"Holy Ghost" - Storm

“Holy Ghost”
Storm
From the forthcoming Cardinal Records CD God Is True (2011)
http://www.stormiam.com/

When Washington, DC hip hop artist Storm raps about having the Holy Ghost, you don’t envision him shouting in the church but pacing back and forth, microphone in hand, spitting rhymes.

Amidst jarring chimes and dramatic beats, “Holy Ghost” finds Storm expressing his conviction with unbridled, in-your-face emotion and near stream of consciousness lyrics.

BeBe and CeCe Winans Begin Farewell Tour

Brian McCollum of the Detroit Free Press reports on the start of BeBe and CeCe Winans' farewell tour in their hometown of Detroit. 

The Grammy Award-winning brother-sister duo, who will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in October, is retiring as an entity but both singers plan to pursue other projects individually.

Read the story here: BeBe and CeCe Winans.

Releasing the Spirit - Jonathan DuBose, Jr.

Jonathan DuBose, Jr.
Releasing the Spirit
JoBo Records (2007)
http://www.jdubose.com/

Jonathan DuBose, Jr. is the Hal Blaine of gospel music.

Known as “The Prophesying Guitarist,” DuBose has played a supporting role, supplying the guitar parts for dozens of recordings you hear on the radio and on CD.

For Releasing the Spirit, DuBose takes his turn on center stage. His solo album is an instrumental collection of beloved gospel hymns and songs, where the guitar is the lead voice. It’s a relaxed jam session on church classics where the jazzing does not obliterate but adds flavor to the melodies.

DuBose is an accomplished musician, his skill forged in the crucible of studio work, which he now handles mostly from his home studio (see his interview with TBGB). On “Blessed Quietness” and “Solid Rock,” his guitar produces big-body resonance a la Joe Walsh, but on James Moore’s “Joy,” the licks turn downright funky. DuBose coaxes a more contemplative sound out of his guitar on “Come to Jesus,” an altar call that by the end has such bright flourishes, you’d swear someone came forward.

The two-part “His Eye’s On the Sparrow” is the album’s apex, taking “I sing because I’m happy” to a new level of exuberance. Other tracks include Andrae Crouch’s “Soon and Very Soon,” which at risk of sounding like a Yogi Berra quip, is so popular you hardly ever hear it anymore. “Come By Here” is dedicated to Willie Edmund, DuBose’s uncle and personal guitar hero.

DuBose concludes the album with an appropriately meditative version of the Church of God in Christ “Yes, Lord” chant.

Releasing the Spirit sprinkles jazz on church songs without turning them into smooth jazz pap.

Three of Five Stars

Pick: “His Eye’s On the Sparrow.”

"It's Not Over" - Robert Earl Dean

“It’s Not Over”
Robert Earl Dean
SEP Productions 2011
robertearldean@hotmail.com

To a relentless mid-tempo R&B ostinato, complete with handclapping on the backbeat, Robert Earl Dean and his background vocalists revisit the familiar church declaration, “It ain’t over until God says it’s over.” When Dean sings, “I can tell what He did for me, He’ll do it for you,” you know there’s a testimony behind it.

Dean’s musical gift was honed in Church of God in Christ music departments and as a member of the Stellar-nominated group Eddie Baltrip & Fulfillment. His resume includes host and promoter, but now Dean is adding “gospel soloist” to the list.  “It’s Not Over” is his current single as a solo artist.

TBGB Pick of the Week: March 28, 2011

“Because of You”
Carnell Murrell
Available on iTunes (2011)

“Because of You” is another restful, easy praise song that Minister Carnell Murrell is so talented at composing and performing. His tender piano accompaniment is particularly notable, and his vocals are conversational in a Smokie Norful kind of way. He even tosses in a Sam Cooke-esque gospel chuckle.

Murrell thanks God for the food he has to eat, for not living on the street, and for his voice. By the song’s conclusion, Murrell’s appreciation runs beyond words, as so he scats a few lines.

“Because of You” demonstrates how effective gospel music can be when sung “unplugged,” with only piano for accompaniment.

"Smile" - Yvette Green

"Smile”
Yvette Green
Available on iTunes (2011)

Yvette DeLane Green is a coloratura soprano from Chicago’s historic Fellowship M.B. Church, founded in 1950 by civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Clay Evans.

In addition to her work at the ‘Ship, Yvette has recorded with a number of choirs, including Chicago Mass Choir and the AARC Mass Choir, and has performed in Europe. Back in the day, she sang for rallies to re-elect Chicago’s late Mayor Harold Washington.

As a soloist, Yvette contributes “Smile,” a sweet, uncomplicated song – part sung, part spoken –geared to a general audience but in its fresh-faced wholesomeness seems especially well suited to young people struggling with personal frustrations and despair.

"Don't Rush, Just Wait" - Michael Anthony Johnson

“Don’t Rush, Just Wait”
Michael Anthony Johnson
From the CD Don’t Rush, Just Wait (2011)
www.michaelanthonyjohnson.com

Led by a steadily thumping R&B groove, the title track of gospel singer-songwriter Michael Anthony Johnson’s latest album is a tough-love plea to practice sexual abstinence before “you wish you had the power to rewind.” There’s a time for everything, Johnson says to men and women alike, “and early pregnancy will change you for a lifetime.”

Originally from Kansas, Johnson attended college in Dallas where he became part of the school’s traveling worship team. He visited many countries with the team, ministered to various cultures, and on Don’t Rush, Just Wait, is unveiling his life experiences through song.

Tim Spady & Inspiration - Songs From My Heart

Tim Spady & Inspiration
Songs From My Heart
Tspady Music 2011
tspadymusic@gmail.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

We first met musician, songwriter and sociology student Tim Spady last July, when he introduced “I’ll Forever Praise Him,” a touching ballad sweetly sung by Nneka Best.

As promised, “I’ll Forever Praise Him” is available on Tim Spady & Inspiration’s recently released full-length project, Songs From My Heart. The influence of Richard Smallwood is manifest throughout the album, but particularly in the majestic flourishes the classically-trained Spady places within songs such as “In His Presence” and “You Are God.”

A remarkable piano solo, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” demonstrates Spady’s gift at the keys.

The passionate praise ballad is Spady’s sweet spot, and “I’ll Forever Praise Him” is his magnum opus to date. Still, the jazzy, urban “Can’t Make It Without Your Love” is intriguing for its dalliance with harmonies that move up and down one-half step at a time. “Come In” is a high energy praise rouser that is conventional in melody but exercises a keen feel for dynamic development.

Although Spady is in his early twenties, many of the selections on Songs from My Heart were written while he was a teenager, some when he was only fifteen. One might conclude that the more recent songs are the most accomplished, but that’s not necessarily the case. “In His Presence,” which Spady wrote as a sixteen-year-old, stands out as one of the album’s best tracks and equally as sophisticated as his more recent work.

Songs From My Heart is a fine introduction to Tim Spady’s sacred songwriting. One can only hope that he will continue pursuing his craft with diligence in the years to come.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “I’ll Forever Praise Him,” “In His Presence,” “Can’t Make It Without Your Love.”

"Determination" - Ami Rushes

“Determination”
Ami Rushes
From the ARM CD Testify (2010)
http://www.amirushes.com/

“Determination” is not only the subject of gospel singer Ami Rushes’ single: it’s who she is. Rushes has done everything but scale the Eiffel Tower to gain visibility for her ministry in the gospel music marketplace.

Coming out of the James Cleveland tradition, Rushes’ singing MO is to make it churchy, and this she does on “Determination,” from her latest project, the old-school Testify. The song features a quintessentially exuberant gospel chorus in full handclap as Rushes wraps her Joan Jett-like snarl around the lyrics.

Quartet Meet and Greet Network

Darrell Jay Jones, CEO of OverBoard Records, shares information about a new networking group:

The "Quartet Meet and Greet Network" is for quartets and traditional gospel artists, announcers, promoters, events, conferences, showcases and all things pertaining to the traditional and quartet genres.

Darrell asks all quartets to join the Quartet Meet and Greet Network. It will link gospel providers and gospel music lovers desirous of information, music and tour information. More than 600 quartets have already joined. Help spread the word!

What’s upcoming:

The 2012 Quartet Meet and Greet (MAG) Showcase and Conference in Houston, Texas will not be a competition. There will be no judges, no awards, no first, second or third place winners: IT'S JUST MINISTRY. The groups will have an opportunity to meet and be heard by promoters, radio announcers and retailers from all over.

MAG will be an outpost for the gospel music ministry. Groups will receive material important to their success in the music industry. MAG will offer groups hands-on experience in filling out necessary music documents. Educational session(s) will be led by the Director of Music Education and other leaders in the music industry.

Get ready for the “2012 Quartet Meet and Greet Showcase and Conference” for quartet and traditional artists. For more information, email us at quartetmag@gmail.com. Once again, Welcome to MAG.

*Quartet "Meet and Greet" Network*
2012 Meet and Greet (MAG) Showcase and Conference
Houston, Texas
quartetmag@gmail.com

Introducing the MAG Organizers:

Darrell Jay Jones, President.  Mr. Jones is Founder/CEO of the Gospel Quartet Meet And Greet Network and OverBoard Records, Crockett, TX.

Michael R. Robertson - Vice President.  Mr. Robertson is Founder and Co-Owner of SCCME Records of Houston, Texas.....recipient of the 2008 Legends Awards presented by the Houston Chapter of the GMWA...Vice President of the Lonestar Singing Association...Co-Promoter with Unity Love Tour, Lead Singer for six-time Stellar Award nominee quartet group Endurance.

Arlene J. Bell - Executive Administrator.  Ms. Bell is Manager of the Disciples of Christ, recipients of the 2010- 2011 Texas Music Excellence Award, anchor group for the House Of Blues Gospel Brunch, Houston, Texas; Quartet Promoter for the Unity Love Tour and 5th Sunday Gospel Tyme....her label is SSAC Records.

Bishop Fred Jones, Sr. - Director of Music Education.  Bishop Jones is Owner of Family Styled Records, Manager of the Jones Family Singers, Markham, TX. He is a Pastor and Bishop.

Pastor Jessie Jones, Jr. - MAG Chaplain.  Pastor Jones is the brother of the late Rev. Paul Jones, who sings "I Won't Complain."

"Looking For a Love" - Castro Coleman & Highly Favored

“Looking for a Love”
Castro Coleman & Highly Favored
From the 4 Winds Records CD Time Out!!! (2009)
http://www.malaco.com/

The music goes round and round, as the saying goes. In the case of “Looking for a Love,” it’s gone a complete 360-degree revolution.

Castro Coleman & Highly Favored perform a faithful cover of “Looking for a Love,” an R&B hit for the Valentinos (aka the Womack Brothers) in 1962 with its provenance in gospel. That is, the song was co-written by J.W. Alexander, a member of the Pilgrim Travelers and part owner of SAR Records with Sam Cooke.

Coleman and Company return the tune to its gospel roots while maintaining the loping vocal group sound the Womacks instilled upon it nearly a half-century ago.

Loleatta Holloway, Former Gospel Singer, Dead at 64

J. Matthew Cobb of Hi-Fi Magazine alerted TBGB that disco and soul star Loleatta Holloway died after a brief illness March 21, 2011 at the age of 64.

Before pursuing a career in pop music, Holloway, a native of Chicago, was a gospel singer, having worked at one point with the Caravans.

Read more here: Loleatta Holloway.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

TBGB Pick of the Week: March 21, 2011

“Promise Land”
Shaddie Swag
From the album No Cross, No Crown (2008)
http://www.shaddieswag.com/

Shape notes meet thick beats on “Promise Land.”

Using as his music backdrop a chorus singing what sounds like a shaped-note version of “Bound for the Promised Land,” Christian hip hop’s Shaddie Swag (aka Rashad Howard) – known as the “Hardest Rapper in Buffalo" – is himself in search of the promised land.

For Swag, the promised land is here on earth.  It means escape from the hard times of the street. “I’m on my way there – I’m on my way there – I can see it!”  An innovative and intriguing groove.

Kirk Franklin - Hello Fear

Kirk Franklin

Hello Fear

Verity Gospel Music Group (release date: March 22, 2011)

http://www.kirkfranklin.com/

Reviewed by Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

The title of Kirk Franklin’s twelfth CD, Hello Fear, could just as easily be Goodbye Fear.

Straightaway, in the opening title track, Franklin and his impressive body of top-notch singers bid a confident farewell to fear – “never again will I love you” – and hello to “a new love”: grace.  Like the "Never Alone" motif, this moment of spiritual transformation is the album's bloodstream.

The Us vs. Fear struggle includes fear of dying, fear of trying, and the Fear that currently paralyzes the world. At one point, Franklin recites with head-shaking disbelief some of the pandemic fears: lack of health insurance, unemployment, recession, poverty.  In assent, Franklin’s singers “cry out for the world” on "Everyone Hurts," but they agree that hurt will not last always. The battle is the Lord’s, after all, and it is through the blood of Jesus that we will be healed.  The transcendent second part of "The Moment" puts any argument on this subject to rest.

Other songs on Hello Fear confirm this message. “I Am,” the first single, is a melodic and harmonic ballad about man’s journey from human imperfection to divine perfection through Jesus. “Today” is an anthemic, hand-waving, Jonah club-ready selection declaring that it is time to toss away fear and pursue one’s dreams...by giving the Almighty the steering wheel. The current single, “I Smile,” is as carefree as fresh air and reminds the listener that smiling through tears is itself therapeutic.

Hello Fear is cohesive in its variability of sound.  Selections such as “Before I Die” feature the bouncy, sassy, “you know it when you hear it” Franklin style, the one that fills portable mp3 devices from California to Caledonia and that many gospel groups have labored to emulate for 20 years. “Give Me,” however, has a hip hop vibe, courtesy of Mali Music, who enters into a fine duet with Franklin on the track.

A traditional segment joins Beverly Crawford and Marvin Sapp with Franklin on the gospel waltz “The Altar,” which sounds like an old Baptist congregational hymn. “Something About the Name Jesus” reunites Franklin and Rance Allen on a song the two recorded some years ago, that time for an Allen project.  John P. Kee and Marvin Winans cameo on the latter selection, as well.

At various moments introspective, lighthearted, serious and hopeful, Hello Fear represents a maturation of the Kirk Franklin style. The album is meticulously produced, well-structured, and melodic. The continuity of theme and sound from start to finish rivals any GPS monitor. By remaining relevant and evolving as gospel music evolves, Kirk Franklin is in line to become the current generation's James Cleveland.

Five of Five Stars

Picks: “I Smile,” “The Altar,” “Everyone Hurts.”

KFC Offering Choirs a Chance to Sing at Restaurant, Receive $1,000

To launch its new 10-piece 10 Buck Sunday Bucket deal, Kentucky Fried Chicken is offering 11 struggling choirs across the country $1,000 grants to help keep their harmonies alive.

Members of The St. Louis Children’s Choirs kicked off the program at a KFC restaurant in St. Louis on Sunday, singing for surprised and delighted customers and taking musical direction from a special guest conductor: the KFC Colonel.

KFC also issued an open letter to choral organizations nationwide, asking them to describe how they could make beautiful music in a KFC near them. Eleven choirs will each receive $1,000 and have the opportunity to sing at a local KFC.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of this program celebrating some of Sunday’s best: choir singing and family dinner,” said Barbara Berner, Artistic Director of The St. Louis Children's Choirs, which was the initial choir selected for a $1,000 donation and a performance at the KFC 10-piece 10 Buck Sunday Bucket kick-off.

“Singing is a joyful pursuit, but we know that budgets are tight for many choirs around the country. KFC teaming up with local choir organizations is a harmonious collaboration that will allow us to bring even more people in our community together this year.”

In today’s economy, non-profit organizations, especially those in the performing arts arena, have been particularly hard-hit. KFC’s offer is an opportunity to keep the music playing for choirs representing any house of worship, school, community or civic organization.

“Colonel Sanders was always passionate about giving back, so the chance for KFC to support local choirs was a natural fit,” said Barry Westrum, chief marketing officer for KFC. “Especially in these tough economic times, we hope these live choral performances and our 10 Buck Sunday Buckets will be music to our customer’s ears, especially on a day that’s always been about coming together.”

Choirs interested in participating in the program should send an inquiry email with their organization’s name and contact information to KFCSundayBuckets@gmail.com. Nominations will be accepted until March 31.

"I'm Gonna Make It" - Markise Hicks and the MO Band

“I’m Gonna Make It”
Markise Hicks and the MO Band
www.cdbaby.com/cd/markisehicksthemoband

For their debut single, "I'm Gonna Make It," Markise Hicks and the MO Band (Melchizedek Order) of singers and musicians offer a mid-tempo new-age gospel song with a simple lyric message or, more realistically, an affirmation.

Over and over they sing, “I might be really going through this time, but I’m gonna make it.” The recording starts a cappella – Hicks’ footfalls on the pavement audible as he walks and sings alone – and moves into an increasingly brisk, persistent, energetic and emphatic reading by a growing number of the assemblage.

Although other members of the MO Band may have a testimony about the need to press on, Hicks knows whereof he sings, having once lived homeless on the streets of Raleigh, North Carolina.

"Remember" - David Altenor

“Remember”
David Altenor (2011)
http://www.davidisoffkey.com/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

“This track has a new sound/But if you think it’s about the club, slow down.”

Over a thumping beat and a techno soundscape, 23 year-old singer-songwriter-producer David Altenor implores listeners to give props to the Almighty when He blesses you and not “act like it was [done] on your own.” He also takes aim at folks who “blow their cash” on designer items and go broke in the process. Altenor’s rebuke is not mean-spirited; he hopes they will change their lives for the better, the real better, and give thanks to Him who made their salvation possible.

Altenor’s own story, which he shares on the excellent and poignant “It Was You,” is quite the reverse. It involves not the amassing of riches but the tragic loss of his father to cancer in 1996 and his 26 year-old brother Lou to cancer in 2008.  Then his mother suffered a stroke in 2010. The combination of these circumstances could have destroyed Altenor.  Instead, they cemented his faith and commitment to religious music.

Another strong release, Altenor's introspective, piano-driven “Just Like Me,” expresses his frustration with today’s many social problems. The song is an "is anybody there?" cry from the depths of loneliness, hoping for sympathetic ears to respond back.

Ministering in a style similar to Aaron Sledge and J Moss, the Boston-based David Altenor is a talent to follow.

Howard Roberts, Founder of Howard Roberts Chorale, Dead at 86

The music community recently lost a towering personage in composer, conductor, producer and musician Howard Roberts.

Founder of the Howard Roberts Chorale and musical director of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Roberts died on March 10 in Chatsworth, California at the age of 86.

Eugene Simpson sent me the link to Roberts' obituary in Variety.  What this man did in his lifetime is absolutely awe-inspiring.  Check it out: Howard Roberts.

Vashawn Mitchell - My Songbook (CD/DVD)

Vashawn Mitchell
My Songbook
Tyscot Records (2011)
http://www.tyscot.com/

Following in the wake of triple-threat Vashawn Mitchell’s GRAMMY nominations and critically-acclaimed CD Triumphant (EMI Gospel), Tyscot Records mined its catalog to present the Chicagoan’s best early recordings and performances as a CD/DVD combination called My Songbook. The two-disc set hits stores today.

The selections on My Songbook are culled from projects such as Mitchell’s Believe in Your Dreams (2005) and Promises (2007). It will introduce newer fans to the artist's early material that, they’ll discover, is just as fresh as his current work.

Mitchell is one of the most gifted gospel songwriters in the business today. Like PJ Morton, Mitchell writes lyrics that pierce the soul with an archer’s accuracy. The music and arrangements are contemporary but with enough traditionally sanctified flavoring to satisfy old-schoolers.

What’s nice about the companion DVD is that it is not a video rehashing of the audio CD but a continuation of the Vashawn Mitchell Songbook. The 70 minute video is a live performance of Mitchell and his group at Chicago’s intimate Apollo Theater. They sing some of the songs on the CD, but others, such as “Favor (Ain’t Fair)” and “Crazy Praise,” are only available on the DVD. Guest appearances on the DVD include Bishop Larry Trotter, Angie Spivey and Kim Burrell. Spivey in particular is an F5 tornado of energy; she whooshes across the stage like an otherworldly force and stirs up a praise break.

For those who already own everything Mitchell has released, the set contains two unreleased tracks from the Tyscot vaults: “God Cares for You” and a remix of “Don’t Last.”

My Songbook would have benefited from expanded liner notes that identified the source album for each of the songs and listed the lead singers for each track. Nevertheless, the set is a fine retrospective on the work of an artist whose star continues to rise.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “No Way,” “Promises,” “Don’t Last.”

Last Original Member of the Zion Harmonizers Dead at 86

Dominic Massa of New Orleans' WWL TV reported that Sherman Washington, the last original member of the Zion Harmonizers quartet, passed away Monday, March 14.  He was 86.

Washington was also the Gospel Tent coordinator for the annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.  He will be sorely missed but surely feted in that grand New Orleans tradition.

Read the story here: Sherman Washington.

Photo Credit: WWL TV

TBGB Pick of the Week: March 14, 2011

“I Smile”
Kirk Franklin
From the forthcoming Verity Gospel Music Group CD
Hello Fear (available March 22, 2011)
http://www.verityrecords.com/

On his latest hit single, “I Smile,” Kirk Franklin smiles in the face of “recession, depression and unemployment” because it’s not the storm but your response to the storm that makes all the difference. Plus, God has your back…"and you look so much better when you smile."

Propelled by the background vocalists’ buoyant, staccato reading, the friendly, head-bobbing tempo bounces along like a puppy romping through his first spring morning. The message sounds straight out of Franklin’s bestselling book, The Blueprint, about how to survive the dark times and come out in the light.

"You Are Jehovah" - Judy Jacobs

“You Are Jehovah”
Judy Jacobs
From the CD I Feel a Change (2011)
http://www.judyjacobs.com/

Judy Jacobs flexes her muscular preaching voice to power “You Are Jehovah,” a praise song that benefits from strong musicianship and tom-busting percussion.

The uncomplicated call-and-response between Jacobs and the ensemble builds in intensity to the last note. They don’t just send the praises up: they rocket them heavenward.

The Mission Field - Blessid Union of Souls

Blessid Union of Souls
The Mission Field
Salvation Road Records (2011)
www.blessidunionofsouls.net

Reviewed by Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Like the sonically similar Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox 20 and Foo Fighters, Blessid Union of Souls was a top 40 radio staple during the 1990s. The buoyant, feel-good sound of Eliot Sloan fueled such hits as “I Believe” and “Hey Leonardo (She Likes Me for Me).”

On The Mission Field, Sloan combines his trademark adult contemporary/alternative rock sensibility with lyrics that articulate his lifelong Christian spirituality. Blessid Union of Souls’ seventh album, but first for Salvation Road Records, contains smart, socially aware lyrics with bright and accessible melodies. Not just tangentially inspirational, the songs on The Mission Field give honor to God and Jesus. Not only is Sloan unafraid to proclaim his faith, but he uses it as a lens with which to view the world and its complexities.

“I’ve always sung about wanting to live right, and with The Mission Field, it’s just a matter of taking things one step further and doing in my heart what I’m called to do,” Sloan explains. "You can never get too close to God, and throughout all of these songs, I'm always going in that direction."

On “Healing,” Sloan sings that he once prayed for personal things and needs, but now his prayers are aimed at universal healing and peace. “Sweet Providence” is about God’s repeated forgiveness, while the bouncy “Miracles” reminds us to remain aware of the simple miracles that surround us daily.

One of the most interesting songs on the album is the title track, whose lyrics and melody sound culled from an old shape-note hymnal. The song also carries the album's theme: the whole world is our mission field.

“I Still Believe in Love” is the album’s finest moment. It's a big, bold and brilliantly sung testament to hope despite the hopelessness surrounding us. While The Mission Field is not gospel in the traditional "come-on-everybody-and-clap-your-hands" sense, it is a CD that cries out to be played over and over again.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “I Still Believe in Love, “The Mission Field.”

Prof. Michael Charles, KC's "Gospel Laureate," Dead at 64

Glenn E. Rice of the Kansas City Star reports that Professor Michael Charles, "Gospel Music Laureate" of Kansas City and a former member of the Raymond Rasberry Singers, died Wednesday, March 9, at the age of 64.  Read the story here: Professor Michael Charles

"It's Done" - Anita Wilson

“It’s Done”
Anita Wilson
Melody Green Music Group (2011)
www.nimbitmusic.com/anitawilson

As a worship leader at Chicago’s historic Fellowship M.B. Church and a member of Donald Lawrence & Co. – she led “Happy Being Me” on The Law of Confession, Part I – Anita Wilson has a strong gospel music resume.

On her solo single, “It’s Done,” Wilson demonstrates a powerful and melodic control of the song. It’s a lovingly rendered mid-tempo contemporary gospel that reminds listeners their favor is not coming, it’s not just around the corner: “it’s already done.”

“What I shall be I already am,” sings Wilson, and so, by extension, are you.

"Parent Me" - Json feat. J.R.

“Parent Me”
Json feat. J.R.
From the Lamp Mode Recordings CD City Lights (2010)
http://www.json116.com/

Json (born Jason Watson) has been featured on albums by the likes of Flame and DJ Official, but he is a fine Christian rapper in his own spotlight.

On “Parent Me,” the St. Louis-born artist offers a poignant, honest critique of absentee parents and the social problems that ensue when they withhold from their children their advice, counsel and love. “It’s like you’re here but you’re gone…you give me everything I need, but I really need your time.”

He even outs families who give so much attention to church goings-on they have nothing left for their children. This anthem of the latchkey kid is a message that transcends socioeconomic boundaries.

"Secret Place" - Jai Reed feat. Bishop Lester Love

“Secret Place”
Jai Reed feat. Bishop Lester Love
From the TLR Entertainment CD Jai Reed (2010)
http://www.tlrentertainment.com/

Jai Reed and Bishop Lester Love duet on a heartwarming praise ballad, based on Psalm 91, about finding the place, even in the midst of crowds, where “ain’t nobody there but me and you.” It’s where God’s presence lives and one finds joy, peace of mind, love and liberty.

The men explore their high registers as the performance builds in intensity. “Secret Place” is the only song on Reed’s self-titled CD where the guest nails higher notes than Reed himself.

The video for “Secret Place” debuts on BET Sunday, March 13.

TBGB Pick of the Week: March 7, 2011

“Free”
REvived
http://www.revivedonline.com/

Positive vibes are coming out of Toronto, Canada via REvived – biological sisters Veronica and Carleen Bloomfield – who undoubtedly draw comparisons to Trin-i-tee 5:7 and SWV for their urban neo-soul sound and tuneful songs.

“Free,” the single from REvived's 2009 self-titled CD, is a liberation anthem, a call to “take on the task that God has given me.” The ladies let listeners know that they are "not like those you see on TV:" no bling, just blessed and walking in their destiny. With remarkable production and compelling electronica, REvived is a duo to watch for in the future.

Jesus Is Alive - Karen Washington & the New Singing Stars

Karen Washington & the New Singing Stars
Jesus is Alive
Dream Reality Records (2008)
http://www.klwashington.com/

Turn your car radio to the AM band while riding in the south or southeast portions of the U.S., and you’re likely to hear gospel music, quartet in particular. It’s the kind in which Karen Washington and the New Singing Stars specialize: traditional quartet with a contemporary flair.

Song after song, your car radio will deliver male quartets and female quartets, but on Washington and the New Singing Stars’ Jesus Is Alive, you have what is essentially a male quartet fronted by a female vocalist. The album contains plenty of meat and potatoes singing and lyricism – the running theme is that no matter what, everything is going to be all right if you trust in Jesus – with Washington’s trebly-sweet Diana Ross-like soprano front and center.

The album’s overall vibe is upbeat and pleasant, with “Time to Pray” the high-spirited church-wrecker. Washington’s rendition of “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” tees up her follow-up CD, Singing the Hymns, which was released last year. “Mama Song,” a bonus track, is a Mother’s Day programmer’s blessing because it gives mothers their props: “I give you your flowers while you live.”

Karen Washington and the New Singing Stars have been nominated for three 2011 Rhythm of Gospel Awards: Quartet CD of the Year (for Singing the Hymns), Female Quartet Group of the Year and Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year.

Three of Five Stars

Pick: “Time to Pray.”

"Keep Pressin' On" - Rodd Jimmerson

“Keep Pressin’ On”
Rodd Jimmerson
From the forthcoming CD Keep Pressin’ On
www.myspace.com/473679022

Originally from Bolivar, Tennessee, church musician Rodd Jimmerson now lives in Central Missouri and, after more than a decade working with choirs and praise teams, has decided to try his hand at a solo career.

The title track of the keyboardist's forthcoming debut CD is about maintaining hope and faith that “my change is gonna come,” despite everything in the way. Reinforcing the theme of keeping on, the song is set to an unrelenting 70s disco tempo.  Understated electronica are injected into the vocals. Cool retro!

"We Serve a Mighty God" - Bishop J.C. Williams & Voices of New Life

“We Serve a Mighty God”

Bishop J.C. Williams & Voices of New Life
From the forthcoming CD The Encounter: LIVE
http://www.voicesofnewlife.com/

Nominated for a Rhythm of Gospel Award, “We Serve a Mighty God” is an antiphonal piece that travels along with the bright optimism of a television show theme song. It is simple for a praise team to learn and ideal for getting the juices flowing at the opening of a church service.

From New Life International Family Church in Decatur Georgia, Bishop Jeronn C. Williams & Voices of New Life give the selection an appropriately aerobic, full-volume reading, especially towards the conclusion.

DeLois Barrett Campbell Birthday Celebration March 13

DeLois Barrett Campbell of the Barrett Sisters and Roberta Martin Singers turns 85, and will be feted at her annual Birthday Celebration.

The celebration and musical will take place at Chicago's historic First Church of Deliverance on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 3:00 p.m.  Bishop Otto Houston is host pastor.

The First Church of Deliverance is located at 4315 South Wabash in Chicago, Illinois.

For more information, contact Pat Chappell Hubbard at (708) 841-6467.

Happy Birthday, DeLois!

"Beautiful" - Tammi Haddon

“Beautiful”

Tammi Haddon

From the forthcoming album Fanatic (single available on iTunes)

http://www.tammihaddon.com/

On her new single “Beautiful,” co-written with Tim Stewart and her husband Gerald, Tammi Haddon of the talented Detroit Haddons brings attention to issues such as sexual abuse, spousal abuse and poor self-image.

She lifts up the carpet edge and sweeps these important social problems out into full view with a vibe containing shades of India.Arie and Tracy Chapman: delicate but bold.

The message of “Beautiful” is similar to the moral of Mississippi Mass Choir’s current hit, “God Made Me:” God doesn’t make junk.

R.I.P. LaWonda Campbell

Gregory Gay reported on the passing of Chicago gospel singer LaWonda Campbell.

Read her obituary and homegoing service information on ChicagoGospel.net.

Photo credit: ChicagoGospel.net.

Connection! - Unleashed

Connection!
Unleashed
Unity Music Group (2010)
www.myspace.com/connectionusa

Reviewed by Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Houston’s contemporary quartet Connection! blends synthetically-smooth harmonies with traditional-flavored fare. Although organized in 2000, the quartet was formed before the new millenium, when the men were still teenagers and part of a group called “The Youth Musicians.”

Apostle Kareem Jackson, who is an associate minister at Deliverance Rock Ministries in Houston, serves as lead vocalist on the quartet’s third CD, Unleashed. Lyrically and musically, Jackson and Connection! ladle out the comfortable and familiar old-time religion for which gospel quartets are renowned and revered.

The quartet's blend of traditional and contemporary is especially evident on selections such as “Won’t It Be Grand,” which Jackson introduces as something “granddaddy used to sing.” The song’s vamp portrays Heaven as a place where there is, among other things, no high blood pressure, diabetes or back-stabbers (sounds good to me). “I’m Nothing” finds the singer unable to eat, sleep or even breathe without the Lord.

Many of the songs on Unleashed focus on the healing power of God as the balm in times of trouble.  For example, one of the album’s radio singles, “Good to Me,” references the album’s title in depicting God as the “only friend” and a door-opener when one is “shackled and bound.” The concluding “I Surrender All” confirms this premise, complete with a rocking CCM arrangement.

The album’s drive tempo song, “I’ve Been Delivered,” is the best track on the CD.  It has been in the group's repertory for some time, as it was nominated for Gulf Coast Gospel Song of the Year in 2007-2008.

Three of Five Stars

Picks: “I’ve Been Delivered.”