greg Harris’ live project -- ten of eleven songs coming from his own pen -- is worth a listen.

Three of Five Stars

2009 MMA Nominees: Marjane', Mary Mary & Marvin Winans, Jr.

Congratulations to gospel artists Marjane, Mary Mary and Marvin Winans, Jr. for their 2009 MP3 Music Awards (MMA) nomination in the Gospel/Christian/Spiritual category.

The artists were nominated for the following recorded song performances:

Marjane - "This Joy"

Mary Mary - "God In Me"

Marvin Winans, Jr - "You Never Let Me Down"

(All excellent choices, by the way!)

According to its website, the three year-old London-based MP3 Music Awards are "open to signed/unsigned artists & bands worldwide and designed to award and support the best acts as well as the best mp3 players and mp3 retailers in today's world of music."

The awards ceremony will take place on December 5, 2009. For more information, visit MMA's website: http://www.mp3musicawards.co.uk/.

Rev. Joe Williams to Receive Paul Robeson Freedom Fighter Award

TBGB congratulates its good friend, Rev. Joe Williams (Sons of the Birds, Dixie Hummingbirds) on being chosen to receive the Paul Robeson Freedom Fighter Award from the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance & Historic Paul Robeson House, in partnership with the Parkside Historic Preservation Corporation.

Information on the August 9 event at which Rev. Joe will be honored is below. Proceeds from the event will benefit restoration efforts for the Historic Paul Robeson House.

Rev. Joe is a Freedom Fighter for many causes, including the "society for the preservation of traditional gospel music!"

Renee Credle Sets Baton Aside to Record Debut Solo Album

Gospel enthusiasts will recognize Renee Credle as the only directress among three directors of the New York State Mass Choir, the group that sang alongside GMWA Chairman Bishop Albert Jamison on the Light Records album Show Yourself Mighty.

On September 8, 2009, wider audiences will also learn that directress Renee Credle is also an accomplished gospel singer. That’s the day her debut solo CD, Grateful For Your Love, will be released on Major Chords Productions.

Renee started her musical journey as a child in Brooklyn, where she was raised in St. Mary Church of Christ under the leadership of Bishop James Chambers. The singer remembers fondly the family gatherings in her grandmother’s living room every Sunday morning. An extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins would assemble before service for group prayer and then head off, en masse, to St. Mary. The family prayed, sang and made gospel music together. No surprise, then, that by the age of eight, Renee was singing in church. “Gospel has been my life,” she explained.

From St. Mary Church of Christ, Renee went on to sing professionally. She did background vocal work for former Doobie Brother Michael McDonald, and also for Vickie Winans back in the 1980s, before the gospel fashionista began releasing a string of successful solo albums. Renee also appeared in a gospel musical, “Tell-It, Sing-It, Shout-It.”

The Brooklyn-born singer has taken gospel music to Austria, performing before appreciative Viennese audiences for the past decade. When asked how Austrians respond to gospel music, Renee said they sit quietly during the program, listening intently to the singing. “But at the end of each song, they are wildly enthusiastic,” Creadle adds. “They are hungry for gospel.”

Three years ago, a new door opened for Renee when recording artist Melvin Crispell asked her to direct the New York State Mass Choir. “Asked? Melvin announced that I would be directress,” laughs Renee. She was honored.

Recognizing her individual singing talent, Renee’s friends encouraged her to record a solo CD. Stepping out on faith to do so, she was pleased by the positive response. “We have not because we ask not,” Renee reflected. “Everyone I approached to help with the project said yes. Reaping what you sow takes on a whole new meaning when you see it in action.”

In particular, Renee’s long-standing friendship with producer Martin Christie led her to sign with Major Chords Productions, which is releasing Grateful For Your Love.

Renee explained why the music on the CD is eclectic: “I didn’t want the project to be boxed in, categorized as contemporary or traditional, because God is not like that. He’s a little bit of everything. I want the project to have something that can touch everybody. Some people won’t even step foot in a church, but if one song can give them the energy to get through the week, the CD has done its job.”

Early singles from the album, such as the traditional, gospel waltz-tempo “My Everything,” showcase a singer with a powerful presence who is no stranger to the slow boil of well paced gospel singing. On “Saved,” Renee is unafraid to work up and down the register like a jazz songstress on a heady vocal rollercoaster ride.

Will the possibility of solo success spoil Renee Credle? “No, I’m not highly lifted up,” she says. “I just want more people to hear about Jesus. In the end, I’m plain old Renee.”

For more information, contact Malluda Productions at (917) 434-5800.

Queen City Gospel

The Gospel Music Workshop of America concluded its annual convention in Cincinnati yesterday evening and will be returning to the "Queen City" for next year's gathering. Although the following is not meant to be a comprehensive survey of Cincinnati's gospel music heritage, here are some tidbits to whet your appetite:

Queen City Gospel

Cincinnati, the “Queen City,” has been part of the gospel music scene since at least 1933, when Sallie Martin visited Cincinnati and Covington, Kentucky to persuade local ministers and churches to organize gospel choirs, purchase Dorsey song sheets and join the new National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses.

Since then, the Greater Cincinnati area has produced its share of gospel and quartet talent. Here are just a few examples of the city’s impact on quartets and gospel music:

Quartets:
Silvertone Gospel Singers of Cincinnati – Arguably one of the best-known Golden Age quartets from Cincinnati, and certainly one of its most prolific on record, the Silvertones blended sweet jubilee harmonies with hard lead singing. Their recording career spanned at least four decades, starting in 1947. Also known as the Cincinnatians, the group was at one time comprised of James Avant, Theodore C. Wallace, Artis Conley and Louie King. It is not known whether James Avant is the same person as Jimmy Avant who became a gospel announcer in Dallas and started his own record label, Avant. It wouldn’t be surprising, though, as the first group to record for Avant (in 1956) was the Gospelaires of Dayton, Ohio (see below).

Charles Fold and the Gospel Messengers – One of Cincinnati’s best known gospel sons, the late Charles Fold (left) was a prolific singer and songwriter. He sang and recorded with the Gospel Messengers in the 1960s. Fold later worked with James Cleveland and eventually assumed a position of leadership within the Gospel Music Workshop of America. Fans will remember the Grammy-winning Charles Fold Singers for their classic 1975 performance of “Jesus is the Best Thing that Happened to Me,” with James Cleveland.

Gospelaires of Dayton, Ohio – Although not from Cincinnati but nearby Dayton, Ohio, the Gospelaires must be included when discussing quartets from this region of Ohio. Featuring Bob Washington, Paul Arnold, Robert Lattimore and Charles McLean, the Gospelaires were one of the hardest singing quartets of the 1960s. Those who saw them perform say they could wreck a church or auditorium in no time flat. The group eventually traveled the world singing quartet, including their big hits, “Rest for the Weary” and “Ride This Train.”

Record Labels:
King and Federal Records – Sydney Nathan’s King and Federal imprints had an impressive roster of gospel quartets. King/Federal released the earliest recordings of the Swan Silvertones and the Spirit of Memphis as well as the Wings over Jordan and the CBS Trumpeteers (1940s), the fabulous Four Internes (1950s) and the Patterson Singers and Kelly Brothers (1960s). The King LP recording of the Bibleway Church of God and its effusive pastor, Rev. “Little” Abraham Swanson, produced the perennial radio favorite, “Rev. Abraham Swanson’s Prayer.”

Finch Records – Like King Records, John Marshall Finch’s eponymous label and Cincinnati studio presented many types of music, but unlike King, his releases were mainly private pressings for groups to sell at programs and give to radio announcers in towns they were appearing. Regardless, Finch produced a number of quartet records, all of which are in demand by quartet enthusiasts. Quality-wise, the Mighty Pilgrims’ 1971 Finch recording of “I Tried,” based on “When I’ve Done the Best I Can,” is arguably among the finest quartet recordings ever made.

Other local quartets that recorded for Finch include the Christian-Aires of Cincinnati, Dynamic Golden Stars, Mighty Gospel Travelers, House of God Harmonizers, and the Singing Mastermen.


Finally, we cannot forget two important Cincinnati-based record manufacturing/recording companies: Queen City Album (QCA) and Rite Pressing. Both were essential sources for artists, churches and pastors locally and nationwide to get their music recorded and pressed.