Category: gospel

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Elaine Norwood gospel music religion United States

Former Isley Brothers vocalist Elaine Norwood prepares for June 2010 release

After two decades of performing as a backup singer for Mariah Carey, James Ingram and the Isley Brothers, Elaine Norwood is standing in the spotlight. After years of paying her dues, Norwood has her first bona fide national hit. 
The dramatic ballad “He’s Still Working on Me” is #19 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart and building momentum. 
“A lot of people think that when you get saved that you are perfect and that you have no more trials,” Norwood said in news release. “They make idols out of ordinary people, but this let’s people know that in spite of what they used to be or what they used to do, God is still working on us. We’re striving towards perfection. When you make a mistake, don’t throw in the towel because God forgives. We will be perfected when He comes back.” 
On her forthcoming fourth CD Released (Highly Favored Music), Norwood shows all the dimensions to her dynamic personality. Her father, Rev. Charles Norwood, joins her on their remake of Rev. James Cleveland‘s 1976 smash, “God Has Smiled on Me.” The polished but passionate album vacillates from traditional ballads such as “Soon I Will Be Done” and a sanctified rendition of Alicia Key’s “Ain’t Got You” to churchy romps like “I’ll Say Yes!” and funky, up-tempo tracks like “Never Let a Day Go By.” Producing duties fell to ’70s funkster Leon Haywood (of “Don’t Push It, Don’t Force It” R&B fame) and gospel producer Sanchez Harley (Shirley Caesar, Mighty Clouds of Joy). 
“These songs really affirm my heart,” Norwood said. “I’ve been a praise-and-worship leader since 1996. The other albums didn’t capture that side of me totally. In the studio, you are locked into the track, and when it ends, you are done but God might not be!  We can sing a tag in church for ten minutes but to do that on a CD, the record label is going to say that radio needs no more than four or five minutes of the song. They aren’t going to play a ten-minute song. But, on this project, I was allowed to go longer, so I truly feel that with these songs I’ve been released.” 
For more information on Norwood’s project (to be released on June 8, 2010), visit www.elainenorwood.com.
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gospel kingdom records music releases religion Tonya Baker United States

Myron Butler to produce gospel artist Tonya Baker’s first live recording in July 2010

Kingdom Records has tapped Grammy-winning producer Myron Butler to produce Tonya Baker‘s first live recording. The live recording takes place at 7 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2010, at
The Ginghamsburg Church in Tipp City, Ohio. Admission is free. 

Baker made her national debut with the acclaimed CD “Special Friend” in 2008, and Dayton, Ohio, native has been critically-praised for her unusual blend of jazzy vocal riffs with a straightforward gospel message.
“I would be lying if I said I weren’t a bit nervous,” Baker said in a news release. “I’ve been asked for several years, `When are you going to do a live recording?’  Well, I guess this is the time and I pray that God will be pleased with our offering and the people will be blessed and encouraged.  There’s nothing like the live experience.  You feel the energy from the people and the presence of God in the place. Most importantly, I don’t want the people to just come looking for a great show – but an encounter with God.”
Butler has produced projects with such notables as Smokie Norful and Tamela Mann from TBS’s “Meet The Browns” series. He’s also made a name for himself as an EMI Gospel recording artist with hits such as “Stronger,” “Set Me Free,” and his current single, “Revealed.”
Baker said, “Myron Butler is an incredibly anointed and gifted artist, songwriter, and producer.  I’m so thankful for the opportunity to work with him.  I’m equally thankful that Kingdom Records’ A&R director Michael Weatherspoon was able to make it happen.”
For more information about Tonya Baker’s recording, call (708) 339-9301 or visit www.kingdomrecordsinc.com.
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arts gospel Kirk Whalum music United States

Kirk Whalum to appear on TV One’s “Washington Watch with Roland Martin” on Sunday

According to a news release, multi-Grammy nominated saxophonist Kirk Whalum will appear as a guest onTV One’s ‘Washington Watch with Roland Martin” on Sunday, May 30. 
Citing Kirk Whalum as one of his favorite musicians, Martin invited Whalum on the show to discuss current events and issues relating to the African American community. Also, as both are avid technology enthusiasts, the conversation is sure to touch on Whalum’s interactive marketing strategies and his active Facebook following of more than 37,000 fans, as well as his latest, chart-topping CD “The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter III.”

From health care to the economy, Roland Martin covers issues that matter most in his new “Sunday Brunch” style show, “Washington Watch with Roland Martin.” The show airs every Sunday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST on TV One. Check local listings for information on TV One.

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gospel Lucinda Moore music performances TBN United States

Lucinda Moore to appear on TBN’s “Praise the Lord” program on Monday, May 23, 2010

Lucinda Moore, who has done vocal cameos on recordings with Hezekiah Walker and Tramaine Hawkins, is celebrating a milestone. The 20-year music veteran, best known for her 2006 breakthrough smash “Pressure into Praise,” has just released her sophomore CD “Blessed, Broken & Given” (Tyscot Records). The album has debuted at #13 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart – her highest entry to date (Her prior self-titled CD peaked at #18 on the same chart in 2007). Now, Pastor Zachary Tims has chosen to have Moore as his special psalmist on Monday, May 23, 2010, episode of TBN’s “Praise The Lord” program.
Tims will host the program and conduct interviews with Bishop Larry Trotter, Dr. Todd Hall, and Pastor Lawrence Powell. Moore will sing songs throughout the broadcast. Visit www.tbn.org and the “Praise Tonight” tab for more information.  Visit  www.lucindamoore.com or www.tyscot.com for more information on Moore.

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gospel Jasper Williams Jr. music releases United States

Pastor Jasper Williams Jr. makes musical comeback with “Down through the Years”

Jasper Williams Jr., pastor of the Atlanta-based Salem Bible Church is back on the music scene with his first new musical recordings in 20 years. 

Fans may best remember Williams from the 1960s through the 1980s when he recorded two dozen best-selling sermon LPs such as 1986’s “I Fell in Love With a Prostitute” and a handful of memorable gospel music albums. The radio single “Down through the Years” is a throwback to the old-fashioned but never out-of-style Pentecostal church services of the early 20th century. After just being released a few short weeks ago, the song has stormed into the Top 100 most played songs at gospel radio. 
“Every time I normally preach, I hit that song, and everywhere I go people cling to it,” Williams said in a news release. “When I sing it, they grab it. I told my producer, ‘Let’s do it the old way with no music.'” 
“Down through the Years” is one of 13 songs comprising Williams’ July 20, 2010, CD release “Landmark” (Church Door Records). The album is a celebration of William’s musical heritage. Amid gospel standards such as “Born Again,” “Calvary,” and other classics arranged by Salem’s Minister of Music/Producer Kelvin A. Manson, are new songs with an old-school feel by Dorinda Clark Cole’s tunesmith Derrick Starks, Bishop Means, Malcolm Williams, Morris Mingo, and Oscar Williams.
In the meantime, Williams is pleased with the buzz on the album. 
“If I leave this world now,” he said. “I feel that God has given me a fullness of life for which I’m proud and pleased and this would be a great exit for this album to hit and make it.”
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atlanta gospel Lucinda Moore music releases reviews United States

Mitch’s Reflections: Lucinda Moore “Blessed, Broken & Given”

What an incredible worship experience! Gospel vocalist Lucinda Moore draws in listeners with her sophomore CD “Blessed, Broken, & Given” (Tyscot Records). Moore doesn’t just project heartfelt praise; she is a living testimony that God can mend broken hearts. Once the listener starts to tune in to the songs on this CD, there is the realization that not about Moore, but it’s about giving praise and honor to God.
However, on the 15-track compact disc, Moore shares her story through inspiring ballads regarding deliverance from the pain of her past — childhood abuse, depression over her father’s death and a failed 16-year marriage to someone she says “never loved me.” Moore says of the first single “Blessed, Broken & Given”: “This is my testimony of what God did for me. He’s blessed me with a voice, but he had to break some things in me in order for me to be given to the nation.” She penned the song as she was going through a divorce.
“I’m doing it to help other people come out of what they are coming out of,” Moore said in a news release. “You don’t have to be unhappy and sit in abuse. This is the happiest time of my adult life.”
Moore is accompanied by the Elizabeth Baptist Church Mass Choir of Atlanta, Ga., background vocalists Donica Johnson, Natasha Cobbs, Claudius Craig, Trevon Davis, Tesha Lockley and Kim Edwards, as well as a host of musicians and band leader Natalie Ragins.
Stand-out track: “There’s a River.” There is a healing in the anointing, and this song makes you want to replay it. The “Bishop’s Prayer”  (Dr. Kevin A. Williams) follows, continuing the worship experience.


Editor’s note: Review CD supplied by Capital Entertainment.

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concert gospel Israel Houghton performances United States

Gospel artist Israel Houghton to kick off tour on April 23 in Richmond, VA

According to a news release, Grammy winner worship leader, songwriter and recording artist Israel Houghton will kick off his “Power of One” concert tour at 8 p.m. Friday, April 23, 2010, at The Richmond Outreach Center (ROC), 5501 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA. Houghton’s latest CD “Power of One” won him his third consecutive Grammy in January during the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. He won the award for “Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album” for the project and was honored with a “Best Gospel Song” nomination for “Every Prayer” from “Power of One.” Previously, Houghton and the New Breed won a 2008 Grammy for the CD “A Deeper Level” and in 2007 for “Alive in South Africa.” This year’s Grammy win marks Houghton’s first one as a solo artist. 
In addition to his career as a recording artist, Israel Houghton is a worship leader at Houston’s Lakewood Church and a spokesman for international relief agency World Vision. He is also the recipient of six Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards and a Soul Train Award. 
The program will also feature an appearance by comedian Mike Washington of BET’s “Comic View” TV program. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at The Roc’s bookstore (804) 675-4101 or online at ticketweb.com.  
The Richmond Outreach Center is lead by Pastor Geronimo Aguilar and his wife Samantha. It is the tenth fastest growing ministry in the nation according to Outreach Magazine Report.The Power of One Tour is sponsored by Bailey Productions in conjunction with Allen Management Group.

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Bethany Baptist Church concert gospel releases United States

Abundant Harvest Entertainment showcases talent in concert at Bethany Baptist Church

According to a news release, Abundant Harvest Entertainment will showcase some of gospel music’s dynamic future superstars in concert on Friday, April 16, 2010, at the Bethany Baptist Church’s Harvest Hall in Lindenwold, NJ.
The company has signed Cherry Hill, New Jersey’s homegrown rapper, Christawn; Long Island, New York, vocalist Karen Orlando; and Delaware-based female group known as His Own.
The purpose of the concert is to introduce the tri-state area of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware to these exciting new artists who will release new CDs sometime this year. 
Hip-Hop minstrel Christawn’s debut CD “Life Story” will debut May 18, 2010. The guitar-
driven radio single “Save Me” features Micah Stampley’s dramatic wail and retells the real-life story of the day that Christawn escaped getting arrested for drug possession. $10 pre-orders of his CD will be sold at the concert.
Although, she was diagnosed with brain damage at birth and was tone deaf until age 14, Karen Orlando has defied the odds. Through her faith, she triumphed over the diagnosis and was rewarded with a beautiful singing voice. She’s recorded several praise-and-worship CDs,
is a conference speaker and hosts a local Christian TV show “Straight Talk.” Her next project is expected to drop in late summer 2010. 
The seven-member female vocal group, His Own, met at Delaware State University and is working on their debut CD. The group will perform songs from their forthcoming projects at the concert, as well.
Abundant Harvest Entertainment (AHE) is a recording label founded by Bishop David G. Evans, pastor of the 27,000-member Bethany Baptist Church in Lindenwold, NJ. Evans co-founded Sweet Rain Records, the company that made Grammy winner Hezekiah Walker a star. AHE is
distributed by the Universal Music Christian Group. The label is enjoying success with the Top 20 Billboard smash “This Joy” from the Automatic Praise CD and the CD “Pure Love” that features several radio hits.

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gospel kingdom records music releases United States

Phil Tarver to release project “Place of Worship”

According to a recent news release, Kingdom Records is preparing for the highly anticipated rollout of Elder Phil Tarver’s third solo U.S. CD release. 
Tarver’s new praise-and-worship project “Place of Worship” will hit stores nationwide on May 18, 2010. The project was recorded live before 3,000 people at Valley Kingdom Ministries International in Oak Forest, IL, in February. 
The million-selling Shekinah Glory Ministry is a dynamic ensemble of psalmists, minstrels, praise dancers, encouragers and banner bearers who say that they perform “under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. “ Their Hebrew name means “the glorified presence of God.” The group’s projects “Praise is What I Do” (#5 peak Top Gospel Albums) and “Shekinah Glory Ministry Live” (#3 peak Top Gospel Albums – 103 weeks on the chart) were both certified gold in 2005 and 2008 respectively. The “Shekinah Glory Ministry Live” DVD was certified gold and platinum in the summer of 2008. Tarver is their worship and praise leader. He’s recorded four solo CDs (including one only available in South America), and his latest CD “Draw Nearer” features the Top 20 single “Better Than That.” For more information, go to www.kingdomrecordsinc.com.


Editor’s note: Release dates are subject to change by record label. Mr. Tarver’s project is now set to drop on June 29.

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gospel music releases United States

Gospel vocalist Lucinda Moore shares personal experiences in upcoming release

Gospel vocalist Lucinda Moore not only shares personal experiences (including depression, divorce) via her upcoming sophomore release “Blessed, Broken & Given” (Tyscot Records), but will launch a conference that will feature guest speakers
Bishop Noel Jones, Bishop Tudor Bismark and psalmist Judy Jacobs. The conference will take place at 7 p.m. each night (except Saturday – service is at noon) on April 22-24, 2010, at the Wake Chapel church, 3805 Tarheel Road, Raleigh, NC. Attendees may register online at www.lucindamoore.com or call (203) 887-1660 for more information.

CD “Blessed, Broken & Given” will be released on April 20. Moore said in a news release regarding her project: “This is my testimony of what God did for me. He’s blessed me with a voice but He had to break some things in me in order for me to be given to the nation.” A portion of CD sales profits will benefit a North Carolina women’s organization called Impact that aides abused women in getting back their feet.