The Black Gospel Blog

"I Love You" - Damita

2012-02-10T13:21:00.000-06:00

“I Love You”
Damita Haddon
Tyscot Records 2012
www.tyscot.com

Damita Haddon’s languorous love ballad to the Most High has a Trin-i-tee 5:7 electric, multi-layered sound and a breezy melody suitable to its message of thanksgiving for bringing her through the rough patches of life.

For those used to Damita’s muscle-twitching polyrhythmic-centered music, the performance presents the singer’s mellower side, though her voice is as dominant as ever. “I Love You” is the lead single from her new CD, which is scheduled for release this year.

Fred Hammond - God, Love & Romance

2012-02-09T10:31:00.000-06:00

Fred Hammond
God, Love & Romance
Verity Gospel Music Group (2012)
www.verityrecords.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Just as many male gospel singers credit Fred Hammond as their musical inspiration as female gospel singers cite Kim Burrell as theirs.

Burrell recently built an entire CD around the theme of love and walked away with a Stellar Award for her effort. Hammond now matches her love CD and raises her one disc in God, Love & Romance. His 12th solo project is a two-CD tour de force of odes to love and relationships in all their phases: euphoria, attraction, comfort, frustration, heartache, repair, and return.

Of course, there are more than a few songs on God, Love & Romance dedicated to love of the Most High. As Hammond exhorts on “Let’s Take a Minute,” “the Savior’s got to get His,” and He does. “You Never Turned,” the lovely ballad “Amazing Love,” “Better Love,” and the current single, “I Feel Good” all have inspirational messages, and disc two is almost completely comprised of gospel music. Even the clearly secular love songs on the set have sufficient references to God and religion to please the staunchest of sacred-secular separatists.

Arguably stronger than the lyrical content is the musical magic Hammond weaves throughout. God, Love & Romance is quintessential twenty-first century Fred Hammond, who has the uncanny ability to innovate within the urban adult contemporary tradition while keeping his music grounded in the gospel music canon. One hears the beautiful quiet-storm ballad, “Face It All” or the bracing “I Am Not Alone” and “I Feel Good,” and you recognize instantly the Hammond touch. The musicianship is outstanding as is the production, and Hammond's husky, resonant baritone is as warm and embracing as the subject matter.

Spoken word mini-plays are peppered between several of the tracks. I know why Hammond included them, but some are a little too melodramatic or ephemeral for my taste, and I was happy for the next song to begin.

Fred Hammond has wanted to make God, Love & Romance for several years, and I am glad he persisted. The collection is packed with wonderful selections suitable for weddings and worship teams alike.

Five of Five Stars

Picks: “I Feel Good,” “Easier,” “Amazing Love.”

"Sing Your Name" - Ocie Jackson

2012-02-08T10:30:00.000-06:00

“Sing Your Name"
Ocie Jackson
From the Behind the Cross Music Group CD My Heart, My Song
(available February 17, 2012)

“Sing Your Name” is Milwaukee-born Ocie Jackson’s prayer-song of praise.

It’s her first single as a solo artist and also the first song she committed to tape, under the tutelage of producer Chris Crain.

Jackson delivers the breezy, mid-tempo selection in a coquettish soprano that floats over the background vocalists until the conclusion, when she tears into an unconscious shout.

Jackson cut her gospel teeth as a background singer for VaShawn Mitchell. Read her story here.

The Journey of Brian Courtney Wilson

2012-02-07T11:13:00.000-06:00

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Gospel singer Brian Courtney Wilson has many reasons to be proud.

His second CD, So Proud (Music World Gospel), hits stores today. He was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and his single, "All I Need" was a major chart success. Worship teams sing his songs in churches across the country, including “Already Here,” which the United Methodist Church selected as a hymn.

One might think that the gospel highway was well-paved for the Chicago-born Wilson, now living in Houston. But if you listen closely to the lyrics on So Proud, you’ll hear something to the contrary.

In fact, several songs on the new album find Wilson head bowed, affirming his faith in the midst of the frustrations and anxiety he experienced transitioning from the financial certainty of a successful career in pharmaceutical sales to the uncertainty of life as a gospel singer.

TBGB caught up with Wilson to talk about So Proud and the inspiration behind it, starting with the title track.

Brian Courtney Wilson with TBGB's Bob Marovich
in 2008, during the rough period prior to Just Love.

“I went through some tough times getting [my first CD, Just Love] out to the public,” Wilson reflected. “I made critical decisions that impacted my life and my family, and things weren’t happening on the timeline I thought it would happen. Opportunities were starting to dry up all around me. I was afraid that I had led my family to shipwreck. That’s when the song “So Proud” came to me: no matter the circumstance, I had to keep believing. I had to keep my head up, keep going and trust that God has a plan in the middle of it.

“Hebrews tells us that faith is about believing without seeing. I feel that God gave me the song to remind me about the people in my life who never gave up on me, never gave up on their families, never gave up on the dreams and promises that God made to them.”

Another song on So Proud that speaks to Wilson’s experience is “Storm In Mind.”

“That song was inspired by a conversation I heard on TBN between two men,” Wilson explained. “One said he was on a cruise ship going through some turbulent waters. The people were starting to get upset. The captain made an announcement that everyone should calm down because he was there when the ship was made, so he knew that it was built to endure the type of storm it was going through.

“The story struck me because I was going through my own storm. I wondered whether my circumstance was like a punishment: you are going through it because you have done the wrong thing. What “Storm In Mind” says is that a storm doesn’t always mean you are on the wrong track. Sometimes it means you are on the right track. You have to keep going to find out what you were made to endure. We’ve always said that God doesn’t put more on you than you can bear. God’s plan is not to harm us but to prosper us."

Wilson's concern about the toll his risk was taking on his family inspired “One Day at a Time,” written with PJ Morton. “PJ and I were talking about marriage. I’ve been married eleven years now, but I was telling PJ that marriage happens one day at a time. It’s a choice of faithfulness: each of us has to believe in one another. The song basically says that every day we decide, regardless of what tomorrow might bring, that we don’t want to face that next day without each other. We choose each other one day at a time.”

Wilson's risk has paid off. "Since Just Love was released, I’ve really been great," he said. "I’m so glad that I endured what I endured to get to this point in my life. And so when I sing 'So Proud,' 'Obey Anyway' and 'Closer,' I sing with an assurance that it ends in a good way for people if they just walk it out."

In addition to his NAACP Image Award nomination, Wilson said being named an ambassador for the American Heart Association’s Power to End Stroke in the African American community is among the treasured moments in his singing career thus far.

He recalled an especially memorable incident. “The Power to End Stroke campaign ended with a concert at the Apollo Theater. So here I am, singing at the Apollo, after watching 'Showtime at the Apollo' for years. Now I’m rubbing the rock myself! We get up and do the songs I’ve done everywhere else; we don’t do anything different. We get a standing ovation. Then I see Mavis Staples sitting there in the front row. She stands up and she’s in tears.

“The next day, Mavis’s people tracked me down because she wanted to take a picture with the man who sang ‘All I Need.’ That moment meant a lot to me. You don’t get here without the sacrifices, and the music, of the people who went before you. For her to say that I’ve given something back really meant something.”

Now that So Proud is in stores and the title track is impacting radio, Wilson hopes to add international appearances and television to his list of domestic dates.

“I did not grow up thinking I was going to be a gospel artist,” he said. “I hadn’t been groomed for this. This is something God called me to do, and thankfully He gave me life experiences that I’ve been able to draw from to make it work for me.

"I have a great team to get my music out there, and God opens the door. One of my goals is to be able to look at my career and say that we made a lot of great songs that will benefit people for a very long time.”

For more information, visit www.musicworldgospel.com.

"Let It Go" - Le'Andria Johnson

2012-02-06T18:00:00.000-06:00

“Let It Go”
Le’Andria Johnson
From the CD The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson
(available February 14, 2012)
www.musicworldgospel.com

Setting aside for a moment the church-wrecking persona that vaulted her single, “Jesus,” to the top of everyone’s mind, Le’Andria Johnson evokes neo-soulsters Lauryn Hill and India.Arie in this let-go-and-let-God selection. “Don’t let the pain change the goodness of your heart,” Johnson sings, because the load is too heavy.

While the girlfriend-to-girlfriend vibe suggests this could be a female anthem, the message is sufficiently universal to appeal to men, as well. Plus, Raphael Saadiq was one of the co-writers of the song, with Sara Devine and Taura Stinson. Saadiq’s musicianship is especially evident throughout.

Check out Johnson’s gospel scatting that concludes the song, accompanied by a precocious piano riff that skips across the melody like a child at hopscotch.

TBGB Pick of the Week: February 6, 2012

2012-02-06T11:40:00.000-06:00

“Yesterday”
Andrea Helms
From the Music World Gospel CD Moving Forward (available March 6, 2012)
www.musicworldgospel.com

“Yesterday” had me from the warm warbling of the B3.

BET Sunday Best Season 4 first runner-up Andrea Helms delivers this Mary Mary selection as an old-fashioned gospel blues. She articulates the joy that comes from following Jesus, when problems are over and one can look back with confidence and say, “I cried my last tear…yesterday.”

The talented singer delivers a battery of trills and blue notes with skill, dexterity, and strong pacing, saving the raw shouting until the end. Guaranteed to get listeners popping out of their seats.

Andrea Helms’ debut CD, Moving Forward, will be available March 6.

Did You Know....?

2012-02-05T22:11:00.000-06:00

Some cool facts, courtesy of I Hear Music, Inc. - Cincinnati, OH:

Andraé Crouch… ("Let The Church Say Amen")
- Signed the Winans. They were the first group on his gospel label?
- Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004?
- Has two (2) hymns that are in the national hymn book? (The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power; Oh It Is Jesus)

Byron Cage… ("Great and Mighty")
- Once sang background with the group Commissioned?
- Won 5 Stellars for his debut breakout CD with Gospo Centric Records (single:"The Presence of the Lord")?

Cynthia Simons...("I Am God")
- Is a 20 year Cancer survivor?
- Toured with The Bob Hope Celebrity Showcase performing before thousands of men and women serving in the United States Army?
- Has performed on stage with gospel greats including: Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, The Jackson Southernairs, Rev. James Cleveland, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Shirley Caesar, Walter Hawkins, Edwin Hawkins, and others?

Isaac Carree…("In The Middle")
- Started his music career in 1990 when he received the opportunity to sing with John P. Kee and New Life on the hit song Wave it Away?
- Founded the contemporary male gospel group Men of Standard?
- Has been a background singer for Kirk Franklin since 2005 (Hero Album)?

LeJuene Thompson… ("Let God Do It")
- As a young girl, she met and was mentored by singer and worship leader Nancy Carree Wilson (mother of gospel artist Isaac Carree)?
- In the early 1990s, she put together a gospel group, The Promise, which released an album on the national Christian music label, Word Records.
- Was a featured singer with the award-winning, gospel chart-topping group, Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City singers?

Marvin Sapp… ("My Testimony")
- “Never Would Have Made It” Spent almost a year at #1 on the Gospel Billboard Charts?
- Was introduced to the gospel community by Fred Hammond as a six year member of the vocal group Commissioned?

Pastor Charles Jenkins… ("Awesome")
- Is the senior pastor of an 8,000-member church, the legendary Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, IL?
- Is a Grammy award songwriter (2006) with Israel Houghton and New Breed Live - South Africa album?
- Filled a key role on newly elected Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Transition Team in addition to roles that include the Board of Trustees for The City Colleges of Chicago, Clear Channel Chicago Advisory Board, Illinois Attorney General Advisory Board and the Daystar School Board of Directors?

Jackyee - Broken but Perfected for My Purpose

2012-02-04T17:59:00.000-06:00

Jackyee
Broken but Perfected for My Purpose
DaVine Purpose Entertainment (2011)

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross led us through the various stages of death. On Broken but Perfected for My Purpose, Jackyee leads us through the various stages of rebirth.

Not rebirth as in reincarnation, but religious rebirth is the thread binding Jacqueline “Jackyee” Carter’s clever concept album together. Bathed in urban R&B electric beats and neo-soul vocals, Broken but Perfected for My Purpose guides the listener along a dramatic three-part journey of conversion from troubled soul to satisfied mind. Or, quoting Proverbs 19:21, Jackyee notes that "it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

“The Purpose” (part one) is a short collection of songs about the importance of listening and giving one’s all to the conversion experience, because "ninety-nine and a half won't do." “The Process” (part two) is the soul at its lowest ebb, scared and crying out for help (“Rescue Me”), getting mad at God and considering giving up (“Broken”), and responding to church folk who feel she’s not “one of them” (“Damaged Goods”).

The melodies are stylistically similar until the third part, “The Proclamation,” which to my mind is the strongest of the three sections. In fact, the singles garnering airplay right now are “Broken” and “Damaged Goods,” but I found “Never Too Far” and “Strong Yet Weak,” both in part three, to be the superior selections. “Never Too Far” moves with an easy but insistent and infectious vibe, while “Strong Yet Weak” uses a heavy beat and rap interlude to warn the listener to get ready, because you never know the day or the hour when time is up.

Vocally, Jackyee is more comfortable and flexible in the lower register, and her use of Christian rap interludes is particularly effective on the bonus track of “Broken,” featuring Kutter.

Born in Tucson, Arizona and now living in San Antonio, Texas, Jackyee starred in a production of Dreamgirls and advanced to the Hollywood rounds of American Idol in Season Six.

Three of Five Stars

Picks: “Never Too Far,” “Strong Yet Weak.”

"Depending on You" - Maurice Griffin

2012-02-03T19:51:00.000-06:00

“Depending on You”
Maurice Griffin
Single available on iTunes and amazon.com
www.mauricegriffinonline.com

At last, a single that showcases the vocal capabilities of Maurice Griffin, winner of the 2007 Gospel Music Workshop of America Gospel Treasure competition and BET Season Two finalist.

“Depending on You” finds the Chicago-based gospel singer in full testimony about his journey from “no peace within” to the “moment of decision” to a tearful reunion with God. Griffin sings with inner conviction and at the same time full acknowledgement of human frailty. It’s his best single to date by a country mile.

Jessica Reedy - From the Heart

2012-02-02T14:58:00.000-06:00

Jessica Reedy

From the Heart

Light Records/Entertainment One (2011)

http://www.eonemusic.com/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

There’s everything to like about Jessica Reedy’s debut CD, From the Heart.

It contains a superb mix of songs, messages, and musical styles that receive expert production from a battery of top-shelf producers, with lovingly rendered vocals from Reedy and several guest artists.

First and foremost, Jessica Reedy, with her pop-and-gospel infused voice, makes each performance her own. She can at once render the bouncy and feel-good “Put It On the Altar” and shift gears to do the Williams Brothers’ “I’m Still Here,” with the Soul Seekers providing quartet cred. Reedy gives the chestnut “God Has Smiled on Me” a similarly southern soulful reading.

The finest selection on From the Heart is “What About Me,” a pop ballad written from the Lord’s point of view. He appeals to the suffering soul to remember to seek His help before all others. Man's neglect of God is reprised in the lyrically fascinating “Blue God.” Here, Reedy suspects that if God were a color it would be blue, reflecting His mood, since He gives far more than He ever receives from His people.

While songs such as “Always,” on which Reedy renders lovely harmonies with Nakeia Homer, are about encouragement, for pure and simple joy, try “Doctor Love,” a duet with the gutsy Faith Evans. To a soul disco beat, the two sing with gumption, girlfriend-to-girlfriend, about how Jesus is the only physician who can heal a broken heart.

From the Heart is a bounteous blessing of musical riches. Packed with songs about good times, bad times and praise times, Light Records couldn’t have made a better debut album for Jessica Reedy than this one.

Five of Five Stars

Picks: “Doctor Love,” “What About Me.”

Milwaukee’s Ocie Jackson is "Touching Heaven"

2012-01-31T20:52:00.000-06:00

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Every now and then, a background singer steps from the shadows and into the spotlight.

Milwaukee gospel singer Ocie Jackson is the latest to make the leap. Her debut solo CD, My Heart, My Song (Behind the Cross Music Group) is scheduled for release February 17, 2012.

Ms. Jackson talked with TBGB last week about her journey thus far.

Although she lived in Detroit and Louisiana for a little while, Ocie Jackson was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the twelfth of fourteen children to Pastor Leroy and Bernisteen Jackson. Originally from Mississippi and now retired from active ministry, Pastor Leroy Jackson settled in Milwaukee and led Holy Crusaders COGIC and Right Way COGIC. He was a quartet singer while in Mississippi and wanted all his children to sing or play an instrument. “There was never a time in my house that you couldn’t hear singing,” Ocie recalled.

Her initial music influences were diverse: her two older sisters, Mae and Gloria; Sarah Vaughan; and Ella Fitzgerald, “but Fred Hammond is my all time favorite singer.”

Jackson sang background for major artists such as Kim Burrell, Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, Vicki Yohe, and Kirk Franklin whenever they came to Milwaukee. She also sang backup for VaShawn Mitchell and toured as part of his group between the release of his Promises and Triumphant CDs. “VaShawn taught me to connect with the people, to be led by God in each element, and to be confident in who you are, no matter who’s in the room.”

Sound advice, too, because once Mitchell asked Jackson to lead a song while Dorinda Clark Cole and J Moss were sharing the stage.

“I was like, ‘Oh, my goodness! Oh, my goodness!’ I was thinking, ‘Are you sure? I mean, there’s Dorinda!’ My knees were shaking and all, but once I had the mike and was standing in the moment, I didn’t even recognize who was there. It became about me making sure I’m touching Heaven. Once I give God the glory, He can then bless the people.”

Eventually, some of Jackson’s friends and fans suggested the singer consider going solo. Initially reluctant to make the move, Jackson surrendered in early 2011 after coming into contact with producer Chris Crain. “Chris said, ‘Let’s just record one song and see how you feel. If you feel okay and you still think it’s a good idea to record, then let’s keep going.’” Jackson recorded one of Crain’s compositions, “Sing Your Name.” They kept going.

Jackson reflected back on that time. “I didn’t think I was relevant or that people would be interested in hearing me on a recording, but I’m excited what God is doing. I believe He has always intended for me to do what I’m doing.”

While My Heart, My Song will be released February 17 at online stores such as CD Baby, iTunes and Amazon, a release concert and DVD taping is planned for April 27. Meanwhile, the single, “Sing Your Name,” is the song from that first recording session. It's the one that convinced Jackson to keep going.

In addition to promoting the CD, Jackson wants to spend time organizing music programs for Milwaukee’s disabled community and to sing for local nursing homes.

“I don’t have to be famous, but I do have to be relevant,” she said. “I would also love for my music to be timeless, not something we listen to for just a little bit. I hope my music will encourage people to move from a mediocre relationship with God to having a heart that’s set ablaze.”

"Hello God" - Eunice Wright

2012-01-31T11:10:00.000-06:00

“Hello God”
Eunice Wright
From the forthcoming Joyful Noize CD Worth It All (release scheduled for March 2012)
www.eunicewright.com

The best part of psalmist Eunice Wright’s new praise single, “Hello God,” is its instantly memorable (and eminently singable) chorus, especially when Wright’s background vocalists join her at the end for a resounding reprise accompanied initially by nothing but pounding drums.

The Delaware native and award-winning gospel artist is in awe of God but also offers Him some downright neighborly hospitality. The Almighty made Wright’s day. “Hello God” will make yours.

TBGB Pick of the Week: January 30, 2012

2012-01-30T18:42:00.000-06:00

“In His Hands”

Shaun Millz

From the CD My Bride (scheduled for early 2012 release)

Four years ago, the mother of Newark gospel singer-songwriter Shaun Millz suffered a massive stroke, leaving her paralyzed on one side and bound to a wheel chair.

The young man sought consolation and inspiration from the victorious struggles of another church mother who had lost her eyesight and both her limbs. The product of his reflection is the slow, neo-traditional boiler, “In His Hands.” To old-school accompaniment that includes warbling organ, Millz lays out his conclusion, via gospel runs and trills, that the Lord will do what He says, so leave it “In His Hands.” Soul satisfying.

Myron Butler - Worship

2012-01-29T13:55:00.000-06:00

Myron Butler
Worship
EMI Gospel (2012)
www.myronbutler.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Ah, to be young, gifted and a tenor.

Myron Butler is all of these, and on his latest CD, Worship, he demonstrates in particular his songwriting craft and winning voice. The Grammy, Dove and Stellar Award-winning Dallas native and former vocal coach of the famed God’s Property offers a selection of songs recorded live that will no doubt be picked up and learned by worship teams across the country.

Worship, released last week, includes songs by a number of P&W songwriters, including Israel Houghton, David Binion and Josh Dufrene, but the best performances on the CD are of Butler’s own compositions “You Alone are God,” “I Honor You,” and “Dwell Here,” the latter co-written with keyboardist and album co-producer Parris Bowens. Like Butler's smash hit “Set Me Free,” the praise anthem “I Honor You” throbs with African-inspired drumming and handclapping, while “You Alone Are God” benefits from a gentle piano-and-voice intro.

A few selections on Worship, in fact, open with Butler singing quietly to piano accompaniment, and they comprise the finest moments on the album. Butler and piano are marvelous together, whether the singer himself or Mike Robinson is the accompanist for these tender moments.

The straight-forward worship hymn “Bless the Lord” is the current single, and the CD contains the extended version. “The Blood of Jesus” is similarly, if not more, energetic, with Robert Searight’s drum work creating a spiral of sound that echoes the dynamics of the fusion drummers of the 1970s. Featured artists Tasha Cobbs and Blanche McAllister-Dykes offer lovely vocal assists on “Not My Own” and “Holy One,” respectively, and the worship choir compliments Butler nicely throughout.

Worship finds Myron Butler continuing to mine the urban worship vein that has brought him from his teenage years as the writer of “Lift Him Up” for the Dallas-Fort Worth Mass Choir to Minister of Music at Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Potter’s House Church in Dallas.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “Bless the Lord,” “The Blood of Jesus.”

"Lose Yourself" - Selected of God

2012-01-28T15:25:00.000-06:00

“Lose Yourself”
Selected of God
Sing 2 Praise/S2P Records (2012)
www.selectedofgod.com

Selected of God is distinctively Detroit.

Organized in 2002 by Pastor Larry Callahan and music director Steven D. Anderson, Selected of God was named Best Small Choir - Detroit Region in the "How Sweet the Sound" Competition. In November 2008, the ensemble took first place in the Detroit Gospel Showcase and Awards Choir Competition. Named Ambassadors of Detroit by Chrysler Motors, Selected of God won an Emmy for their role in the “Born of Fire: Imported from Detroit” commercial.

To add to their Detroit swagger, Selected of God gospelizes fellow Detroiter Eminem’s hit “Lose Yourself,” infusing it with what can only be described as gothic gospel. The single is released on the Sing 2 Praise/S2P label which has affiliation with the legendary Detroit record company, Sound of Gospel, early label home of the Clark Sisters.

Speaking of the Clark Sisters, the choir’s forthcoming CD Evolution includes a cover of “You Brought the Sunshine,” complete with a vocal by Twinkie Clark-Terrell. This brings the song full circle: from gospel song to nightclub turntables and back again.

Evolution is produced by Grammy and Stellar Award-winning producer Asaph A. Ward and scheduled for a spring release. Meanwhile, click below to check out the video for “Lose Yourself.”

http://www.selectedofgod.com/video/video.html

The Bishops Quartet - Heaven Is Too Far (For You To Walk)

2012-01-26T23:43:00.000-06:00

The Bishops Quartet
Heaven Is Too Far (For You to Walk)
Sharper Brothers Records (2011)
http://www.sharperbrothersusa.com/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

From Orlando, Florida comes a group of singing church leaders called the Bishop’s Quartet. Whether soaring into falsetto, shouting, or singing flatfooted, the Bishops Quartet is rooted in traditional gospel, southern soul style. The group’s new album, Heaven Is Too Far (For You to Walk), is a respectable introduction to their music ministry.

The quartet consists of Bishop Thurman Hargrove, Bishop James Coleman, Bishop Alvin Palmer (manager), and Elder Robert Brice. Songs such as the title track, with its admonition that you can’t walk to Heaven (ed note: it's hard enough to run a marathon, for heaven's sake), benefit from the quartet community’s longstanding and effective tradition of employing themes and lyrics that sound lifted right from the Sunday sermon.

The tightest, richest harmonies on the CD can be found on “Lord, You’ve Been There” because they are anchored by a bass vocal line, something surprisingly hard to find in gospel quartet nowadays.

In addition to the title track, another solid selection is the down-tempo “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning.” Also known as “Brightly Beams,” the performance features an impassioned lead vocal. The quartet also contributes a soulful version of the spiritual “Steal Away.”

“If the Lord Needs Somebody” is the album’s drive song, complete with a vamp that could have gone on longer. In fact, the album would have been even stronger had that track been extended, replacing the follow-up, an instrumental reprise of “He’s Still On the Throne.” Despite the fact that the musicians are excellent and the emphasis on organ over synth is particularly appealing, another few minutes of quartet vocals would have been more satisfying.

The bishops can sing, sure enough, and Heaven Is Too Far (For You to Walk) is the finest Sharper Brothers Records project I’ve heard.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “Heaven Is Too Far (For You to Walk),” “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning.”

William McDowell - Arise: The Live Worship Experience

2012-01-25T19:09:00.000-06:00

William McDowell
Arise: The Live Worship Experience
Light Records/eOne Entertainment (2011)
www.williammcdowellmusic.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

From musician and studio "steward" to worship leader, accidental Internet sensation and Billboard charting artist, to performer on the stage of the Stellars, the last several years have been an amazing ride for William McDowell. But as Martha Munizzi told TBGB, it’s time the rest of the world knew about McDowell.

Light Records has done its part to make that happen. Recorded in December 2010 at Christian Life Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, McDowell’s two-CD Arise: The Live Worship Experience is exactly as billed. It is a two-hour worship experience, a continuous praise jam session that builds in intensity on Disc One and incrementally drops the blood pressure throughout Disc 2.

McDowell works squarely within the P&W subgenre, best known for songs with uncomplicated major key melodies, gentle arrangements, and the capacity to be extended for so long that even legendary jam groups such as the Grateful Dead and Phish would pause in admiration. Still, some of McDowell’s pieces possess melodies somewhat outside of traditional P&W fare. His talent for songwriting is particularly evident on “All I Want is You,” which is a better and potentially longer-lasting composition than the gentle and hypnotic Internet sensation, “I Give Myself Away,” reprised here in a medley with “Yes.”

Perhaps the most distinctive part of Arise is its opening, which eschews the typical bouncy praise song for a dramatic narration of the world’s major problems, including illiteracy, poverty, hunger and the impact of natural disasters. The notion of praying for the world, not one’s self, is reinforced later in the project. By concluding the experience with “I Won’t Go Back,” McDowell recapitulates the CD set’s overarching theme of belief in God's ability to solve even the largest problems.

The guest vocalists pay tribute to the multiculturalism of P&W music. Sisters Martha Munizzi and Mary Alessi, Josh Dufrene, and David and Nicole Binion all make appearances. McDowell sings one of Munizzi’s songs, “Wait,” which features a lovely vocal lead by Stacey Joseph, a solo artist in her own right.

The musicians on Arise are top-notch and the backing vocalists are so tight and professional as a chorus they could make money singing television commercials and jingles.

Down the road, historians may argue whether Texas (Houghton, Binion, Dufrene) or Florida (Munizzi, Alessi, McDowell) is the Praise & Worship capitol. Regardless, William McDowell gathered the team together in sunny Fort Lauderdale for two hours of no-nonsense worship, and the result is available to everyone.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “All I Want is You,” "I Give Myself Away," “Wait.”

"Christmas in July" - Timothy

2012-01-24T13:42:00.000-06:00

“Christmas in July”
Timothy
LionHearted Productions (2011)
Available on iTunes, Tunecore

“Whatever happened to the War on Poverty?”

It’s the question that not only concludes Timothy Amukele’s “Christmas in July” but hovers over it like the voice of conscience, encouraging us to examine our own inner voices.

With post-graduate lyrics that evoke Sting’s notebook and an easy-going but insistent melody and arrangement, “Christmas in July” encourages us to open our hearts and lend a helping hand to the homeless. And not just at Christmas time but throughout the year. July or January, it doesn’t matter to Timothy: “give what God commands.”

New Canton Jones Video: "Hallelujah"

2012-01-24T11:02:00.000-06:00

Power-packed video featuring gospel hip hop stars Canton Jones, Deitrick Haddon, DBP, and Mr. Del.

TBGB Pick of the Week: January 23, 2012

2012-01-23T14:09:00.000-06:00

“So Proud”
Brian Courtney Wilson
From the forthcoming Music World Gospel CD So Proud
www.musicworldgospel.com

The autobiographical title track from Brian Courtney Wilson’s forthcoming CD finds the robust crooner reflecting with humble admiration on all those individuals, especially his father, who sacrificed sun-up to sundown so he could live his dreams.

The message is sufficiently general for everyone to consider who in their own lives has served such a purpose...and perhaps still do. The feel-good R&B rhythm evokes some of BeBe Winans’s best solo offerings. Nice work from the singer whose "All I Need" was a Billboard perennial.

TBGB Shout Out: WLOU

2012-01-22T20:00:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to music director/announcer Brodric Purvis and WLOU 1350 & 104.7 FM Louisville for their recent Stellar win for Medium Market of the Year!

Photos from First Chicago Black Music Awards

2012-01-22T16:11:00.000-06:00

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

The Harold Washington Cultural Center was the site of the first-ever Chicago Black Music Awards, which honored the city's home-grown gospel talent of today. Dr. Rick Warren and his team produced the event, which took place Saturday evening, January 21, 2012. Kalamazoo television personality Bee Bee White served as M.C.

Among the winners in a variety of categories were Phil Tarver, Shekinah Glory Ministry, Donald Lawrence, Regula, Pastor Ray Berryhill and the Evangel World Outreach Choir, and the Renowned Voices for Christ.

Chicago Black Music Awards Reach Awards were bestowed on Zadella "Mama" Curtis, Percy Gray, Wanda Ewing, Dr. Jacquie Hadnot and Peyton Bailey. Special recognition and a standing ovation were given to the late DeLois Barrett Campbell, whose daughter, Mary Campbell, accepted the award on her behalf.

Some of the evening's highlights (photo credits: Bob Marovich, Laurel Delaney):

Awardee Phil Tarver of Shekinah Glory Ministry always has a way with a song.

Pastor Ray Berryhill accepts the award on behalf of Evangel World Outreach for Choir of the Year.

The Renowned Voices for Christ demonstrate why they have been around for more than two decades.

TBGB's Bob Marovich and Stellar Award-winning Gospel Synergy's founder Andre Carter are interviewed by gospel artist Mark Hubbard for "Eyes on Chicago."

Gospel rapper Regula gets the audience to their feet and rocking to the beat.

Etta James Dies at 73

2012-01-20T10:57:00.000-06:00

Singing legend Etta James has died at the age of 73.

While she is best known for her R&B classics, "Dance with me Henry" and "At Last," James received her early musical training from gospel singer and choir director J. Earle Hines and her participation, as a young girl, in the famed Echoes of Eden choir of the St. Paul Baptist Church of Los Angeles.

I had the privilege of interviewing "Miss Peaches" for my Gospel Memories radio show years ago. We talked about her transition from gospel to R&B. Gospel Memories will rerun that interview next week (January 28).

Read more here at CNN.com: Etta James

My sympathies to James's family, friends and countless fans.

"My Everything" - Cheneta Jones

2012-01-19T13:47:00.000-06:00

“My Everything”

Cheneta Jones

From the forthcoming CD Transformed (release date: April 3, 2012)

http://www.chenetajones.com/

Cheneta Jones is making a touchdown run by gathering marketing muscle and enlisting the great Percy Bady to produce her latest single, “My Everything.”

The follow-up to the breezy, feel-good “Be Like You” finds the St. Louis singer in similar territory. Her breathy, agile voice floats the song’s worship lyrics to the heavens on a laid-back bed of beats. Its hymn-like verses and simple, circuitous melody make “My Everything” easy to sing and hard to forget.

Ricky Dillard and New G - Keep Living

2012-01-18T21:41:00.000-06:00

Ricky Dillard and New G

Keep Living

Light Records (2011)

http://www.eonemusic.com/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Bursting on the scene in 1990 with the explosive and vocally aerobic “More Abundantly,” a song every choir subsequently learned to sing, Ricky Dillard and New G continue to inject contemporary lit with old-fashioned church spirit on their eighth and latest CD, Keep Living.

At first, Keep Living tends toward a robust but ultimately middle-of-the-road approach, with songs such as “Speak a Word” enfolding a praise and worship mood into a gospel sensibility. By “He’s Been Just That Good,” however, the album’s disposition changes shades from contemporary to traditional, as Nikki Ross’s spirited solo sends the live recording audience at Detroit’s Second Ebenezer Church, and probably more than a few CD listeners, into praise hypnosis. The album stays traditional throughout the next four songs.

Song highlights include “My Soul Says Yes,” a Chicago Mass Choir-style sanctified church wrecker led by the fiery, evangelistic vocals of Lillian Lloyd. “Strange” is an interesting jazzy take on the Walter Hawkins composition, with Nikki Ross and LaVarnga Hubbard playing off one another’s sweet and saucy vocals, respectively. “He Turned It” is another high energy piece, and it moves along with a Middle Eastern riff. Karen Clark Sheard duets with Michael Stuckey on “The Sweetest Name.”

Regardless of the song style, Keep Living finds New G producing those big, round full-voice chords for which it is well known. The group has a polish ensembles develop only after years of singing together.

Ricky Dillard and New G’s demonstrative performance concluded the 27th Annual Stellar Awards program last Saturday evening. At one point, Stellar hosts Dorinda Clark Cole and Marvin Sapp were taking turns soloing with the choir. Now THERE's a recording opportunity waiting to happen.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “Strange,” “My Soul Says Yes.”

Congratulations to Dorothy Norwood!

2012-01-17T20:37:00.000-06:00

Dr. Bobby Jones presents Dorothy Norwood with the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award at the 27th Annual Stellar Awards Saturday, January 14.

Photo Credit: Moses Robinson / Courtesy of Central City Productions & The FrontPage Firm

"Right Where You Are" - Kersten Stevens feat. Alicia Olatuja

2012-01-17T17:30:00.001-06:00

“Right Where You Are”
Kersten Stevens feat. Alicia Olatuja
From the forthcoming CD Inspire Me
http://www.kerstenstevens.com/

Violinist Kersten Stevens, gospel’s answer to Jean-Luc Ponty, ran a successful campaign to fund her latest CD, Inspire Me.

She has released a couple of preview tracks, one of which is “Right Where You Are.” It is a gentle, acoustic worship ballad on which Stevens interjects seductive and semi-classical violin runs to complement the lovely, agile singing of Alicia Olatuja. Delicate as a slowly-rippling waterfall.

The song concludes with a hypnotic and soothing chorus of “Alleluia” that soars in energy. Guaranteed to get arms outstretched and waving.

James A. Willis, Jr. & Nu Praze - I'll Praise Him

2012-01-17T11:29:00.000-06:00

James A. Willis, Jr. & Nu Praze
I’ll Praise Him
W.M. Music, Inc. & Assurance Ministries (2011)

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

If you hear a big sound coming out of Oklahoma City, it’s James Willis & Nu Praze.

On its new CD, I’ll Praise Him, the energetic mixed ensemble sings with the extroverted exuberance ushered in by James Cleveland and refined by John P. Kee. The full-throated singers benefit from rolling rhythms, booming bass lines, and deft piano work that complement their tight sound and practiced harmonies. The opening selections, “Give Him Glory” and “We Bless Your Name,” are examples of their kinetic fluidity.

In addition to the husky-voiced Willis, the group features a handful of guest soloists, including Ms. Kozetta Lucas, who teams with Willis on “You Are Worthy,” a lovely praise ballad that serves as a cool-down after the vigorous opening cuts.

The album's title is fitting, because the first two-thirds of the CD is focused lyrically on messages of praise and worship. Towards the end, the group shifts to songs of encouragement, such as the radio-friendly “He Knows,” a slow-cooker (and the album's highlight) about deliverance from trials. Similarly, “You Can Make It,” featuring Felecia Cudjoe, urges listeners to keep on keeping on in the face of adversity by leaning and depending on Jesus.

Another strong track on I’ll Praise Him is “Our God Reigns” because the lyrics and music match perfectly.

James A. Willis and Nu Praze are rooted firmly in the uber-popular ensemble sound, but their skillful singing places them closer to the front of the line.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “Our God Reigns,” “He Knows.”

Gospel Music is Changing -- It's a Tradition

2012-01-16T13:57:00.000-06:00

By Bob Marovich of The Black Gospel Blog.

You will want to respond with, “No doubt, Dick Tracy,” when I say that gospel music is changing once again, but when the Stellar Awards gives a “grand old man” tribute to John P. Kee and features gospel hip hop during the program, things are most definitely changing.

That’s not only a good thing, it’s inevitable. It's tradition. Two truths about gospel music that have remained consistent since the days of Thomas Dorsey and Co. are: 1) youth bring about the changes in the music, and 2) gospel draws its inspiration from current black music styles.

1) Youth bring about the changes. Today, we tend to think of the gospel pioneers as senior citizens, but Thomas A. Dorsey wrote his first gospel song at age 22. Roberta Martin organized her Roberta Martin Singers at the age of 26. James Cleveland starting singing with the Lux Singers as a teenager, as did Rev. Dr. Clay Evans (Cleveland was 28 or 29 when he started recording with the Voices of Tabernacle). Sam Cooke and Lou Rawls brought a youthful vitality into quartet singing during the 1950s. Andrae Crouch, the Hawkins, the Winans, Rance Allen, they were all twenty-somethings, or younger, when they changed gospel music. John P. Kee, Kirk Franklin, Ricky Dillard were all youth when they came to the attention of the gospel music cognoscenti, and the list goes on. Not surprisingly, today’s youth such as Trip Lee, Tedashii, and Lecrae are doing the same thing. They’re carrying on the tradition.

2) Gospel draws inspiration from current black music styles. For Dorsey, it was 1920s barrelhouse jazz and blues. For Sam Cooke and Lou Rawls, it was the vocal group sound and rhythmic R&B music of the 1950s. In the early 1960s, many quartets adopted the electric guitar and doo-wop vocal techniques from early soul artists; soul itself brought into being as an amalgam of vocal group harmony and gospel. The Winans drew their inspiration in part from ‘70s R&B and smooth soul. Rance Allen pulled liberally from Sly Stone’s explosive psych-rock. Similarly, today’s young gospel artists are following their own muses, which include top hip hop singers and songwriters such as Jay-Z. You may not prefer their style of sacred worship, but it’s their expression, just as jazz was Dorsey’s and doo wop was Cooke’s.

Twenty-five years from now, there will be a new gospel sound in the airwaves and we will be giving “grand old man” awards to Kirk Franklin and calling his style traditional. Think I’m crazy? Save this article and in twenty-five years see if I’m wrong.

TBGB Pick of the Week: January 16, 2012

2012-01-16T12:51:00.000-06:00

“All Is Well”
Troy Sneed
Emtro Records 2012
www.emtro.com

Gospel singer-songwriter Troy Sneed always has a nice, easy way with a song.

“All is Well” is the Emtro Records label owner’s latest effort. In a conversational singing style with occasional launches well above the stave (a la Earnest Pugh), Sneed relates the many troubles that people are going through these days. More bills than money, lost job, fickle friends and marriage woes, but by giving it all to Jesus, “all is well.”

“All Is Well” is an intimate gospel slow jam with all the right ingredients for airplay.

More on the Stellar Awards

2012-01-16T09:54:00.000-06:00

The Tennessean offers an excellent recap of the Stellar Awards.

Read it here: Stellar Awards.

News from Nashville - Stellar Awards Weekend

2012-01-14T23:08:00.006-06:00

Seems like the weekend of the 27th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards in Nashville was one of the busiest in the show's history. Music showcases, recognition programs and gospel performances were numerous, building up to the Saturday evening taping of the Awards show at the Grand Ole Opry. Here are just a few snippets:

Smokie Norful performs songs from his forthcoming Tenth Anniversary CD, Once in a Lifetime, at an EMI Gospel showcase on Friday, January 13. The CD drops April 3.

The mighty 116 Clique closes out the Radio Station and Gospel Announcers and Reach Award Showcase Saturday afternoon.

Matthew Knowles of Music World Gospel and one of his new artists, Grammy-nominated Le'Andria Johnson, at a Music World Gospel Listening Party Friday evening.

Central City Productions CEO Don Jackson takes a moment from Stellar Awards show preparation to welcome attendees to the Radio Station and Gospel Announcers and Reach Awards Showcase Saturday afternoon.

TBGB will post additional Stellar news throughout the coming week.

In the meantime, to see this year's winners in every category, visit www.ugospel.com.

Juan Santiago & Uninhibited Praise - Ultimate Worship Experience: Live

2012-01-13T13:49:00.000-06:00

Juan Santiago & Uninhibited Praise
Ultimate Worship Experience: Live
The Naro Group (2011)
www.NAROGRP.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Live praise and worship albums remind me of the album-oriented prog rock of the 1970s, when groups filled an entire side of an album with an improvisational jam. The long-play format gave musicians the freedom to create a sonic texture, or establish a musical mood in which the listener could bathe his or her senses.

That is what Juan Santiago & Uninhibited Praise’s sophomore project, Ultimate Worship Experience: Live does. Instead of offering a collection of songs, it depicts aurally the mood or tone of the worship service, complete with audience response. Here, instead of bathing, listeners can baptize their senses in the service.

And there’s so much mood to be had that it takes two CDs to capture it. The songs, which feel as if they could go on forever, are almost uniformly mellow, hypnotic and with major key melodies that blend one with the other. I say almost uniformly mellow, because “Healing Rain,” with Will Rhodes as lead, picks up the tempo in its second half.

The lyrics are vertical praise-oriented, though Bishop Pamela D. Spence’s exhortation on Disc Two reminds listeners of the human need for worship and prayer.

A couple of high points of note are 1) a cameo appearance by traditional gospel star Sara Jordan Powell on “I Give Myself Away” and 2) Santiago’s significant reworking of the spiritual, “Were You There.” Proving himself to be a deft songwriter and arranger, Santiago combines the P&W mood with gospel choir coloration and several key modulations for a ten minute-plus piece that is transcendent. Any gospel choir of substance ought to consider this arrangement for the Lenten Season, though I would recommend a second or even a third lead because on this version, April Umstead had to carry the entire improvisation. I felt for her as she poured out every ounce of energy, even after she seemed to have nothing left to give.

A roster of lead singers articulate the songs on the project, with the finest voices being those of Sunilla Rogers on “My Hiding Place” and Elijah Gelzer on “I Worship You.”

Just like the prog rock concept LPs of the 1970s, Ultimate Worship Experience: Live needs to be heard in its entirety. Even if you are not a fan of P&W, do check out “Were You There.” It's a winner.

Three of Five Stars

Picks: “Were You There,” “Healing Rain”

Robert Jamison and Victory - Speak Myself Free

2012-01-12T12:21:00.000-06:00

Robert Jamison and Victory
Speak Myself Free
RJM Publishing, LLC (2011)
www.robertjamisonandvictory.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Robert Jamison was inspired to establish the gospel ensemble Robert Jamison and Victory in 2009 after the death of his mother, Mrs. Annetta Ballew Haygood. She loved traditional gospel music and even accompanied Rev. James Cleveland back in the day. Her affection for traditional gospel fostered Jamison's own, and Victory articulates his commitment to the old-time contemporary sound of the Hawkins Family. It's a big-voiced, raw, youthful choir from Louisville, Kentucky, the kind you hear emanating over Sunday radio broadcasts from little churches in urban areas.

On its debut four-track EP, Speak Myself Free, Robert Jamison and Victory gives it their all, but in the final analysis, the sound is that of an amateur choir learning its craft. The choir cascades harmonies and changes keys on "Can't Find a Friend," and lead singer Tonya Thomas opens "I Can Not Make It" with strength and vigor, but the CD catches the group during its development years.

The musicians, especially lead guitarist Mark "Lupe" Hamilton, provide the choir with decent support.

Speak Myself Free is nothing if not authentic, and the choir was smart to start with an EP to get that all-important recording experience in anticipation of bigger things ahead.

Two of Five Stars

Pick: "I Can Not Make It."

Rok - Born 2 Sing

2012-01-11T12:29:00.000-06:00

Rok
Born 2 Sing
Testimony Records (2011)
www.natselmanagement.com/rok

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

With a head full of dreadlocks and Rok as his professional name, you would anticipate that Rokeem Pough is a Christian hip hop artist.

You’d be wrong. He’s a smooth contemporary gospel singer-songwriter and a pretty good one at that.

Originally from the Bronx and now living in Harlem, Rok has packaged his songs and style in a new CD, Born 2 Sing. It is a collection of quiet storm-style inspirational songs and a thematic message that Rok articulates most concretely in “I’ll Follow You:” “In this world there’s no one/Who can love you quite like me.”

“Me” refers not to Rok but to God, and on selections such as the tuneful “God’s Love,” Rok croons that the Supreme Being is the one true north, whether you are a jilted newlywed or the father of a headstrong son. “To Fall in Love” is yet another rumination on the immutability of God’s love for His children.

Rok possesses a gentle, breezy baritone straight from the Peabo Bryson school and a knack for co-writing (with Xavier O’Connor of Testimony Ministries, Inc.) simple, delicate songs that one might say sound similar in texture, but are not so much similar as consistent.

“I Love You” is a praise song with good structure and melody and a refreshing change from the same ol’, same ol’ P&W melodies in vogue today. The brassy “In You” demonstrates Rok’s Stevie Wonder influence. The singer also credits Commissioned and Fred Hammond, Take 6 and Wintley Phipps among his musical influences, and you can hear them all behind his songs and arrangements. The only misstep on this otherwise fine collection is that the title track, which opens the CD, feels as if it was left incomplete.

On Born 2 Sing, Rok concludes that if you’re looking for love in all the wrong places, look up.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “I Love You,” “In You.”

RIP - Lawrence Goudy of the Trumpelettes

2012-01-11T11:46:00.008-06:00

Our good friend Ducky in Detroit informed TBGB of the passing of Lawrence Goudy, the long-time manager of the Trumpelettes. She attached the photo below, taken circa 2007:

Alberta Parren (second row)
Lawrence Goudy (front row)
Willie Harris ( front row)
Neta Westbrook (next to Alberta)
Victoria Hawkins-Westbrook (third row)
Big Joe Louis “BJL” (sitting next to Vic)

The Trumpelettes are an awesome group. Anyone who has ever heard their early sides for Bill and Essie Moss's Bilesse Records can testify to that.

TBGB offers Mr. Goudy's family and all of the Trumpelettes its sincerest sympathies.

Here are the homegoing details, again thanks to our good friend, Ducky:

Musical Tribute
6:00pm Friday, Jan. 20, 2012
New Greater Zion Hill Baptist Church
12545 Kelly Rd., Detroit, MI, 48224

Homegoing Services
Saturday - Jan 21, 2012
Family Hour - 10:30am
Homegoing - 11:00am
Third New Hope Baptist Church
12850 Plymouth Rd
Detroit, MI 48227
Btwn Meyers & Schaefer
Phone: (313) 491-7890
Fax: (313) 491-0010

(Cantrell Funeral Home)
(313) 821-9040

Chicago Black Music Awards - Gospel Jubilee Awards Finalists

2012-01-10T11:47:00.001-06:00

The first rounds of votes have been counted and these are your finalists for the Chicago Black Music Awards - Gospel Jubilee Awards.

The awards program will be Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the Harold Washington Cultural Center Theater. Red Carpet begins with a VIP show at 6:00 p.m. and the awards begin at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets: $25.00 each. For tickets, call 708-407-0732.

(click on each image to enlarge)

Video: James Fortune & FIYA - "Still Able"

2012-01-09T15:40:00.000-06:00

"Still Able" is the single from the forthcoming James Fortune & FIYA CD Identity, available January 17, 2012 from Light Records/Entertainment One Music.

TBGB Pick of the Week: January 9, 2012

2012-01-09T15:17:00.001-06:00

“Just That Good (The Albertina Walker Tribute)”
Dorothy Norwood
Malaco 2012
http://www.malaco.com/

Caravan alumna Dorothy Norwood teams with Monica Lisa Stevenson and Bishop J.D. Means from Atlanta on a traditional-flavored tribute to the late Albertina Walker, whom the Storyteller refers to as “my best friend, my mentor.”

Rather than delivering a retrospective or weepy remembrance, Norwood and Company choose to deliver an optimistic song of thanksgiving for blessings received. To the fabled gospel “rocking chair” tempo, the group sings, “The worst is behind me now, and the best is yet to come.”

Dorothy Norwood will receive the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award during this year’s Stellar Awards weekend.

Karen Washington - "The Storm is Passing Over"

2012-01-08T12:05:00.000-06:00

Check out Bainbridge, Georgia's Karen Washington singing "The Storm is Passing Over" to an oh-so-smooth quartet backing.

Michael Martin - lifeStories vol. 1

2012-01-07T15:20:00.000-06:00

Michael Martin
lifeStories vol. 1
Remaining Days Music (2011)
www.remainingdaysmusic.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

“This is the soundtrack for your life” is a tagline for Pastor Michael Steven Martin’s music. It’s certainly an apt tagline for his lifeStories vol. 1, an EP of vignettes reflecting on the drama of daily living.

Pastor Martin is a singer-songwriter who vocalizes in a smooth, confident soul style, his baritone warm and resonant, like Lou Rawls without the come-hither wink. Martin co-wrote the six selections on lifeStories vol. 1. Five of the six are songs and one, “Called into Community,” is a gentle altar call via thoughtful instruction about the role of a believing community.

The song-vignettes, all delivered from a Christian viewpoint, are delicate and introspective. Melodically they have more in common with soft pop and quiet storm R&B, while the lyrics sound pulled from personal letters, diary entries, or ad lib prayer conversations. All the songs on the EP are well-produced and well-rendered, and benefit from steady musicianship and superb piano work by Clarence Allen.

“Calling,” the opening track and current single, articulates in a mild-mannered though slightly-hypnotic pop melody the decision to leave the past behind and follow Jesus. The finest track on the set, “It’s Wonderful,” is a well-written and heartfelt love ballad from a husband to a wife after years of marriage. “Yes I Do Believe,” with its evocation of the goodness of life after salvation, has a rhythmic touch.

lifeStories vol. 1 is the first in what appears to be a planned series of at least one more lifeStories project and a lifeJourneys CD. It is a pleasant listen, something to absorb after Sunday service or in the quiet of a stormy day.

Three of Five Stars

Picks: “It’s Wonderful,” “Calling.”

Drew - I Surrender

2012-01-05T16:13:00.000-06:00

Drew
I Surrender
Drew Music Publishing (2010)
http://www.facebook.com/DrewBaxter.NIP

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

On I Surrender, singer-songwriter Drew Baxter of Orlando, Florida is supported by a quintessentially East Coast-sounding praise and worship ensemble called New Inspiration of Praise.

There’s nothing subtle about Drew and New Inspiration of Praise, from their energetic singing to the hard-charging musicianship supporting them. The opening track, “This is Your Time,” is as characteristic of the album’s offerings as is “We Come to Magnify” with its thumping beat. While most of the selections are not individually distinctive, the sum total of the eleven tracks evokes the extroverted, self-confident worship experience one expects from artists such as JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise and James Fortune and FIYA.

Not all of the tracks are sonically energetic. Fans of Shekinah Glory Ministry will enjoy the atmospheric and meditative “You Alone,” and William McDowell enthusiasts will find the hypnotic title track a distant cousin to “I Give Myself Away.” In many respects, the best songs on Drew’s project are the unhurried ones because they are more pointed than effusive.

Regardless of the tempo and in a gravelly and often indistinct voice, Drew directs New Inspiration of Praise on I Surrender to ever loftier levels of worship and ever stronger commitments to discipleship. The group revels in performances such as “Victory,” I Surrender’s finest moment, as a pulsating middle-eastern musical vibe serves as driver and backbone. Much credit is due to the album’s producer H. “Buddy” Lakins and co-producer Apostle Robbie Baxter, who assemble a cadre of aggressive musicians, including real brass, without detonating the final product into a swirl of distorted diffusion.

I Surrender is a collection of performances by a sincere group of singers who want their exhortations of praise heard above the world’s din.

Three of Five Stars

Picks: “We Come to Magnify,” “Victory.”

Chicago Gospel History Exhibit at DuSable Museum

2012-01-05T10:19:00.000-06:00

A Chicago Tribune photo gallery takes you to the DuSable Museum's new exhibit, "Spread the Word: The Evolution of Gospel from Chicago to the World." The exhibit runs through May 20.

Check out the photo gallery here: DuSable Museum.

For more information, visit http://www.dusablemuseum.org/.

Vincent Tharpe and Kenosis - Live in Memphis

2012-01-04T21:22:00.000-06:00

Vincent Tharpe and Kenosis
Live in Memphis
One Voice Media
www.facebook.com/pages/Vincent-Tharpe-and-Kenosis/137387076492

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Memphis-based Vincent Tharpe and Kenosis was formed from a high school gospel choir and brings that same youthful spunk to its current iteration as a P&W choir-ensemble.

On Live in Memphis, the group’s ministry runs on high-octane, offering healthy doses of optimism, thanksgiving, encouragement and prayers for heavenly guidance on living like Jesus lived. As is the case with many P&W groups, the musical ambience Kenosis creates – heavy bass, rhythm and full-throated singing – is as significant as the message. In other words, while the lyrics are uncomplicated, the melody and arrangements are anything but.

Tharpe’s high, pleading lead tenor is not unlike that of VaShawn Mitchell and Todd Dulaney. He wrote or co-wrote the material for the album and, in an industry bursting at the seams with male-led ensembles, songwriting is what distinguishes the best of the best. While most of Tharpe’s uptempo songs are conventional, two inspirational ballads, “Close to You” and “He Will,” are better indicators of his capabilities as a songwriter. “He Will” is a song of encouragement during troubled times on which Tharpe duets with award-winning gospel vocalist Benita Washington. “Close to You” is a slightly rhythmic outing with lyrics about developing an intimacy with Jesus.

“He Keeps Blessing” is a double-time handclapper that in many respects would have served as a wonderful opening track because it is different and at the same time demonstrates the group’s boiling-over enthusiasm. “Thank You Lord,” the group’s single and the song they performed recently on the Bobby Jones Gospel television program, is a praise piece with a chugging, spirited rhythm and Kenosis at full vocal throttle.

Vincent Tharpe and Kenosis’ Live in Memphis will be especially welcomed by fans of Youthful Praise, VaShawn Mitchell, James Fortune and other new generation worshippers.

Three of Five Stars

Picks: “He Will,” Thank You Lord.”

TBGB's Best of Gospel CDs and Singles for 2011

2012-01-03T10:36:00.001-06:00

Here are TBGB's lists of gospel's best for 2011: CDs, Song Recordings, and Historic Reissue.

The lists are not necessarily based on chart ranking, sales or radio/Internet play but simply what TBGB felt were the best quality recorded performances of the hundreds of projects it reviewed during 2011.

Best CD of 2011:

The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson – Le’Andria Johnson (Music World Gospel)

I've always been a radio guy and too busy to watch much television. When I do, it's the Weather Channel, CNN and TCM classic movies, so I missed Le'Andria's performances on BET's Sunday Best. Hearing her for the first time on her debut CD, I was speechless and immediately thought that with the right career direction, she could become gospel's Next Big Thing.

The Rest of the Best (in alphabetical order):

Angel & Chanelle – Trin-i-tee 5:7 (Music World Gospel)

The Gospel Music Celebration, Pt. 2: Tribute to Bishop G.E. Patterson – Various Artists (TYMO Gospel Music)

Hello Fear – Kirk Franklin (Verity)

It’s My Time (New Traditional Thump) – The Nevels Sisters (Squeekey Entertainment/MoLife Entertainment)

Perfect Peace – Gillian Grannum Project (Rain Down Melodies)

Promises – Richard Smallwood with Vision (Verity)

Sounds of Blackness – Sounds of Blackness (Malaco)

…Then Sings My Soul – Mississippi Mass Choir (Malaco)

YRM (Your Righteous Mind) – Donald Lawrence & Co. (Quietwater/Verity)

Pastor David Wright Presents the Rev. Timothy Wright Memorial Choir: The Legacy Continues (independent)

Best Recorded Song of 2011:

“Trust Me” – Richard Smallwood with Vision (Verity)

If this were a yearbook, I'd write that Richard Smallwood's "Trust Me" is Most Likely to Become a Church Standard. It may already have.

The Rest of the Best (in alphabetical order):

“Blow Me Away” – Psalmist Doris Stokes (independent)

“Completely Amazed” – Marvalinn (Marvalous Music)

“Hold On” – Monica Lisa Stevenson (Monicaz Music)

“I Smile” – Kirk Franklin (Verity)

“I Want To Be Loved” – The Sounds of Living Water feat. Toyana Holloway (NSeason Records/Royalton Records)

“Medicine for Someone Else” – Ruben Studdard (MCG)

“Miracles on the Sea” – Macey J. Wright (Wrightway Ministries)

“Simply Amazing” – Todd Dulaney feat. Michelle Williams (Todd Dulaney Ministries)

“Yet Love” – Luther Barnes & Sunset Jubilaires (AIR Gospel)

“Your Love” – Angie Hall feat. Vicki Farrie (Angie Hall Music)

Best Historic Compilation of 2011:

This May Be My Last Time Singing: Raw African-American Gospel on 45 RPM 1957-1982 – Various Artists (Tompkins Square 2011)

Mike McGonigal's latest triple-disc collection celebrates gospel music at the edge: mostly independently-produced selections and mostly local or regional groups who sing and play as if they have nothing to lose and Glory to gain.

Listen to samples of the lists on a special TBGB Music Hour this week!
Here is the playlist:

1. “Hold On” – Monica Lisa Stevenson

2. “Blow Me Away” – Psalmist Doris Stokes

3. “I Smile” – Kirk Franklin

4. “Yet Love” – Luther Barnes & Sunset Jubilaires (AIR Gospel)

5. Simply Amazing” – Todd Dulaney feat. Michelle Williams

6. “Medicine for Someone Else” – Ruben Studdard

7. “I Want To Be Loved” – The Sounds of Living Water feat. Toyana Holloway

8. “Your Love” – Angie Hall feat. Vicki Farrie

9. “Completely Amazed” – Marvalinn

10. “Miracles on the Sea” – Macey J. Wright

11. “Jesus” – Le’Andria Johnson

12. “Trust Me” – Richard Smallwood with Vision

The March on Washington - Now an Opera

2012-01-03T09:57:00.000-06:00

Admittedly the new year is only three days old, but this is still the greatest idea I've heard all year: an opera about the historic August 1963 March on Washington, starring African American opera singers.

Check out http://www.civilrightsopera.com/ for more information.

TBGB Pick of the Week: January 2, 2012

2012-01-02T13:02:00.000-06:00

“Hannah’s Song”

Bettie Murphy Draper

From the Faith Walker Records CD Making Me Over (2011)
http://www.taxi.com/faithwalker

Vicksburg, Mississippi’s Bettie Murphy Draper delivers “Hannah’s Song” as a traditional gospel blues. While the lyrics are gospel, the musical emphasis is definitely electric blues, complete with three line verses, stinging guitar licks and strutting bass and drums. Her shouting vocals evocative of a Memphis street-corner blues singer, Draper tells the story of Hannah, who was without child until Samuel was born.

“Dry your weeping eyes,” Draper sings, “your blessing’s on the way.” In so doing, she infers to the listener that if Hannah’s request was granted, so can yours be. Can I get an amen?

"Everything" - Kezia Alford

2012-01-01T17:31:00.000-06:00

“Everything”
Kezia Alford
From the CD Proverbs 31 (2011)
http://www.keziaalford.com/

To a light jazz piano combo, Greenville, Mississippi native Kezia Alford pulls on her life experience to assure us, in a smoky delivery, that “everything’s going to be all right.”

Born premature, baby Kezia was near death, but the Lord had other plans for her. Now a wife and mother, she shifts from nonchalant to passionate in exhorting the listener to “put your trust in God tonight.”

While “Everything” is the lead single from Alford’s CD, “Forever and Always” is an even stronger selection. Here, Alford’s smoky voice is lifted in praise as she delivers a memorable chorus and gets caught up in an evangelistic moment by the conclusion.

Ref. Stef and Jubilation - Just Like Sunday Mornin'!

2011-12-31T17:43:00.000-06:00

Rev. Stef and Jubilation
Just Like Sunday Mornin’!
http://www.jubilationinc.com/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Rev. Stefanie Minatee and Jubilation have been around for a while but they earned national recognition in 2010 backing Queen Latifah on the title track of EMI Gospel’s Grammy-winning Oh Happy Day: All Star Music Celebration.

The ensemble is back with Just Like Sunday Mornin’! The CD highlights what Sunday Morning sounds like in the wooden churches on the hill, in the storefronts, and on the corner; and in the churches with stadium-like seating and foyers as big as a hotel’s.

While the style of songs varies, the constants are the group’s big, brassy sound, their commitment to push every performance to its limit, and the lyrical content of the selections, which favors the meaty and time-honored themes of encouragement, determination and redemption over vertical praise and worship.

“The Blood,” the current single and opening selection, is the familiar congregational song sung with gusto. It is followed by the hair-raising “Lord, You’re Worthy,” an old-school contemporary gospel ballad rendered soulfully by Rev. Stef.

Songs run the gamut of urban R&B (“Cover Me,” “He’s Alright” and “No Fear”) and the bluesy evangelistic and semi-autobiographical reading of A. Jeffrey LaValley's “Still Standing” (the album's first single) to the epic ‘80s choral sound of “Hold to His Hand.” “Keep On Believing” evokes the essence of Kirk Franklin’s “Why We Sing.” The lovely voice of Nancey Jackson-Johnson can be heard on “He’s Everything to Me.”

Just Like Sunday Mornin’! is crisply produced by Rev. Stef. A First Baptist Church of Nutley, New Jersey alumna, Rev. Stef follows in the footsteps of her famous producer uncle, the late Rev. Lawrence Roberts. The album is an indie release, but it belongs on a major label.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “The Blood,” “Lord, You’re Worthy.”

Gospel Fest back in 2012 - Chicago Sun-Times

2011-12-30T09:40:00.002-06:00

Chicago's storied Gospel Fest will return to normal size in 2012. See the story below.

Gospel Fest back in 2012 - Chicago Sun-Times

The story notes Pilgrim Baptist Church as the birthplace of gospel music in Chicago. That is a common misconception because Thomas A. Dorsey was the gospel chorus director and music minister at Pilgrim for decades. It was also the first church host of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. Dorsey and Theodore Frye's first gospel choir was actually formed at Ebenezer Baptist Church at 45th and Vincennes in January 1932.

Of course, like any music genre, there is no one "ground zero" of development. Gospel music as we know it today was in gestation throughout the 1920s in the city's Pentecostal, Holiness and Spiritual churches.

Spring Into Praise Mass Choir - Under His Wings

2011-12-29T10:25:00.000-06:00

Spring Into Praise Mass Choir

Under His Wings

Spring Into Praise Publishing (2010)

http://www.springintopraise.org/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

When you think of denominations that front big, robust gospel choirs, the Seventh-day Adventist Church isn't the first to come to mind.

But make no mistake: the SDAs show that they have as much gospel energy as their Baptist, Spiritual and Pentecostal counterparts on Under His Wings, the first national all SDA live audio and video recording.

The event took place in July 2010 during the 59th General Conference Session of Seventh-day Adventists. The special music conference at which this recording was made sounds like a National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses for the SDA Church.

The first half of the CD features the 300-voice Spring Into Praise mass choir, comprised of members from five different states. The second half showcases individual SDA church choirs that any pastor would be happy to have seated behind him.

Under His Wings features compositions from the pens of a variety of writers and just as many lead vocalists to deliver them. While the strength of the lead vocalists vary, the choirs are uniformly thunderous, energetic, and spirited. Two notable lead vocalists are Stellar Award nominee Lamar Campbell, who drives the current single, “I Command My Soul;” and LoLo Harris on “Trust in the Lord.”

Spring Into Praise’s “Two Steps” is an old-fashioned handclapper, a style that the Lake Region Mass Choir replicates on its aisle-walker, “Coming Again.” One of the most interesting moments on the CD, however, is the title track. Written by Stephen Manders and sung by Grace Dorsey-Landy, this classically-based hymn finds Ms. Dorsey-Landy transitioning from chesty voiced vibrato to operatic soprano. The piece sounds rooted firmly in the SDA music tradition.

Regardless of the songs, the soloists, and the styles of music, one thing is certain: Under His Wings is buoyed by the energy and enthusiasm of the choristers and congregants who had the privilege of being part of this live recording.

Minister Bruce Seawood is Director and Executive Producer. He was assisted by producers Dr. Wayne Bucknor and Kelvin Wooten and Music Director Dr. G. Ian Fisher-Curley. Atlanta Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church and Senior Pastor Dr. Carlton P. Byrd hosted the Conference.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “I Command My Soul,” “Two Steps.”

New Group of Blind Boys Forming

2011-12-28T22:20:00.000-06:00

Rev. Joe Williams (Sons of the Birds, Dixie Hummingbirds) informed TBGB today that legendary quartet lead singers Clarence Fountain and Roscoe Robinson are interested in forming a new group of Blind Boys.

They are specifically looking for two blind vocalists "who can really sing" to fill out the group.

Know someone who fits the bill? Are they interested in being part of history in the making? Call Rev. Joe Williams at 215/848-2972 for more information.

TBGB Pick of the Week: December 26, 2011

2011-12-26T22:53:00.000-06:00

“Journey to Salvation”

Operation Faith, feat. Rev. Harold and VANN Johnson

Rev. Harold and VANN Johnson make “Journey to Salvation,” a tender and understated contemporary praise ballad, sound like a lost recording by Rev. Al Green and Gladys Knight.

The couple’s lovely duet – complete with parenthetical moans candied in southern soul – is given an equally understated musical backdrop.

Both singers are accomplished artists. VANN Johnson may be best known for singing “Home” for the television mini-series The Jacksons: An American Dream. In addition to singing and ministering at Praise Assembly Christian Church, a church he founded, Rev. Harold T. Johnson, Sr. is a producer, writer, arranger and keyboardist, frequently contributing compositions to television and film projects.

Eleventh Annual "Gospel Memories" Christmas Gospel Caravan

2011-12-25T16:58:00.000-06:00

Listen to the Eleventh Annual "Gospel Memories" Christmas Gospel Caravan that aired yesterday. One hour of vintage gospel holiday classics from artists such as Mahalia Jackson, Angelic Gospel Singers, Harmonizing Four, Pilgrim Travelers, and many more!

Click here to stream the show: Gospel Memories.

Amber Bullock - Thank You

2011-12-24T16:51:00.000-06:00

Amber Bullock
Thank You
Music World Gospel (2011)
www.musicworldgospel.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Amber Bullock is the latest gospel chanteuse to earn top accolades on BET’s popular Sunday Best, taking home the crown during Season Four.

Bullock's debut CD, Thank You, is a seven-track EP with a smart song selection and diverse arrangements to showcase her singing. The current single and title track is a spunky reworking of the Walter Hawkins classic and the album’s finest moment, although a close second is “For Every Mountain.” The Kurt Carr ode to thanksgiving teams Bullock with a small brush-on-snare jazz combo. Bullock sings with such intimacy that the song sounds quasi-autobiographical.

Another high point is Bullock’s rendering of Chris Tomlin’s iconic P&W anthem “How Great is Our God,” which she gives a far more gospel workover than most artists do.

The 80s-style beat supporting “If It Had Not Been for the Lord” seemed somewhat heavy-handed. Similarly, the Brazilian jazz accompaniment to “A City Called Heaven” is clever but mismatched. On the other hand, Richard Smallwood’s “Secret Place” and J. Moss’s “We Must Praise” are ideal binders for Bullock’s vocal arsenal of colorful and well-placed runs and trills.

Overall, Thank You declares that Amber Bullock is an artist with plenty of promise. My wish for her, and for her labelmate Le’Andria Johnson, is that they will be able to get beyond the initial novelty of being Sunday Best winners and go on to develop successful careers in their own right. They both have the chops for it.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “Thank You,” “For Every Mountain.”

Sister Emily Harris of Bobby Jones and New Life Dies

2011-12-23T20:17:00.002-06:00

Jordan K. Phillips informed TBGB that Sister Emily Harris, a member of Bobby Jones and New Life and of the Nashville Super Choir, died this morning.

Homegoing services will be held at Cathedral of Praise COGIC
4300 Clarksville Pike Nashville TN 37218

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 7 PM
Industry Musical

Thursday, December 29th, 2011 11 AM
Homegoing Celebration

Officiated by her Pastor, Bishop Jerry Maynard

Broady Funeral Home

Cards and Condolences can be sent to the Church in care of her sister Marva Starks

Meanwhile, let us keep Sister Harris' family in prayer during what will undoubtedly be a difficult Holiday Season.

Read more here: Sister Emily Harris

Photo Credit: Tonya Osborne Photography

Genita Pugh - My Purpose

2011-12-22T17:58:00.000-06:00

Genita Pugh
My Purpose
Eternity Records Company (2011)
www.genitapugh.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Pastor Genita Pugh of Laurel, Mississippi is making waves in the gospel community with her newest release, My Purpose. As of this writing, the album, released by Eternity Records Company, is gracing the top twenty of Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums.

Although I found Pugh’s 2010 single “Holy to the Lamb” more to my taste for its fiery, pulse-pounding intensity, My Purpose is an admittedly pleasant listen, a different kind of experience, more like pulling on a familiar pair of comfortable jeans than putting on shouting shoes. Pugh’s voice is warm and calming, a blend of pop, gospel and R&B. It washes over you with cleansing power, even on the album’s up-tempo churchy numbers such as “All the Ways of You.”

The current single, “Can’t Live,” is a gospelization of R. Kelly’s “Can’t Sleep.” As a simple, quiet worship ballad, “Can’t Live” sets the mood for the album, which has many simple and understated worship ballads to offer. “Open My Eyes,” for example, finds Pugh weaving her legato vocals in a similar manner to “Can’t Live.” A bonus instrumental track of “Open My Eyes” seems to telegraph that it is slated to be a single.

“All for Love” is a smooth R&B-style ballad that teams Pugh with the effective singer Tionne Williams, and “In the Presence of the Lord” has a slowly-simmering intensity that brings congregations to their feet, arms waving.

It would have been helpful to include in the CD booklet a listing of the musicians and their respective instruments, because the pianist on “I Love You” did an exceptionally marvelous job, but I have no idea who it is. Nevertheless, My Purpose is produced with panache by James Roberson (JDI Records). He establishes the proper mood for Pastor Pugh to express her gentle and direct emotions.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “Can’t Live,” “In the Presence of the Lord.”

"Joy to the World" - Lenear Royalty (featuring LANISE)

2011-12-20T20:43:00.002-06:00

“Joy to the World”
Lenear Royalty (Featuring LANISE)
From the CD It’s Christ Time
www.facebook.com/pages/Lenear-Royalty/115195695184211

Lenear Royalty’s daughter LANISE refashions the Christmas classic into a bouncy, rhythmic worship song that moves with the steady and urgent insistence of a television news program theme. The beat is at once airy and solid, like LANISE’s voice, and catchy in a shoulder-shaking way. A fine recorded debut for the young Chicagoan.

Check out the video:

Joyce Spencer - Sweet Dreams

2011-12-19T13:47:00.000-06:00

Joyce Spencer
Sweet Dreams
HIM Records (2010)
www.HIMRP.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Joyce Spencer has sax appeal.

Undaunted by the insufficient music training available in the small town where she grew up, Spencer learned clarinet, flute, and tenor and alto sax, and emerged with a degree from McNeese State University in instrumental music education. Roughly twenty years later, Spencer recorded her first solo album, Sweet Dreams.

On Sweet Dreams, the sacred/gospel jazz saxophonist and flutist from Texas puts heart and soul into the mouthpiece. Throughout the project, she plays with fire and passion, at turns punchy (“Keep It Simple”), keening (“Sweet Dreams”), snarly (“Lion’s Den”) and sweetly lyrical (“Your Voice”).

Spencer sets her sax aside to sing on a few tracks, too, most notably “You Touched My Life (The Family Song),” on which she sees God in the memories of, and connections with, family and other loved ones. For “Thank You,” which concludes the album and is arguably its finest selection, Spencer offers a simple but memorable melody to accompany her prayer of simple gratitude for blessings received.

Her vocals aren’t as commanding on “Fall Afresh,” though this composition – she wrote all the material for the album – has loads of potential in its fine melody and traditional evocation of water/rain as a source for healing.

The musicians accompanying Spencer on Sweet Dreams are sufficiently skilled, especially the pianist H. Tyrone Walls, and the lady even plays the flute, but it’s her sax that captivates.

While the CD is grounded in smooth gospel jazz, Spencer’s aggressive and imaginative style will also please classic jazz enthusiasts.

Three of Five Stars

Pick: “Thank You”

Le'Andria Johnson - Christmas Best

2011-12-17T16:54:00.000-06:00

Le’Andria Johnson
Christmas Best
Music World Gospel (2011)
www.musicworldgospel.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Capitalizing on the wave of interest in BET Sunday Best champ Le’Andria Johnson and the success of her debut EP, Music World Gospel has released her Christmas EP, Christmas Best.

While her debut, The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson, is jaw-dropping extraordinary, Christmas Best only has its moments. Most of the six traditional holiday songs feel one iteration shy of a final take. Johnson seems still at the experimental stage, determining where to place the blue notes and where to inject flights of improvisation. Likely the pressure to have something ready for the holidays preempted the capable production team from tying down the loose ends.

For example, “Silent Night” sounds pitched two steps too high, pushing Johnson and her duet partner, Season 4 Sunday Best winner Amber Bullock, into the stratosphere to reach for the high notes. Ditto for “O Holy Night,” where some of the high notes are out of reach altogether, though overall Johnson does an admirable job on this carol. "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" shifts jarringly from a relaxed to a bouncy tempo when sticking with one speed would have been better.

The best put-together track is “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman,” produced and arranged by Sounds of Blackness’ Jamecia Bennett. Johnson is at ease and so are the musicians as they tail off into a superb jazz jam session.

Despite its shortcomings, Christmas Best is further proof that with the right training and position, Le'Andria Johnson stands to become gospel’s next superstar.

Three of Five Stars

Picks: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman.”

"I Tried Jesus" - The Jackson Sisters

2011-12-16T13:05:00.000-06:00

“I Tried Jesus”
The Jackson Sisters
From the Four Winds CD I Tried Jesus (2011)
http://www.malaco.com/

On “I Tried Jesus,” the Anointed Jackson Sisters of Goldsboro, North Carolina offer a hard-shouting, altar-pacing, floor-pounding traditional ode to the power of Jesus in their lives.

The live performance from a program in Rocky Mount, North Carolina features an extended vamp and several false endings during which the female quartet chants “Jesus” as the lead exhorts to breathlessness. Sweat-inducing.

The sisters, whose church home is Gospel Light Temple Apostolic Church, are Barbara, Carl, Maria, Pam, Catharina, Doris, and cousin Catrina. Those who enjoy the Anointed Pace Sisters will most certainly enjoy the Anointed Jackson Sisters.

The Nevels Sisters - It's My Time (New Traditional Thump)

2011-12-15T21:02:00.000-06:00

The Nevels Sisters
It’s My Time (New Traditional Thump)
Squeekey Entertainment/MoLife Entertainment (2011)
www.thenevelssisters.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

The Nevels Sisters – April, Debra, Gail and Veneice – have what it takes to be the new Clark Sisters. Individually and collectively talented and adorned with style, the sisters sparkle on their major label debut, It’s My Time.

They announce at the outset of the album that their particular brand of gospel music “is old school but new school,” and that the “new traditional thump” is, among other things, a rhythmic “kick.” Before the listener can become quizzical about what they mean exactly, here comes the kick: an electrified, sanctified backbeat that the Nevels introduce on the opening and title track. Crackling with Trin-i-tee 5:7 pulse-pounding energy and yet grounded in gospel-fied tight harmonies, “It’s My Time” is one of the album’s best selections.

What’s especially gratifying about the album is that the Nevels Sisters aren’t kidding. They skillfully blend the traditional and the contemporary to gratify both camps. For example, “God Please Do It Again” benefits not only from a traditional vibe but also thought-provoking lyrics about how blessings previously bestowed are needed once again to help a new generation of young women suffering from the same malady: low self-esteem. “Beautiful,” a Nevels Sisters single released a couple of years ago, traverses the same thematic territory. It's an updated, hipper version of God made me; God doesn't make junk.

Another fine selection is “Power in the Blood,” with J Moss as narrator James Cleveland to the Nevels’ antiphonal Caravans. It is a very lovely and lovingly arranged gospel hymn that demonstrates the Nevels Sisters and J Moss’ capacity to shift back and forth between contemporary and traditional without appearing as if they are doing so. Such flexibility bodes well for career longevity.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have Vicki Mack Lataillade as executive producer. She was the one who introduced the world to Kirk Franklin and she is now introducing the world to the Nevels Sisters. It's their time.

Five of Five Stars

Picks: “It’s My Time,” “Power in the Blood.”

A Life's Work Blog Features TBGB's Top Ten Gospel Recordings of All Time

2011-12-14T13:13:00.000-06:00

Special thanks to documentarian and filmmaker David Licata of A Life's Work for featuring my top ten favorite gospel recordings of all time.

Check it out here: A Life's Work Blog

At right: TBGB's Bob Marovich hosting "Gospel Memories" at WLUW FM in Chicago. Photo credit - Laurel Delaney.

"Thank You" - Amber Bullock

2011-12-13T20:46:00.000-06:00

“Thank You”
Amber Bullock
From the Music World Gospel EP Thank You (2011)
http://www.musicworldgospel.com/

BET’s Sunday Best Season Four champ Amber Bullock "Amberizes" this Walter Hawkins selection, making it her first single and the title of her debut CD, released last week.

To a punchy arrangement with thumping bass and vigorous background vocalists, Bullock surveys the day's social problems from the “there but for the grace of God go I” point of view. She thanks the Lord “for all you’ve done for me,” and given what she's gone through this year, it’s a testimony-packed statement.

“Thank You” is a fine but not overdone showcase for Bullock’s gospel runs and trills. The soulful musicians bathe the single in just the right combination of contemporary and R&B. Produced by Eric Dawkins for E Flat Entertainment.

TBGB's Bob Marovich on Tanya Dallas-Lewis's "The Music Box" Dec. 15

2011-12-13T16:43:00.000-06:00

TBGB Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bob Marovich will be on The Music Box with Stellar Award-nominee Tanya Dallas-Lewis this Thursday, December 15 at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Check the program out at www.blogtalkradio.com/the-music-box or listen from your phone: 646-652-2106.

The Quebec Celebration Gospel Choir - Noel Divin

2011-12-12T21:26:00.000-06:00

The Quebec Celebration Gospel Choir
Noel Divin (2011)
http://www.gospelcelebration.qc.ca/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

The inter-cultural Quebec Celebration Gospel Choir sounds ready-made to sing Christmas songs.

The group’s new album, Noel Divin, proves that it’s so.

If you have not heard the Quebec Celebration Gospel Choir (Le Choeur Gospel Celebration), it has a hall-filling energy and depth similar to the Oslo Gospel Choir or the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, complete with Hawkins-style contemporary gospel arrangements delivered with delicately lush orchestration.

The dozen songs and carols on Noel Divin are sung in French and English. While the group’s harmonies and contrapuntal singing demonstrate tight discipline and sophistication, the brightness of their tone brings earthy comfort and joy. Michael McElroy, Buryl Red and the extraordinary Joseph Joubert arranged the selections, which include a subtly rhythmic pop treatment of the French version of “O Holy Night” (“Minuit, Chretiens”), full-bodied and acoustic gospelized versions of “Away in a Manger” (I prefer the acoustic), and a soulful “Joy to the World.” The classic “Go Tell it on the Mountain” gets a suitably boisterous reading.

“Noel, Noel” includes vocal crescendos akin to a Richard Smallwood work, though it just missed perfection by not including one hair-raising one at the conclusion. The passionately hushed “Venez Divin Messie” also demonstrates fealty to Smallwood in its dramatic flourishes.

The soloists are strong, with the group’s founder, soprano Fernande Angers, sounding brilliant on “Ave Maria.” The musicians are top-quality, and Marie-Josee Pelletier, the choir’s most able directress, makes the choir sound merry as Christmas. Noel!

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “Joy to the World,” “Noel, Noel.”

TBGB Pick of the Week: December 12, 2011

2011-12-12T15:32:00.000-06:00

“God is With Us”
Carrol Hall
From the CD Songs that Sing You to Silence (2011)
Email contact: hallc333@yahoo.com.au

South African-born singer-songwriter Carrol Hall immigrated with her family to Perth, Western Australia in the 1980s to escape the oppressive apartheid government. Since the fall of apartheid, Hall has returned time and again to minister in her native Durban, and that is where she records “God is With Us.”

Sung in English and Zulu, “God is With Us” is a subtle call to stop, listen and hear God in the surrounding silence. Eschewing the well-trodden formula of praise and worship for what sounds like the haunting balladry of Cesaria Evora, Hall plays acoustic guitar and sings with lovely understatement, the proverbial violet half hidden from view. The single is among the most distinctive sacred recordings TBGB has heard this year.

Carrol Hall is no stranger to recording. She, her sister Michelle Hall and friend Danellia Daniels collaborated in 1995 with the Perth-based NewSong Christian Community Choir on an independent project called He’ll Make a Way for You.

The new CD, Songs that Sing You to Silence, includes Carrol, Danellia and a host of other musicians, and the release event will take place Saturday, December 17.

Shree Newman-Isabell - Life of a Worshipper

2011-12-11T15:42:00.000-06:00

Shree Newman-Isabell
Life of a Worshipper (2011)
http://www.shreeisabell.com/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Recorded live at the Gallatin Campus of Long Hollow Baptist Church, Life of a Worshipper is the debut CD for singer-songwriter Shree Newman-Isabell, the Tennessee native known as Nashville’s “best kept secret.”

The first few songs on the album are decent and well-rendered but ultimately undistinguished. The album springs to life when Shree starts “I’ll Always Worship,” a contemporary gospel ballad with a lovely melody that becomes increasingly intense and emotional. Shree musters every ounce of her chesty alto to sing, “When your world is crumbling from the storm” and as she does, the floodgates open and her personal testimony pours out.

The singer’s trials, including divorce and home foreclosure, and her decision to look “past my pain,” raise the temperature of the recording and bleed into “Show Me Your Glory,” thus setting the tone for the remainder of the CD. It is now somewhat of a traditional revival as Shree assumes her pastoral role as Evangelist Isabell and delivers the messages behind the music. It’s also the first time the listener can hear the appreciative response from the live audience.

Shree moves on to sing “The Sweetest Sound” in that flatfooted gospel recitative style that has survived the decades, accompanied by the ornamentation of the B3, played with effervescence by Josh Thompson. The high spirit keeps on keeping on through “City Called Heaven,” an old-school bouncer and the album’s current single.

Shree Newman-Isabell’s mission to keep the churchy sound in gospel is successfully accomplished in the second half of Life of a Worshipper.

Three of Five Stars

Picks: “I’ll Always Worship,” “City Called Heaven.”

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - Melinda Watts

2011-12-09T23:16:00.000-06:00

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
Melinda Watts
Available on iTunes.com

Here’s a lovely Christmas offering from Melinda Watts, the Stellar and Dove Award-nominated gospel singer and winner of Gospel Music Channel’s Gospel Dream talent search. It’s her first new recording in more than two years.

Watts delivers a cozy reading of the Holiday chestnut, written originally for the MGM Musical Meet Me in St. Louis. One hundred percent of the proceeds from sales of this single, downloadable from iTunes, will benefit the singer’s Dream Girlz Gathering Foundation. The Foundation sponsors empowerment conferences to uplift, inspire, and teach girls ranging in age from 8-18.

Jessie B. Swindell of Swindell Brothers Died December 8

2011-12-09T16:16:00.000-06:00

Archie Swindell, Jr. informed TBGB today that Jessie B. Swindell of the famous Swindell Brothers quartet died of liver cancer December 8, 2011 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Bro. Jessie was the bass singer and manager of the Swindell Brothers from 1954 until the group disbanded in 1999.

We will post homegoing details as they become available. In the meantime, please join TBGB in expressing our sympathies to the extended Swindell Family on their loss.

Tallie Rogers - Try Jesus

2011-12-08T21:45:00.006-06:00

Tallie Rogers
Try Jesus
Overboard Records (2011)

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Tallie Rogers, sister of quartet singer Pastor Tim Rogers (of Tim Rogers and the Fellas), was recently introduced to a wider gospel audience on the power of her indie single, “Try Jesus.”

Try Jesus is the album from whence the single came and, like the namesake single, it packs a great deal of punch into a short period of time.

Try Jesus showcases Rogers’ raw-edged, no-holds-barred gospel singing and shouting. Her songs contain the simple messages, the balm for life’s scuffs and scrapes, that separate gospel from anthems and high-minded hymns. And as if Rogers needed any additional trad cred, the drummer on her album is Cleophus Robinson III.

Rogers and a few guest soloists hungrily tear the lids off most of the songs on the CD. "I'm Healed" is an emotion-drenched ballad that builds to such intensity that it nearly dissolves into a praise break at the end. A selection known simply as “Old School” is a medley of traditional gospel songs, namely “He’s Sweet I Know” and “Oh How I Love Jesus.” Appropriately, Rogers goes flatfoot on the medley, worrying the notes with plenty of melismatic drama to the accompaniment of music director Jesse Prather’s gospel blues piano.
"I Gotta Praise" is an uptempo church-wrecker in the same mode as "Try Jesus."

A soft spot on the CD is “Thank You for Your Love.” It features a trio of leads, Rogers included, but despite all the vocal power, the selection lacks the propulsive thrust of the album’s other selections. Also, Try Jesus would have been even stronger had it offered more than eight selections (one is an instrumental track).

Nevertheless, Try Jesus reminds us that churchy gospel singers are still out there, raising rafters. I hope Tallie Rogers does a live album. With her energy and voice behind it, the album would be a tent revival in a jewel case.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “Try Jesus,” “I Gotta Praise.”

Hart Ramsey - My Next Heartbeat

2011-12-07T10:33:00.000-06:00

Hart Ramsey
My Next Heartbeat
N-Coded Music (2011)
www.hartramseymusic.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

The popularity of jazz keyboardist Hart Ramsey’s debut CD, Charge It to My Heart, surprised even the artist himself, and undoubtedly played no small role in encouraging him to release another album, the appropriately-titled My Next Heartbeat.

Pastor Ramsey’s sophomore project finds him exploring similar smooth jazz territory in company with vigorous and highly-polished, studio-quality musicians. Vocalist Robert Moe’s easy Jeffrey Osborne tenor brightens the songs he leads on the album.

The inside jacket of the CD provides “motivational notes” to describe the songs, which is especially helpful for the all-instrumental pieces. A review of these notes suggests that Pastor Ramsey and his band are out to inspire listeners to take control of their lives with God’s help.

High points on the album are the vocal selections, notably “Cover Me,” a prayer for shelter from the storm (led by the talented Daniel Johnson with assists from Ramsey); and "The Commitment," which leaves the listener to decide whether the protagonist is a person or the Lord.

Enthusiasts of gospel jazz or smooth jazz will enjoy My Next Heartbeat for its laid-back groove and tight musicianship. Traditional gospel enthusiasts, on the other hand, will be perplexed if they have never heard gospel jazz before because, except in spirit, the music bears no resemblance whatsoever to what is generally considered gospel.

Still, Pastor Hart Ramsey’s musical ruminations make for pleasant listening, a cool soundtrack when it’s time to take your ease.

Three of Five Stars

Picks: “Cover Me,” “The Commitment.”

"I Command My Soul" - Spring Into Praise Mass Choir

2011-12-06T22:39:00.000-06:00

“I Command My Soul”
The Spring Into Praise Mass Choir
From the CD Under His Wings
http://www.springintopraise.org/

“Gospel music is alive and well in the Seventh-day Adventist Church,” exclaims National Gospel Announcers Guild chair Al “The Bishop” Hobbs.

He has a point. SDA is not a denomination well-known for gospel music, but the 300-voice Spring Into Praise Mass Choir is helping to change that.

“I Command My Soul” is the single from the group’s self-produced album, Under His Wings, recorded live at Morehouse College in Atlanta. The praise outing is a Lamar Campbell composition that Campbell himself leads with appropriate verve. The choir matches Campbell in vocal heft and is every bit as bouncy and energetic as any mass choir. It’s as if the group is summoning its collective force to blow down the walls of tradition.

The Spring Into Praise Mass Choir was organized by Bruce N. Seawood, minister of music at Atlanta Berean SDA Church, where Dr. Carlton P. Byrd is senior pastor.

TBGB Pick of the Week: December 5, 2011

2011-12-05T20:12:00.002-06:00

“Sanctified Mabel”

Rickie Byars Beckwith

From the CD Let My Soul Surrender: Grace Notes of a Journey

www.letmysoulsurrender.com

What most intrigues me about Rickie Byars Beckwith’s “Sanctified Mabel” is its Memphis soul mojo, Beckwith’s raw-edged vocals and her characterization of Sister Mabel, a product of another day and age. The singer describes Mabel and endeavors to live her life by What Would Mabel Do “because Mabel was sanctified.” Implicitly, she’s suggesting you do, too.

A tribute you could easily hear Mavis Staples singing in the 1970s. Rootsy as a rattlesnake moan.

Rickie Byars Beckwith is Music and Arts Director of the Agape International Spiritual Center in Culver City, California where she directs the world famous 200-voice Agape International Choir and House Band. Rickie and her husband, Michael Bernard Beckwith, founder of Agape, form a prodigious and powerful partnership that has produced a dynamic catalogue of original songs that evoke and support transformational healing through the power of music. “Sanctified Mabel” comes from Beckwith’s combination book and CD Let My Soul Surrender: Grace Notes of a Journey.

Here's the video:

Amber Bullock, Season Four Sunday Best Champ, is “Amberizing” Gospel

2011-12-05T14:03:00.000-06:00

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

They don’t call the gospel highway a rough road to travel for nothing.

Amber Bullock can attest to that. It hasn’t been an easy road for the Season Four champ of BET’s Sunday Best.

Originally from St. Louis, Bullock and her baby daughter Amya moved to Fort Worth, Texas in May 2010 to be with her mother. Then, this January, her mother, a government employee, received a promotion that required her to move to New Orleans.

Bullock didn’t want to follow her mother to the Crescent City because she had just started developing a network of music contacts in Texas and wanted to keep them going. She moved in with one of her mother’s friends and commuted 45 minutes to her job in Mesquite.

On January 10, on the way to work, Bullock was involved a car accident. She and Amya were not harmed but the car was totaled.

“Living in Texas, you have to have a car,” Bullock told TBGB last week via telephone from New York, where she was preparing to appear on television. “I went from being able to provide for my baby and getting her to the babysitter to not being able to do anything at all, because I couldn’t make that commute without a vehicle.”

Bullock left Amya with her daughter’s father and moved in with a co-worker so she could get to her job. “It was very, very hard,” Bullock recalled. “My co-worker has six children, so I had to sleep on the floor.”

For years, friends had been telling Bullock to audition for Sunday Best, but she never did. “I’m not a competition person,” she explained. “But when Sunday Best came around this time, I decided I didn’t have anything to lose. I asked God to change my way of thinking about it. Instead of a competition, I thought of it as a platform.”

Friends gave Bullock a ride to the audition, she participated and, in the end, became the winner.

TBGB asked Ms. Bullock about life since Sunday Best and about her new album, appropriately titled Thank You (Music World Gospel), available in stores December 6.

TBGB: Were you singing gospel before Sunday Best?

I have worked in gospel music as a background singer but never as a solo artist. Of course, I’ve sung solos before, but I never had to be out in front, doing the exhorting, doing the show, if you will. I never had to do that until Sunday Best.

I have always wanted to just sing. That’s all I have ever wanted to do. I’ve practiced my autograph so many times! I just couldn’t get my hands on that dream and make it work. Sunday Best is one of the best platforms for gospel music, and I’m very grateful for it.

TBGB: Kim Burrell was one of your musical mentors. How did she help you?

The greatest thing Miss Kim taught me while on the show was confidence. She has so much confidence and attitude when she sings. She gave me tips on how to show confidence when singing.

TBGB: Did you have a sense that you would win Sunday Best?

I never really had a sense that I would win. It was a huge surprise, because [runner-up] Andrea [Helms] is Sunday Best to me. She was excellent. I believe it could have gone either way. I said, ‘God, your will be done. Whether you kick me off the show right away or I stay on until the last, I will be satisfied.’ I had to give all of my problems and worries to God, and he fixed everything.

TBGB: What was it like recording Thank You?

It was great working with Eric Dawkins, who is a mastermind of all vocals. I’m not new to studio work at all, and it was fun, especially since it is ‘Amber Bullock’ now. It’s still amazing to me.

TBGB: What song on the new album resonates most with your spirit?

A song called “For Every Mountain.” It was written by Kurt Carr, and it’s anthem-style gospel, but we redid it. It’s totally jazz. While I’ve been out on Kirk Franklin’s Fearless Tour, which has been the most exciting month of my life, people are grabbing hold of that song and they love it.

TBGB: The album includes songs by Richard Smallwood and Walter Hawkins. Do you like traditional gospel, or are you drawn to more contemporary sounds?

The songs are traditional songs but they are 'Amberized!' There is a lot of gospel jazz infusion on there. I didn’t want to give people the same thing they heard on the show because they can go to YouTube or BET.com and listen to that for free.

TBGB: What does Amya think of her mother’s becoming a gospel singing star?

My two-year-old is one of the smartest kids breathing! She knows exactly what’s going on! When I leave to go out of town, she thinks I’m going to do Sunday Best. I actually got to bring her along on a couple of dates during the Fearless Tour, and she loved every moment of it. She really thinks it’s about her, not about me!

TBGB: If you could wish upon a star, what would you like to see happen in the coming years, as far as your singing career?

I want to be around in the next couple of years. So many gospel artists come out and then you don’t hear from them anymore. I want to have a career like Kirk Franklin, a career with longevity. I want to be effective. I want people to have something to look forward to when they put my CD in their CD player. I want to be in some movies, too!

TBGB: What should we know about Amber Bullock, the person, not the gospel singer?

I’m just a regular person and I’m one of the goofiest people alive! Coming from nothing to so much now, I don’t take anything for granted that’s come my way.

I’m still getting used to walking into a room and a hundred people know who you are...and you don’t know who any of them are! I always want to be reachable. So if you see me, come on up. Talk to me. I don’t mind taking pictures, either.

For more information on Amber Bullock, visit www.musicworldgospel.com.

"No Words" - Valerie Woodard

2011-12-04T21:00:00.000-06:00

“No Words”
Valerie Woodard
Whole Armor Recordings (2011)
(available on iTunes, CD Baby & her website)
www.ValerieWoodard.com

She can’t put it in words, but she must.

To a mesmerizing Middle Eastern-meets-R&B-meets-African-percussion arrangement, Valerie Woodard sings about how she can’t describe how much she loves the Lord. To acknowledge the contradiction, she launches into lovely melodic runs of wordless moans.

Woodard has a robust yet elastic voice well suited for contemporary gospel, though I’m sure she can belt out a hymn on request. You can feel Woodard’s controlled energy throughout “No Words.” She plans to release her sophomore album, Relationship II: Closer, in the early part of 2012.

Spirit 2 Spirit - "Jesus is the Reason 4 the Season"

2011-12-04T16:05:00.000-06:00

“Jesus is the Reason 4 the Season”
Spirit 2 Spirit
Tate Music Group (2011)
www.reverbnation.com/spirit2spirit

On their new Christmas song, Spirit 2 Spirit stays true to its mission of providing "message music" by reminding listeners that Jesus is not only the “reason 4 the season,” but is the reason for every day of the year.

The group delivers its message in its trademark part-funk, part-soul, all laid-back suavity, complete with a rap interlude.

Often dubbed “The Earth, Wind & Fire of Gospel,” Spirit 2 Spirit is led by two brothers, Michael and Denny Jenkins. They released an album, You Better Get Ready, earlier this year.

TBGB's Bob Marovich on the PCC Network Community Forum

2011-12-04T15:47:00.001-06:00

On the PCC Network Community Forum, Rev. Harold Bailey, formerly of the Harold Bailey Singers, talks with Bob Marovich of The Black Gospel Blog about Chicago gospel music history. Marovich is currently working on a history of the birth of gospel music in Chicago.

Watch the broadcast here: PCC Network Community Forum

Puchi Colon - Vertical Praise Live

2011-12-03T17:17:00.000-06:00

Puchi Colon
Vertical Praise Live
Jovi Music (2011)
www.puchicolon.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Gospel and praise and worship music are being embraced by more and more Latino churchgoers. Proof positive is the rising popularity of Latino artists such as Joann Rosario Condrey, Michelle Bonilla, Paulis Sanchez, Linda Agosto, and Puchi Colon.

Puchi Colon and his ensemble are the Miami Sound Machine of P&W. On their latest release, Vertical Praise Live, they demonstrate why. An aggressive brass section and a veritable orchestra of percussion instruments underlay Colon’s handsome baritone that, in its understatement, is ideal for the salsa style he makes his own. The lyrics are soothing, but the musica urges listeners to get up and dance in the spirit.

Vertical Praise Live was recorded on April 2, 2011 at Living Water Fellowship in Kissimmee, Florida, near Walt Disney World. But while people were riding the monorail in the Magic Kingdom, Colon was in the "casa del rey," singing songs in Spanish and English “con jubilo,” to borrow one of the song titles.

The musicians are studio-quality instrumentalists with plenty of passion in their playing. Especially effective is “Rey De Mi Vida” (“King of My Life”), on which the band turns up the intensity such that the conclusion becomes a praise jam session. This happens again on the closing piece, “Que No Pare,” which also benefits from a singable melody.

In between, Colon settles into a two-song acoustic “unplugged” section led by acoustic guitar a la Israel. Of the two unplugged songs, “All That I Need” is the finer of the two, although “We Wanna Worship” will likely be more familiar to Colon enthusiasts.

Vertical Praise Live is Puchi Colon’s best work to date because outside of being at the live performance, the best way to experience salsa P&W is a live recording. It is praise music that doesn’t just invite you to participate, it orders you to do so.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “Rey de mi Vida,” “Que no Pare.”

"Depending on You" - Terry Frazier and the Tears of Joy

2011-12-02T22:37:00.000-06:00

“Depending on You”
Terry Frazier and the Tears of Joy
From the self-titled Chit Chat Records EP
www.myspace.com/terryfrazierthetearsofjoy

Proudly old-school quartet Terry Frazier and the Tears of Joy from Hartsville, South Carolina is back with a new, self-titled EP.

The finest of the CD's four tracks, “Depending on You,” sounds like the group’s “B” selection: the singers fasten their seat belts and assume full drive tempo, propelled by a chugging backbeat, snarling guitar, whirling B3 and explosively sanctified lead singing.

A plea for divine assistance, “Depending on You” continues past the five minute mark and seems destined to keep on going until it is suddenly and surprisingly wrenched to a close, as if the plug was pulled.

Current personnel of the Tears of Joy are Terry Frazier, Wade Crowder, Kevin Poston, Darrick McClinton and James Tillm.

VaShawn Mitchell - Triumphant (Deluxe Edition)

2011-12-01T22:15:00.001-06:00

VaShawn Mitchell

Triumphant – Deluxe Edition CD + DVD

EMI Gospel (2011)

http://www.emigospel.com/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

TBGB has already praised VaShawn Mitchell’s triumphant album Triumphant, but here comes the Deluxe Edition: the original CD in its entirety plus two new songs, accompanied by a DVD and new cover art.

The 45-minute Deluxe Edition DVD consists mostly of the Chicago singer-songwriter and his background vocalists and soloists performing songs from Triumphant before a live audience (is there any other kind of audience?).

The DVD also includes the concept video for the album’s current hit, “Nobody Greater,” shot in New York City (what? not Chicago?) and concludes with an interview of Mitchell and a video of the “Chasing After You” contest winners Trey McLaughlin and the Sounds of Zamar performing “Chasing” like a train without brakes.

Bishop Larry Trotter of Sweet Holy Spirit, where VaShawn served as minister of music, makes an appearance and provides a sermonette as preamble to the song, “His Blood Still Works.”

What you see on the DVD is that Mitchell, a multiple 27th Annual Stellar Award nominee, doesn’t oversell. He’s more of a flatfooted than a frenetic gospel singer, his pleasant, gentlemanly demeanor and voice allowing the songs to speak for themselves. Numbers such as “Be Fruitful” and “His Blood Still Works” have the melodic and lyrical depth that characterizes the artist’s songwriting.

Look for more good things to come from VaShawn Mitchell.

CD: Five of Five Stars
DVD: Four of Five Stars

Gene Viale of the Cleveland Singers Dies

2011-11-30T23:43:00.000-06:00

Joseph Middleton of the Golden Era Gospel Blog just informed TBGB that Minister Gene Viale died.

Viale, from the Bay Area and of Puerto Rican descent, was a member of the Cleveland Singers during the 1960s. It's his voice leading "Heartaches" for the Cleveland Singers, a group he once referred to as "his life." Viale also toured with the Caravans, recorded solo albums for Checker and other labels, and wrote his memoirs in a book called I Remember Gospel and I Keep On Singing.

I had the very good fortune to interview Gene on "Gospel Memories" some years ago and enjoyed seeing him every year at the Gospel Music Workshop of America. He was a wonderful man who will be sadly missed by me and so many others.

Read more here: Gene Viale.

Lisa Burroughs Allen, Original Member of Richard Smallwood Singers, Dies

2011-11-30T18:31:00.002-06:00

Gregory Gay of GOSPELflava.com reports that Lisa Burroughs Allen, an original member of the Richard Smallwood Singers, passed away November 23 in Washington DC.

Here is a link to Gregory's article, which includes homegoing service information: Lisa Burroughs Allen

TBGB sends its sympathies to Ms. Allen's family, friends, and to Mr. Smallwood and the original Richard Smallwood Singers.

Services celebrating the life of Lisa Burroughs Allen are as follows:

~ HOMEGOING CELEBRATION ~
Friday, December 2, 2011 –
Viewing at 9:00 A.M., Celebration of Life at 10:00 A.M.
First United Church of Jesus Christ, Apostolic
7901 16th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20012

~ MUSICAL TRIBUTE ~
“Lisa Burroughs Allen: A Celebration In Song”
Saturday, December 3, 2011 - 6:00 P.M.
Union Temple Baptist Church
1225 W Street, S.E.
Washington, DC 20020

Guest Artists Include:
Ryan Vincent Ford & Ministry
Minister Stephen Hurd
Stephen Key & Company
Mike McCoy & Voices United
Minister Dennis Sawyers
Juan Sellars & Selah
The Richard Smallwood Singers
...AND MORE!!

Michael Boykin - "Stand Up"

2011-11-30T11:01:00.000-06:00

“Stand Up”
Michael Boykin
Versatile Music Group (2011)

“Stand Up” is a foot-tapping mid-tempo number from Michael Boykin of the Mighty Voices of Clinton, North Carolina. Boykin calls out the first line and receives the response of a high-harmony male group, possibly the Mighty Voices, though the vocal group is un-credited.

The traditional-style single grooves along with a trainload of blue notes, a strong backbeat and a biting vamp, all of which thrill quartet enthusiasts, especially in the south and southeast.

Boykin dedicates this single to quartet great, the late Rev. Howard “Slim” Hunt of the Supreme Angels.

Full Gospel Baptist Church's Bishop Odis Floyd Dies

2011-11-29T11:29:00.003-06:00

Gregory Gay of GOSPELflava.com reported that Bishop Odis Floyd, senior pastor of New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church of Flint, Michigan, went from labor to reward yesterday, Monday, November 28.

TBGB extends its sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bishop Floyd and the congregation of New Jerusalem.

Read the story here: Bishop Odis Floyd.

Photo Credit: GOSPELflava.com.

Live streaming of homegoing services at:
http://cwebtv.net/live-streaming-of-services/full-gospel-fellowship-mi.html

TBGB Pick of the Week: November 28, 2011

2011-11-28T18:12:00.000-06:00

“The Blood”

Rev. Stef & Jubilation

From the CD Just Like Sunday Mornin’

http://www.jubilationinc.com/

Rev. Stefanie Minatee & Jubilation promise to take us to church, and they do on “The Blood,” the first single from their brand new CD, Just Like Sunday Mornin’.

It’s not Andrae Crouch’s composition but the congregational song, “I Know it was the Blood” that any deacon worth his name badge and special seat in the church knows how to lead. The double-time rhythm is appropriately traditional, with instrumental interstitials between verses and a quartet-like vamp and lead trading at the end.

Says Rev. Minatee about “The Blood” and the new CD: “Black music, especially sacred music, is DIFFERENT. The moans, groans, squalls, cries, hollers, call and response, and other elements associated with Black music, especially Gospel music, are ALWAYS authentic! These sounds are still heard in many of our Churches on Sunday morning, and MUST remain alive in our music.”

And the presentation of "The Blood" has plenty of provenance. Rev. Minatee is related to the late Rev. Lawrence Roberts, who directed the Angelic Choir of Nutley, NJ. Roberts is the reason for all those wonderful Savoy LPs back in the day, including the legendary 1963 session with James Cleveland that produced "Peace Be Still."

HEIRess - Once Upon an Heiress Christmas

2011-11-27T20:00:00.000-06:00

HEIRess
Once Upon an Heiress Christmas (2010)
www.facebook.com/HeiressWorld

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Heard of HEIRess?

Whether you have or haven’t, this Washington, DC trio’s Christmas EP is a brief but blessed listening experience.

HEIRess is Kiyanna (Kiki) Rivers, Kalilia (Lili) Wilson, Mumen (Mookie) Ngenge. The ladies look marvelous, sound marvelous…heck, even their names have a musicality. The group's sense of style is evocative of Trin-i-Tee 5:7.

On Once Upon an Heiress Christmas, the trio sings a Christmas medley; “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” from Meet Me in St. Louis; and Vince Guaraldi’s classic Charlie Brown carol, “Christmas Time is Here.” All three selections are perfectly suited to their sugar sweet harmonies and occasional launches into Take 6 complexity. The production is as crystal clear and delicate as the ladies’ voices.

If you like your Christmas carols with sweet harmonies, Once Upon an Heiress Christmas is for you. Although this EP is from 2010, the music is timeless.

Four of Five Stars

Pick: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

"Inspired" - F1 Diamond

2011-11-27T14:00:00.000-06:00

“Inspired”

F1 Diamond

From the album LIFEMUSIC

Single available on iTunes

Things must be going well for F1 Diamond.

On “Inspired,” the first single from his new album, LIFEMUSIC, the Christian rapper from Memphis is motivated and inspired by a list of things: by life, by God, by being free through God’s grace, by the children of St. Jude Children’s Hospital in his adopted hometown.

Although elated, F1 Diamond still seeks to rise further, praying to be more like Jesus. It’s a positive, upbeat, happiest-man-alive rap. Good stuff. Produced by D-Flow.

Linda Agosto - Porque Me Amas/Because You Love Me

2011-11-26T16:51:00.000-06:00

Linda Agosto

Porque Me Amas/Because You Love Me
NWJ Productions (2011)
http://www.lindaagostoonline.com/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

On Porque Me Amas/Because You Love Me, Linda Agosto pours a liberal helping of picante on her praise.

Agosto’s all-gospel salsa album finds the New York native singing to punctuating brass and rolling percussion. Even balladic selections such as “Thy Keeper” get a mildly caliente accompaniment.

It makes sense: salsa is a celebratory sound and the songs on the CD are celebratory, expressing praise for blessings received and a God who would deign to love little ol’ us. Agosto’s trademark style is also a tribute to her Puerto Rican roots and to the powerful influence of Latin music on her newly-adopted Florida home.

Throughout the album, Agosto sings with an insistent staccato delivery, using everything she has. A solid male group gives the selections added potency. And she sings in both English and Spanish; the title track and “In the Fire” (reviewed earlier on TBGB), for example, appear on the album in English and Spanish versions.

The performances have more passion and drama when Agosto sings in Spanish. This is most evident on the infectious “Por Un Granito de Mostaza” (“Like a Mustard Seed”) and “El Todo Poderoso” (“The Almighty”). I have experienced this once before: listening to the English and Spanish versions of the late Soraya’s En Esta Noche (Polydor), I preferred the Spanish.

The salsa gospel treatment works on all tracks except “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” where its traditionally serious reading trumps the joyous arrangement here.

If you are unafraid of moving in the spirit, you will not want to sit still during Porque Me Amas/Because You Love Me.

Three of Five Stars

Picks: “Por Un Granito de Mostaza,” “El Todo Poderoso.”

Music World Gospel Presents the ESSENCE Music Festival, Volume 5: The Gospel Collection

2011-11-24T19:53:00.000-06:00

Various Artists

Music World Gospel Presents the
ESSENCE Music Festival, Volume 5: The Gospel Collection

Music World Gospel 2011

http://www.musicworldgospel.com/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Gospel music has been presented in a festival environment for decades, since at least 1938, when Chicago’s First Church of Deliverance held its first candlelighting service at the Chicago American Giants baseball field on the city’s south side. The Fort Valley State College Music Festival also presented quartets, gospel singers and jubilee groups as early as 1938.

The best-known festival performances of early gospel took place at the Newport Jazz Festival. The event featured some of the day’s notables, including the Ward Singers, Mahalia Jackson, and the Drinkard Singers. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival has had a gospel music tent since its inception.

This year marks the first time a gospel collection has been part of the ESSENCE Music Festival CD series, produced by the festival’s official music partner, Mathew Knowles’ Music World Gospel. ESSENCE Music Festival, Volume 5: The Gospel Collection offers six live recordings from the ESSENCE Empowerment Series, held each year at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans on Festival Sunday.

Featured on the live CD are CeCe Winans, New Orleans’ hometown sweethearts Trin-i-Tee 5:7, J Moss, Ledisi and Kirk Franklin.

It is refreshing to hear these gospel artists in the organic, laidback festival atmosphere instead of a controlled recording session. While the performances on the ESSENCE collection are fine, with Ledisi sounding the most at ease, the finest selection on the disc is CeCe Winans’ “Oh Holy Place.” It is her trademark worship ballad style with a breathtaking arrangement.

I wish that the songs on the collection that fade out had been allowed to continue, and that more than six tracks had been included. Perhaps next year the set will be more robust, because this series could become an important historic record of live, unadulterated performances by the current top artists, like a live version of WOW Gospel.

Three of Five Stars

Pick: “Oh Holy Place”

Charles Miller Lyons, Noted Organist, Soloist and Choir Director, Dies

2011-11-23T14:37:00.003-06:00

Rodgers-Awkard & Lyons Funeral Home reports:

Regretfully, the death of Charles Miller Lyons on November 22, 2011, in Louisville, KY.

Charles was a well-known organist, soloist and choir director in the Chicago area. The churches formerly served include the First Church of Deliverance in Chicago, St. Stephen Church of Louisville, and First Baptist Church of Gary. He was currently an organist at New Zion Baptist Church in Louisville.

Funeral Services for Charles Miller Lyons:

Sunday, November 27, 2011
Viewing: 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Transitory Service: 6 p.m.

New Zion Baptist Church
1501 Louis Coleman Jr. Drive
Louisville, KY 40211
newzionbaptistchurch@insightbb.com

Office: (502) 778 - 6002
Fax: (502) 776-7261

Arrangements:
Rodgers-Awkard & Lyons Funeral Home
951 S. Preston Street
Louisville, KY 40203
(502) 584-3945 - office
(502) 587-0788 - fax
ralfh@insightbb.com

Listen to Le'Andria Johnson's Christmas CD

2011-11-23T14:03:00.000-06:00

Sunday Best champ and gospel charter Le'Andria Johnson's holiday CD, Christmas Best, hits stores December 6.

Sample it yourself below.

Click Here: Christmas Best

P.S. It's good to see Le'Andria smiling on the front cover of the album. The serious photo on her debut CD didn't do it for me.

Angie Hall - Beyond Expectations...Thoughts from an Unspoken Mind

2011-11-22T13:05:00.000-06:00

Angie Hall

Beyond Expectations…Thoughts from an Unspoken Mind

Angie Hall Music (2011)

http://www.angiehallmusic.com/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Not to be confused with Brooklyn’s Angela Hall (Beautiful God), Angie Hall is a North Carolina-born indie singer-songwriter whose musical style is best described as “inspirational fusion.” Hall’s worship lyrics, set to an amalgam of pop, jazz, R&B, rock, CCM and gospel, can be sampled on her debut CD, Beyond Expectations…Thoughts from an Unspoken Mind.

Hall’s youthful, fetching voice is sweet in the high register and tangy in the low register. The musicians are the backbone driving the fusion, though they seem most at home during the jazzier moments. The drummer and producer M. Clemons, jams like a Pat Metheny alum.

Hall’s worship music is tuneful and pleasant, particularly on the opening track, “I Give You My Praise” and the ballad “No Greater Love.” “I Wanna Know” is an almost-whispered prayer lofted upward in a laid-back R&B groove. “Give It Over” assures that by giving your life to God, “things start happening.” Of all the selections on the album, “Give It Over” bears the closest relationship lyrically to gospel as it used to be written.

The most musically impressive track is “Your Love.” Featuring Vickie Farrie, “Your Love” benefits from a well-crafted pop melody and finely-honed musicianship. Hall turns in her most energetic performance of the album. As they used to say in the music business, this is a song “with legs.” Other gospel and inspirational artists whose style favors pop and R&B will find this composition worth checking out.

Beyond Expectations…Thoughts from an Unspoken Mind is a fine album debut for Angie Hall.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “I Give You My Praise,” “Your Love.”

TBGB Pick of the Week: November 21, 2011

2011-11-21T18:16:00.002-06:00

“Rescue Me”
The James’
From the Needle Gate Records CD Rescue Me
www.needlegate.com

No, this is not a gospelized version of Fontella Bass’s 1965 soul smash. The title track of the James’ CD is hypnotic and bracing, a praise and worship melody given a marching tempo and all but overshadowed by performance techniques straight outta old school.

What makes “Rescue Me” distinctive is the insistent shouting, beseeching and exhorting of the firebrand lead singer, Sonja James-Bellephant, who grasps the lyric with both hands and, like a frothy evangelist, flings it at the congregation with the urgency of a prophet on the last day. You can see her in your mind’s eye, walking to and fro on the altar, testifying.

The five sisters who make up the James’ hail from Chicago’s Greater Rock Missionary Baptist Church, a church their family founded, where Rev. Floyd James serves as pastor.

This May Be My Last Time Singing: Raw African-American Gospel on 45 RPM 1957-1982

2011-11-20T23:00:00.000-06:00

Various Artists
This May Be My Last Time Singing:
Raw African-American Gospel on 45 RPM 1957-1982
Tompkins Square 2011
http://www.tompkinssquare.com/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Imagine yourself diving head first into a crate packed with dusty 45 rpm vinyl records of gospel music.

Not the hits of the day – not the Gospel Harmonettes, Gospel Keynotes, Davis Sisters or the Caravans – but quartets, trios, duos, singers, preachers and choirs you may not be familiar with, artists whose renown didn’t reach beyond their city or region. They sold their discs whenever and wherever they ministered in song. Some artists were fortunate enough to secure interest from a large indie label or a decent distribution deal, only to sink quickly into the nether regions of memory.

These are the records assembled on This May Be My Last Time Singing, the three-CD follow-up to gospel collector and enthusiast Mike McGonigal’s critically-acclaimed collection, Fire in My Bones, also a three-CD set on Tompkins Square.

It offers 72 selections from gospel music’s massive marginalia, many from artists who took advantage of recording’s DIY environment to put their own music out. Nestled amidst this assortment of artists, which runs the gamut from professional (Zion Travelers and the Clefs of Calvary) to locally prominent (Joiner’s Five Trumpets) to amateur (Brother Clark & his Trio), is a dizzying array of performance styles from gospel artists and preachers linked by their genuine religious zeal and desire to go all-out for the Lord.

Some amazing gospel music appears on smaller labels, however, and this set includes such thrilling performances as the Southland Singers’ jumping “Save Me Jesus” (Hi-Way, ca. 1963) and “All Wrap Up in One” by the Floridian Otis Wright and the Spiritual Harmonizers. The Zion Travelers’ “Milky White Way” (Excell) is a marvelous version of the Trumpeteers’ classic original, a song arranged by gospel chorus pioneer Professor Theodore Frye and covered by Elvis Presley. “If It Wasn’t For the Lord What Would I Do” by the Cumberland Rivers of Detroit (Kable) has a melody that echoes the proto-soul of its day. It is a fantastic single that has withstood the test of time.

Other selections on the set are by ensembles with more enthusiasm than skill. For example, Brother Clark and His Trio’s “Send the Holy Ghost Down” would have been outstanding were it not for one very off-key voice in the trio. The electronic drum machine on the Sounds of Soul’s “Perfect Like the Angels” obfuscates former Gary Echoes of Eden member Selma Kirkendall’s stunning old-school gospel vocal.

McGonigal’s wry sense of humor but genuine respect for the music come through in the accompanying booklet. He does an admirable job cleaning up the original discs that serve as the source material, some of which undoubtedly needed deep groove scrubbing after years of wear and love.

This May Be My Last Time Singing underscores how seemingly infinite is the number of small-run gospel singles, and what would be lost were it not for people like McGonigal who dive head first into crates of gospel records, pull several to the surface, and ensure they see the light of day.

Four of Five Stars

The Sounds of Blackness (Malaco, 2011)

2011-11-19T20:10:00.000-06:00

The Sounds of Blackness
(self-titled)
Malaco Records 2011
http://www.malaco.com/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

On its latest, self-titled CD, the Sounds of Blackness underscores its optimistic message of healing, unity and hope with dramatic flourishes of theatricality. The sound is so tight, the theme so on point, and the melodies so compelling, the album stands out as one of the group’s best.

Even more than the quality of the individual tracks is the album’s overall motive and emotive force, its rhythmic complexity echoing Michael Jackson's later work. Sounds of Blackness could easily develop an effective stage musical from the components of this album.

As is its forte', the Twin Cities ensemble assembles its sound from an amalgam of American roots music styles, such as soul, R&B, rock, jazz, and gospel. If you've never heard Sounds of Blackness -- which I doubt -- all you need to do is read its list of "musical mentors" in the liner notes to know how vast are its influences: from Marian Anderson to Duke Ellington to Prince.

Notable moments on the CD are the inspirational anthem and current single, “Fly Away,” which benefits from the powerful gospel lungs of Jamecia Bennett; and the delightfully buoyant “Keep On Keepin’ On.” “Ubuntu,” or humaneness, is an African-flavored piece, its call for healing, togetherness and peace the overarching theme of the CD.

The album's two spirituals are given dramatically different treatments. While “Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit” opens with jazz guitar and later moves with Broadway-like flair, “Soon Ah Will Be Done,” arranged by Sounds of Blackness founder Gary Hines, bears kinship with the neo-traditional work of the late Moses Hogan.

“Hey Jude,” the Lennon and McCartney classic, seemed an intriguing inclusion, but its effective mix of brass, funk and gospel chorus would most certainly earn a tip of the hat from Sir Paul.

The Sounds of Blackness – the album and the group – can be summarized in the we-can-work-it-out message of the song, “Have Fun,” especially its infectious chorus: “Let’s have fun, do good, and live well.”

Five of Five Stars

Picks: “Fly Again,” “Keep On Keepin’ On”

ASON - The Future is Now

2011-11-17T11:15:00.000-06:00

ASON
The Future is Now
SonnyWorld Music (2011)
www.bigsonny.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Having just released his fourth album, The Future is Now, gospel rapper ASON (aka Big Sonny, aka Thurman Custis) is getting his first real taste of national exposure. As he told TBGB during our interview earlier this month, he took the time needed to get the project just right.

It shows. The Future is Now is a fine vehicle to provide ASON with broader reach. The production and beats are strong, and the selections that are reinforced by melodies are the most compelling. Zesty soprano Christy Love deserves second billing for her ripostes to ASON’s raps on various selections. Her interjections alone add a star to the CD.

ASON’s measured rhymes are not at all hard to comprehend. His street vernacular varies from rough-edged, as on “Get On My Back,” to whimsical, as on “I’m a Ryda,” but nobody can say he’s not genuine. Imagine Mr. Del’s honest-to-God verse backed by Trip Lee’s approachable hip hop tunefulness, and you have a good indication of The Future is Now.

The lead single, “Lay Them Down,” is the album’s strongest selection, though from a lyrical standpoint, “Gotta Say Thank You” is the most dramatic and provocative. On this track, ASON uses vignettes to rap about divine deliverance from domestic abuse, the needless loss that violence produces, and when life attempts to block the pathway to success. To this point, “Gotta Say Thank You” underscores ASON’s personal commitment to keeping kids from dropping out of high school.

The message of The Future is Now is uncomplicated: life is short, your plans can change, but if you hold onto the one true God for help, you will be okay because He has your back. And as God’s sons and daughters, we’re down here living for a “well done” at the end of our life. Can I get an amen?

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “Lay Them Down,” “Gotta Say Thank You.”

Born Again Records President Barnett Williams Dead at 65

2011-11-16T19:25:00.001-06:00

Los Angeles, CA--The founder and president of Born Again Records, Barnett Williams, who gave the world Christian comedian Broderick E. Rice, James Grear and Company, Mary Floyd, 5 A.M. Praise, Tim "Bishop" Brown and Sonya Barry to name a few has died, it was announced Friday, November 11, 2011.

Barnett Williams, known for helping so many people, recently released the highly-inspired compilation entitled, "Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil," celebrating artists from its inception to the present.

With over 30 recordings and fifteen Billboard chart toppers, Born Again Records has transpired as one of the leading independent gospel record labels, attracting artists from around the country seeking to launch their careers.

From the labels first release in 1995--Mary Floyd's "God Is Able," to the latest release from Stellar Award-nominated sister act 5 A.M. Praise, Williams was serious about his music.

A kind man who would give his shirt off his back, Barnett Williams will truly be missed.

**NOTE: there was a change in the location of the memorial service. It will still be on Friday, November 18 2011 but @ 8:30 A.M. - Holy Cross Mortuary, 5835 W. Slauson Avenue, Culver City, CA 30230.

Shekinah Glory Ministry - Refreshed By Fire (DVD)

2011-11-15T21:48:00.000-06:00

Shekinah Glory Ministry
Refreshed By Fire (DVD)
Kingdom Records 2011
http://www.kingdomrecordsinc.com/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Directed by Joel Kapity (Blessed & Cursed), the DVD companion to Shekinah Glory Ministry’s two-CD set, Refreshed By Fire, captures the award-winning praise and worship ensemble in its tenth year.

The DVD is more compelling than the CD because SGM is, after all, as much a visual as an aural collective. Theirs is a finely choreographed church pageantry of psalmists, minstrels, karar (whirlers), banner-wavers, encouragers, lead singers, and the chorus. There’s even a painter in the film; Shawn Warren is seen painting a picture while a percussionist performs. The talented musicians who undergird all of the above are to SGM what the Funk Brothers were to Motown: rock solid and steady.

Valley Kingdom Ministries' Apostle H.D. Wilson opens the celebration and then Phil Tarver comes front and center as praise and worship leader and MC. The first half of the program is buoyant and full of high energy, with selections such as “Reclaim Your Mountain,” “Dance,” and “Giant Slayer,” which brings Tarver and fellow suburban Chicago church leader Pastor Dan Willis together for an incendiary duet. The second half of the program is meditative, quiet and unhurried. The extended period of musical interludes and solos in the second half may have worked well in person, but on the DVD it seemed lengthy. I couldn't wait to get to the final songs, including the single, "Just For Me."

Since the DVD is a visual document of the celebration, it follows the order of the CD, although the main movie and the DVD's bonus section include additional material not found on the CD. One of the behind-the-scenes segments is Apostle Wilson discussing the birth of SGM and its unintentional rise to international popularity.

Like the CD, the DVD booklet sometimes fails to indicate which singers and musicians led the various selections; this detail would have helped those unfamiliar with the many SGM personnel. Nevertheless, Joel Kapity does a stunning job capturing the swirling, colorful visual spectacle of the Refreshed By Fire program as it takes place on the altar, in front of the altar, and in the aisles. And the music, when heard in its totality, which is how I suspect it is supposed to be heard, is akin to a sacred opera or a praise and worship oratorio.

The Refreshed By Fire DVD rekindles Shekinah Glory Ministry's leadership in praise and worship for the eyes and ears.

Four of Five Stars

TBGB Pick of the Week: November 14, 2011

2011-11-14T17:21:00.000-06:00

“Simply Amazing”
Todd Dulaney feat. Michelle Williams
Todd Dulaney Ministries (2011)
Available at amazon.com and iTunes.

Here is a brand new and “simply amazing” recording that teams Stellar Award-nominated Todd Dulaney with Michelle Williams, a Destiny’s Child alumna who released a couple gospel albums of her own several years ago.

The uncomplicated and tender worship melody gets Dulaney’s trademark bracing tenor treatment as Williams provides soft but tight harmonies until the conclusion, when she counterpoints with Dulaney. The two go together like bread and butter.