There's been a few requests for songs that featured Monique (Williams) Walker before she recorded with Love Fellowship Crusade Choir, so after digging through the crates I found one for you all. The song is entitled, How Can I Say Thank You written by Jeffrey and Kathleenia White from Prof. Jeffrey White & The Soul Stirring Crusade Choir's 1982 release, Shelter In The Time of Storm. I'm not the biggest fan of Sis. Walker's singing, but I do like her singing on this particular song.
Click below to listen to How Can I Say Thank You:
To listen to He Did It All For Us, recorded by Prof. Jeffrey White & National Mass Choir, visit the following blog post,Old School Throwback: Jeffrey White & National Mass Choir (feat. a young Hezekiah Walker) As always, let me know what you think in the comments below.
Wow, it's been a long time since I've written here, I had no idea it had been this long. The reason for the hiatus was Hurricane Ike at first and I was without power for almost a month, but I was blessed not to have much damage done to my house. The other reason, was a broken needle on my turntable. Now that I have everything in order now, I want to continue sharing gospel music that I have been blessed by and hopefully many of you will be too. I will be uploading more requests that have been asked here and through emails, so just bear with me a little more and it will be uploaded soon. In addition, you may have noticed that some songs on the blog are currently unavailable, the reason is my account has exceeded it's bandwidth. Those songs that are unavailable will be back online on Jan. 2, 2009.
One reason I like Rodnie Bryant & The Christian Community Mass Choir's albums is how they in a way show acknowledgement of those gospel greats that came before them. You can always expect to see at least one or two songs on their albums that have been previously recorded by someone else. One of my favorite remakes of theirs is He's The One written by Ricky Grundy, located on their 1997 Tyscot release, He's A Keepa'. The song was originally recorded by Keith Pringle and The Pentecostal Community Choir on their 1981 release, When All God's Children Get Together on Savoy, but when you have someone like Donald Lawrence producing your album (Lawrence produced Bryant's 1997 album), you can expect for him to take the orginal and give it a fresh take.
On the version recorded by Rodnie Bryant & CCMC, the song is given a total makeover. Upon first hearing the song, you can hear how the addition of the keyboard instrumentation and bringing out the sounds of the drums livens up the song a bit more as opposed to Pringle's version, thanks in part to musicans Cedric Thompson and Daniel Weatherspoon. Keith Pringle and The Pentecostal Community Choir's version is more driven by the piano and the organ, but has a more funkier sound when compared to the laid back sound of Bryant's version. Music aside, another main difference that is heard is Lawrence's arrangement of the song, mainly with the bridge and the vamp. Let's take the bridge, where the choir sings: what manner of man is this, the winds and seas obey him... and Lawrence omits the line if what you're looking for is peace and love and joy, He is the one. While that line provides an easy and smooth transition into the vamp, the music alone does the job just fine. In Pringle's version, however, the choir breaksdown He's the one in pyramid fashion in the vamp, then proceeds to bring it together by singing He's the one in harmony.
Interested in purchasing Keith Pringle and The Pentecostal Community Choir's When All God's Children Get Together album, try here:
* When All God's Children Get Together (on vinyl)
* When All God's Children Get Together (on cassette tape)
**To listen to songs mentioned, click on album cover**
Technically, I'm not digging through my crates on this one, being that I broke the needle on my record player, so I haven't been able to play any records for nearly two weeks. Even though I can't play my records, I've been playing those that I transferred to cd awhile back. One album that I've been spinning lately is Georgia Mass Choir's I'm Free released in 1986 on Savoy Records. With musicians and soloists such as James Bignon, Kenneth Paden, and to name a few, I knew I was set to hear a great album through and through. However it's one song that I can't stop putting on repeat, It's Yours For The Asking. Written by Jeff DavisR. Willis and Milton Biggham, this song with it's bass driven, drum laced beats, it's a song that will get you moving. The song is led by Lillie Scott Holloway, the choir rocks the song out from beginning to end. I hope the song is a blessing to you all.
**To listen to the song mentioned, click on the album cover**
**Press Release**
In 2006, D2G Records contemporary gospel and inspirational vocalist Niyoki (pronounced Nie-yo-kee), came on the gospel scene with her debut release, MY EVERYTHING. The project independently sold more than 15,000 copies, and spawned the hit single “He’s Here” (which ultimately reached the #8 position on Billboard’s Gospel chart and was named the 27th most-played gospel song of 2007 by the trade publication R&R (Radio and Records). Now she is back with her sophomore CD entitled REST which hit stores on August 19th via partnership with Executive Music Group and distribution by Fontana.
All 13 songs on REST were written and co-produced by Niyoki in collaboration with her four producers: Ralph B. Stacy (Mario, Dru Hill, Jagged Edge and K-Ci and JoJo); Antonio Neal (EMI Gospel recording artist and producer for Canton Jones, Darlene McCoy, and Kierra “Kiki” Sheard); and up-and-comers Floyd Thomas and Quintin X. Coleman. The first single, “Joy,” was shipped to radio in May, and is currently seated at the #40 on the BDS e-Chart.
Recorded while she was pregnant with her first child (Kedron Nero), REST is a solid collection of songs, each of which has a different sound and feel. REST crosses all musical genres to incorporate R&B, Jazz, rock and hip-hop all laced together with what Niyoki describes as “a central theme of hope and love for Jesus Christ.”
REST includes the beautiful and soothing “I Will Rest,” the high energy and driven single, “Joy,” the praise-filled “Where Would I Be?” and the earnestly prayerful “All That I Have.” These are just a few of the highlights featured on Niyoki’s new project which gives Niyoki a suitable platform on which to showcase the strength of her voice as well as her remarkable contralto-to-mezzo-soprano vocal range. “I was so much more comfortable with this project because I’d been there, done that,” said Niyoki who previously was part of the R&B group Milenia which Prince tapped to perform as his background vocalists. “I’m more settled in my thoughts, with my lyrics, and with what direction I wanted to go with the music. And more importantly, my relationship with God has evolved into a place of peace.”
Listen to Niyoki's latest single, "Joy" from her new album, "Rest".
For more information visit the following sites:
* Niyoki's Official Website
* Niyoki's Official Myspace Page
Thanks to Heather Suomi @ Universal Music Group Distribution for the press release.
Last month when I featured You Don't Know by CLC Youth Choir, there was a request for another of their songs, Jesus, You're Everything To Me. The song was first recorded on their 1991 album, Whatever It Takes (Word), and then later revived on their 1993 live album, Live...In The Spirit (the version which is featured here). Written by the choir's choir director, Glen Woodard, there's one line in the song that says "just to say I love You, would never be enough, to tell You all that You have meant to me", and that wraps up abouth what the song is about. Led by Kimberly Seibold, the choir does a great job in their revival of the song, it sounds more updated than the first time they ministered the song and the addition of the vamp is a nice touch as well.
I couldn't do a throwback to the CLC Youth Choir without including their signature invitational song, The Old Landmark written by Glen Woodard. First heard on the choir's 1990 debut, Anchored To The Rock, and later on their 1993 release, Live... In The Spirit with Sherre Woodard singing lead (the version heard here, is from their debut album). I love the lyrics to this song, it's about how we've all at one time or another have fallen out the will of God and then come back to his loving arms to start anew.
**To listen to songs mentioned, click on the album covers**
William Hubbard's I Love You continues to be a staple in nearly every church's worship service. The lyrics of this song proclaims the declaration of our love for our Lord. I Love You was first recorded by Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Seminar Mass Choir on their 1985 album, Have Mercy (Birthright Records), and then later by Walt Whitman and The Soul Children of Chicago on their 1996 release, Growing Up (CGI Records). I figured there wasn't much that really needed to be said about either version of the song, both do a great job of letting the lyrics stand out without the instruments and vocals overpowering it. If you agree or disagree, or just have any other comments about the song, as always let your voice be heard by leaving your comments below.
One of last month's double take features was a song Ricky Dillard recorded. As I mentioned then, only Dillard can remake a song and it'll sound just as good and at times better than the original; and in this instance, Dillard did the latter. Let's take a look at another song he and his choir remade, No Greater Love, written by Rudolph Stanfield. Ricky Dillard & New Generation Chorale recorded the song on their 2000 release, No Limit on Crystal Rose. The song starts out with Kevin Randolph on keys, playing a soft intro followed by soloist, Charnetta Richardson, singing the verse. What I like about the verse on this version, is how everything just builds up. First, you have the keyboard playing with the organ following softly, and as the verse progresses and Richardson's voice grows louder, the music follows suit, it flows harmoniously. What also worked on this version was the choirs tone and inflection of their voices, when coming on "work while it's day..." that brought a new face to this song.
No Greater Love was first recorded by Rudolph Stanfield and New Revelation on their 1988 debut album, See What God Has Done, released on Sound of Gospel. One difference you can hear that differs from Dillard's remake is the instrumentation at the beginning of the song. Unlike the later version, this one doesn't really build up, matter of fact, in contrasting the two, this one stays flat just about until the vamp. I was a little disappointed in that because with such musicians as Rudolpoh Stanfield on keys, Michael Wright on guitar, and others, I expected more. I will say though, that as the song did progress it did get much better. Led by Lisa A. Locke, the choir does a great job throughout, but when listening to Ricky Dillard & New Generation Chorale's revamp of the song, this is one where I think the remake is better overall. Let me know whether you agree or disagree, or what other comments you have that pertain to this song in the comments below.
***To listen to songs mentioned, click on the album covers***
I'm a faithful visitor to the Prayzehymn site and saw the article, Summer Sizzlers of 2008 featuring the top 10 songs for this summer. Check out the list and give your thoughts as to whether you agree or disagree. If there were others you think should be included, let him know by commenting on his blog.
I'll be back a little later today with today's Double Take Tuesday selection.
Be Blessed!
I received a request a while back to share any other Kim Burrell songs I have, so that's what I'm going to do today. I found a few songs on where she's appeared as a guest soloist and here they are for everyone to be blessed by:
Wash Me - 1993
Just Like You Lord- 1995(recorded by Trinity Temple Full Gospel Mass Choir)
(click on album to listen)
I Am A Miracle - 1998(recorded by Derrick Milan And Peter's Rock Mass Choir)
(click on album to listen)
In Case You Missed It...
There's an older post where you can listen to Kim Burrell leading "Praise Him" recorded by GMWA Youth Choir.
I'd like to apologize to those who I've yet to fullfill requests of songs you'd like to hear. There have been various reasons as to why I haven't from being busy to just forgetting. Since I have a little time on my hands today, I'm going to go through my emails and messages on the blog and will upload your requests today, along with today's Old School Friday post (even though it seems all the posts are old school...lol)
I was digging through my crates last week looking for some albums for an online friend of mine and came across an album from Rev. James Cleveland's Gospel Music Workshop of America's (GMWA) Mass Choir. The album is from the 1987 convention, marking their 20th anniversary titled, Live At The Cobo Hall Convention Center, Detroit, MI (the recording was released in 1988 under King James Records, a subsidiary of Sound of Gospel). This was an album I had been looking to purchase for awhile because of one song and that song was I've Got To Tell Somebody written by Darrell Rushing. Back in the 80's, the church I grew up in sung alot of songs that were from the GMWA recordings, and everytime the choir sung this song and another GMWA song, Waymaker, people would start to clap, stand up, and just get it the spirit. I can still remember the lady who led this at my church, everytime she sung this, she had this look on her face that looked as if she was saying, "get out of my way, I've got to tell this", and then would throw her shoe...hehe. Hopefully this will bring back some memories for you all as well, enjoy and be blessed!
I've Got To Tell Somebody(1988)
(written by Darrell Rushing)
(click on album to listen)
I know I may get a shoe or hymnal thrown at me...hehe... but I think The Anointed Pace Sisters (TAPS) are the best gospel female group of recent time (recent being from the 70's to present day). Nothing against The Clark Sisters, I love their ministry and their music, but I just happen to like The Anointed Pace Sisters more. I received a request from another site a few weeks ago to post Wonderful Couselor from their album, In The Hands of God released on Faith Records back in the 80's (the recording doens't list an exact date), so you'll find that below to listen to. To add to that, I've included their original recording of the song back when they were just known as The Pace Sisters. The original recording is taken from their first release, Jesus Knows How Much We Can Bear: Songs of Inspiration. I'm not very sure of the release date, but it sounds like the late 70's to early 80's. Listen to both songs and provide your thoughts on them in the comments below.
Wonderful Counselor (?)
Wonderful Counselor (1980's)(soloist: Shun Pace Rhodes)
(click on album to listen)
I've gotten alot of emails about where to purchase TM Mass Youth Choir's 1993 release, Send Your Anointing, on TM Records. This is the album that has such songs as Rock of Ages, Send Your Anointing, and Get Away Jordan. The album is very hard to come by, that was until now. The album is for sell used and new at Amazon.com . There's only two available for sell, so if anyone is interested, I'd advise that you move fast. For further information, visit the product page.
Here's the title track, Send Your Anointing, for you to listen to:
To also listen to Rock of Ages from this album, click here.
Many know of John P. Kee's early work with GMWA (Gospel Music Workshop of America) and the Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar, but throughout the 80's Kee wrote numerous songs for other gospel artists well known and unknown. One song in particular is He's Coming Back. John P. Kee wrote the song as well as sung solo on it when the song appeared on the Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir's 1988 release, That Name on the Birthright label. However, with He's Coming Back being one of the top tracks from that album, many may have forgotten that New Jerusalem Baptist Church Choir (best known for recording Revelation 19:1 (aka Hallelujah, Salvation, and Glory) ) originally recorded the song.
Under the direction of Ronnie Martin and Jeffrey LaValley, the choir released this song, then titled, Getting My House In Order on their album, Show Me The Way in 1987 on the Sound of Gospel label. While New Jerusalem's version is a little faster than the one on the Music and Arts Seminar album, it's just as good as the later version. Led by Duane Bailey, the choir gives a strong delivery of the song, leaving me wanting to hear more. Listen to both versions for yourself and provide your thoughts in the comment section below.
***Click on album cover to listen to songs mentioned***
When I think of contemporary gospel, one of the main artist that comes to mind that has had a strong influence over the genre in the late 80's and throughout the 90's in none other than John P. Kee. There have been countless songs of his that have ministered to me, but I wanted to share with all the John P. Kee fans out there, two songs from his earlier albums with New Life Community Choir. The first song is Christ Made The Difference. The song was written and led by Kee and can be found on his debut album with New Life Community Choir, Brethren In Unity, released in 1984. The second song, Never Give Up, features Kee and Tina Morrison singing lead. The track can be found on Kee's third release, He Made A Way, released in 1987.
Christ Made The Difference - 1984
Never Give Up - 1987(written by John P. Kee)
(click on album to listen)
What's To Come:
Tomorrow is Double Take Tuesday which will showcase a song of John P. Kee. It was originally recorded by Kee and later recorded by another artist.
I know it's about time, right?...but I'm finally putting this up. It took me so long because there were so many songs he wrote and recorded, so I was trying to put up a few I liked that aren't already online or on cd. Well, that didn't turn out so well, so I thought I'd share the following songs below with everyone. The first song, Cost My Life is from Wright's 1976 sophmore release, Sunshine In My Soul on Glori Records. The albums features The Celestial Choir of Washington Temple COGIC (where the late F.D. Washington presided) and The Voices of the Temple. The second song is Testify from the 1983 recording, Testify on GosPearl Records. Written by Wright, the recording features his Concert Choir.
Cost My Life - 1976
Testify - 1983(written by Timothy Wright)
(click on album to listen)
About a month ago a discussion came up on Learngospelmusic.com about which remakes were just as good as the originals, and one name stood out, Ricky Dillard. Many people may not know that on every album of his, he remakes a gospel oldie, and he does a great job with them too (something not many can do). It got me to thinking about what songs did he and his group record over and who sung the original version. I dug through my crates and found many, but this week I'll share with you all his remake of Soul'd Out written by Donald Alford, which was on Dillard's 2004 release, Unplugged: The Way Church Used to Be.
Soul'd Out was first recorded by James C. Chambers & The Ecclesiastes Community Choir out of Chicago, IL. The song can be found on their 1990 album, 23rd Psalms - Recorded Live in Chicago Illinois on Gospel Capitol Records. All-in-all the song was one of those good foot-stomping songs, but unlike Dillard's remake, the song lacked a strong intro that made you know that it was time to get ready to clap your hands and pat your feet. Both versions are a good listen in their own way. In the Ecclesiastes Community Choir version, there's a bridge as well as a verse led by Vanetta Buckner who delivers the song in such a soulful and churchy way. While it would have been nice to hear the same in Dillard's version, he more than makes up for the lack of both with his vamp that's kicked up a notch. It almost seems like he's ready to immediately take the congregation and listeners right into it because he doesn't spend much time with the chorus.
(Remember to listen to the songs mentioned, just click on the cover of the albums.)
P.S.
As you can tell, I wasn't able to do The Old School Friday post for Timothy Wright but I'll do it this Friday along with a John P. Kee old school post.
I didn't want to showcase any more Rev. Timothy Wright songs until Friday, but when I got an email request about a song he sung, I couldn't hold out until Friday. Today's double take song is You Don't Know written by Timothy Wright. It was first recorded in 1987 by Timothy Wright and Jerome L. Ferrell along with The Lighthouse Inter-Denominational Choir on the album, Hallelujah Is The Highest Praise on the Sound of Gospel label. According to Qwest Music Entertaiment.com, You Don't Know charted number four on the International Billboard Charts in 1987. The song starts out with a youthful, funky intro that leads straight into the infectious chorus, "You don't know like I know, what the Lord's done for me". From beginning to end the song keeps up it's energy, never losing you for a minute.Later in 1993, the CLC Youth Choir of Christian Life Center in Stockton, CA recorded You Don't Know on their release Live...In The Spirit on Word Records. Led by Maurice Hill, this youth choir did an awesome job in reviving this song. Hadn't heard of CLC Youth Choir, they were similar to The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, re-recording songs made popular by other artists but with a little more soul. The song is just like the original but CLC Youth Choir didn't include the bridge as heard in the 1987 version, but it was okay because it flowed just fine without it.
Remember to listen to any of the songs mentioned, just click on the album cover. As always any comments about this and any other post, just click on the comment link below the post and write what's on your mind. I'm still taking any requests of any older Timothy Wright songs you would like to hear this coming Friday for the Old School Friday post. Let's continue to keep Rev. Wright and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Be Blessed!
Yesterday was day filled with confusion and sadness when news broke of Reverend Timothy Wright's car accident. The accident took the life of his wife, Evangelist Betty J. Wright and left their grandson along with Wright critically injured. It saddens me even more to hear that D.J. Wright, Rev. Wright's grandson passed away yesterday. Let's continue to uplift The Wright family and Rev. Wright's church family, Grace Tabernacle Christian Center COIGC through these trying times.
I had hoped to do a tribute to Evangelist Betty Wright but unfortunately wasn't able to find anything where she was either leading a song or delivering a spoken word. Instead, what I'm going to do is share a few uplifting songs that speak of keeping the faith from albums that Rev. Timothy Wright released or had appeared on. I really hope that the songs minister to those whose ears hear it. I'll feature more songs of Rev. Wright Friday as apart of the Old School Throwback Friday.
That's What Faith Is For - 1988
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Just Believe - 1990(recorded by Timothy Wright & The Mt. Vernon High School Choir)
(click on album to listen)
We Need A Miracle Pt. 1 & 2 - 1993(recorded by Timothy Wright & The Timothy Wright Concert Choir)
(click on album to listen)
I Won't Let Go Of My Faith - 1994(recorded by Timothy Wright & The New York Fellowship Mass Choir)
(click on album to listen)
God Will Take Care of You- 1997(recorded by Timothy Wright)
(click on album to listen)
Where Do We Go From Here - 2002(recorded by Timothy Wright)
(click on album to listen)
As some you may have heard by now, the Godfather of Gospel, Rev. Timothy Wright, along with his wife, Evangelist Betty Wright, and his grandson, D.J. Wright were involved in a car accident late last night. I have heard for sure that his wife has passed on and that he and his grandson were on life support. I don't like to report things I'm not 100% sure of, but by the reports on various news sites, it seems to be true. Again, these are details I'm getting from the web as well as a friend of mine who's close to a few of the family members. Please uplift the Wright family during this trying time, leave your prayers and encouraging words on Rev. Wright's Myspace page.
Related links:
* Fatal Crash Kills 2 in Green Township
* Reverend Timothy Wright and Family in Tragic Car Accident
* Gospel legend critically injured in car crash ...
* Local Brooklyn Pastor, Musician Critically Injured...
* Take Me Back: Rev. Timothy Wright
* Rev. Timothy Wright's Discography
Tomorrow, I'll post a tribute to Evangelist Betty Wright by sharing what songs I have in which she lead.
It Is Well - 1979
It Is Well - 1990(arranged by Benny Cummings and Walt Whitman)
(click on album to listen)
When you think of Edwin Hawkins, a few things come to mind: Oh Happy Day, The Edwin Hawkins Singers, and his Music and Arts Seminars, just to name a few. For me, his Music and Arts Seminar albums are a favorite of mine. There's one album in particular that I still play to this day which is Hold On, the album he produced for The Bay Area Chapter Choir of the Music and Arts Seminar in 1987 on Birthright Records. That album included a host of gems and well-rounded musicians such as Joel Smith, Tim Riley, and Lawrence Matthews to name a few. Of the songs featured, there were only two that prevailed as classics that have withstood the test of time to me, if you want to call twenty years a test of time...lol.
The first song, which just happens to be the first track off the album, He's Alright, was and still is a song that's sung in just about every church to this day. The song was resurrected briefly in a tribute to oldies but goodies gospel songs on Joe Pace & The Colorado Mass Choir's Praise 'Til You Breakthrough in 2006. Mistakenly called, Jesus Is Alright or He's Alright With Me, the song showcases how Edwin Hawkins could not only write songs that were meaningful with complex lyrics and music, but also write a song that's so simple yet catchy.
The other song that's a classic is, Vindicate Me led by Lawrence Matthews (there is another soloist whom I don't know their name, but because I purchased the album on cassette, information that would show on an album on vinyl is lacking on the cassette. The song's lyrics ask that we be cleared and delivered from our wrongs. ). This song is the reason why I purchased this album a few years ago. Still a radio favorite on KTSU's airwaves in Houston (this song is played nearly every Sunday, and has been since the song was released...lol), hopefully if you don't remember or have never heard of these songs before, they'll be a favorite of yours too.
What's To Come Next Week: James Moore, John P. Kee, and more.
Rev. James Cleveland's Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) gave many a great artists and musicians to floruish and go out on their own to spread the good news. One artist that did just that was John P. Kee. Though Kee wasn't new to the gospel scene, it was his songs that he wrote and presented to GMWA that made him well known nationwide and started many a gospel music listeners' appreciation for his ministry. Most of Kee's songs that he wrote for GMWA can be found on GMWA Mass Choir's album in the late 80's, but because of a request from another site, I thought I'd feature his song, I Shall Not Be Moved. The song was recorded on GMWA Mass Choir's 1987 album, Live At The Miami Civic Auditorium on King James Records (a subsidiary of Sound of Gospel Records). Led by John P. Kee and Tina Morrison, the two bring so much energy to the song with their vocals. Musicians also featured on this song, Daniel Cason (piano), Ricky Grundy (organ), Freddie Washington (bass guitar), John Lerner (guitar), Darryl Griffin and Tony Winston (synthesizer) with Kee directing.Many weren't aware though (not even the biggest self-proclaimed fan of Kee...Lou??..lol) and many still may not have known until now that this song was first recorded on New Life Community Choir's first recording (at least that I'm aware of) at Mt. Zion Holiness Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. The name of the album was Brethren In Unity on Heartbeat Records, released in 1984. Led by Frenchie Wiggins, the song still has the same energy has heard in GMWA's version. Musicians featured on this song were John P. Kee (piano), Prince Kee (organ), Chris Gray (bass), Louis Kee (guitar), and Eric Hines (drums).
To listen to the songs mentioned, click on the album covers.
I Belong To God was first recorded by U.N.A.C. Workshop Choir, under the direction of Dr. Mattie Moss Clark on their 1982 release, A Song Is Born 75th Diamond Celebration Volume One on GosPearl Records (the album was never released to compact disc, but if you search hard enough, you may be able to find this on vinyl still). The song begins with a funky piano intro and from there explodes into a celebratory declaration of belonging to God. The song was written by Vanessa Gatlin and included a trio featuring Judy Battles, Eunice Johnson, and Odessa Winbush, with Karen Clark ad-libing towards the end of the song.
The song was later revived in 1999 by 1st Louisiana Jurisdictional Mass Choir on their recording I Belong To God on World Class Gospel Records. The revamped song was a welcomed update to the original. I don't think Vanessa Gatlin would have had it any other way, being that she was the composer, as well as the Jurisdictional Minister of Music and choir director of the choir at the time of the recording. Lead by Jerard Woods, the song has two distinctions from the original recording, the song is much faster, and there's no verse but there is a bridge included within the song.
(To listen to the songs mentioned, click on the album covers)
Though Rev. Milton Brunson & The Thompson Community Singers have been around since the late 40's, early 50's , it's his recordings from the 80's and 90's that made me a fan of their ministry. There's nothing more that I could say about them that hasn't already been said or written, so I'm just going to post a few my favorite songs of theirs to show my appreciation for what they've contributed to gospel music.
He'll Make It Alright - 1984
I Tried Him And I Know Him -1990(written by Darius Brooks)
(Soloist: Kim McFarland)
(click on album to listen)
As you all know by now, I listen to a lot of gospel music from the 80's to 90's, much of it is traditional and contemporary gospel. Although I don't emphasize it here, I do listen to other styles of Christian music, one genre I'm slowly listening to is urban gospel. Surprisingly there are many other artist out there that I'm slowly becoming exposed to. One artist that's been under my radar until recently is Ernest J. Lee & The Spirit of David (now known as The Renaissance). I got turned on to them when my good friend, Armando (who's like a brother to me...hey 'Mondo!!) , introduced me to them. He told me of a few songs the founder of the group, Ernest J. Lee, wrote for Fred Hammond, so I decided they were worth giving a listen to.
I purchased their first album, Encourage Yourself, released in 2001 on Juana Records, to see what all the hype was about finally. With all songs written by Ernest J. Lee, the album has a good mix of contemporary and urban gospel. Most albums have titles that doesn't have much to do with the song offerings within them, Encourage Yourself isn't like that. Nearly all of their songs offer inspiration to keep enduring through whatever it may be that has you down and out. The album opens up with Restoration (Interlude), with Lee providing a word of encouragement while the choir sings in the background, "restoration...He's restoring me...". Up next is Above My Head (Sunday Morning Remix), don't let the name fool you, it's far from your traditional Sunday morning song. It has a futuristic, hip-hop beat to it (for my R&B heads , think of late 90's, early 2000's productions from Timbaland and Missy). Another urban gospel track that's worth giving a listen is David's Dance. It has an older familiar hip-hop song it samples from which is more evident when you listen to the vamp, other than that, it's definitely a song that will have you dancing for Jesus.
Onward to a few of the contemporary gospel songs ministered, the two fast-paced songs I couldn't help but to keep on repeat are Hold On and Jus' Keep On Praizin' God. Hold On is laced with the sounds of the organ, which is pretty much dominant in this track. The lyrics speak of holding on to God's unchanging hand and being strong in the Lord. Jus' Keep On Praizin' God, which is my favorite song from this release. The lyrics have encouraged me personally recently, "no matter what you're going through, even when the mountains you can't move; jus' keep on praising on God, He's gonna work it out for you". Jesus Knows is a ballad that lets the listener know that Jesus knows what you're going through, just turn your problems over to Him and let Him work them out. For information about this and other upcoming releases from this group, check out their website or MySpace page
Track Listing:
1. Restoration (Interlude)
2. Above My Head (Sunday Morning Remix)
3. Gotta Get It
4. Hold On
5. He's Waitin On U
6. Jesus Knows
7. Jus' Keep On Praizin' God
8. David's Dance
9. God Dwells
10. Dominion
11. Joy Comes In The Morning
12. Victory In Jesus' Name
13. Glory To God
You can purchase Encourage Yourself from:
* N Time Music
* Half.com
* Tower Records
Other releases from Ernest J. Lee & Spirit of David:
* New Psalms (2003)
* Renaissance (2006)
What's To Come This Week:
Old School Friday tomorrow featuring Rev. Milton Brunson & The Thompson Community Singers
In lieu of Damita Haddon's upcoming release next month, I thought today's double take will feature a song of hers. Some may remember that Damita Bass (before she married Deitrick Haddon) started out in a gospel girl group called Adoration 'N Praise, their only release (at least that I'm aware of) was Time Is Running Out released in 1991 on TM (Truth Ministries) Records. On that album, there was a good mix of traditional and contemporary gospel songs uplifting Jesus, but for the most part, it emphasized the ladies vocal strengths. Most of the songs were ministered with little to no music at all, and the girls' sounded amazing. There was one song in particular that caught my attention, He's Wonderful, only because I had heard it before and wasn't aware they originally recorded it (let me mention, my first listen of this album was a few years ago). You could tell the young ladies voices were still maturing, but they sung with such much power and their harmonies were great, that it didn't really matter.
When I first heard this song, it was on Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers' 1995 release, Bible Stories, and was titled Great Things. Off topic, if you're looking for a album that has great covers of previously recorded gospel songs, Bible Stories is a great one, all their renditions were just a good as the originals. Which songs were renditions you may ask, there were four other songs previously recorded by other gospel singers: Come Lay Your Head On Me (Andrae Crouch), Didn't It Rain (Clara Ward & The Ward Singers), Cast Your Cares (The Clark Sisters), and Bethlehem Morning (Morris Chapman), well five if you include If I Can't Say A Word penned by Lawrence but originally recorded by GMWA Mass Choir. Back to the song, the song still has the same mellow sound, the only difference is the vamp Donald Lawrence added, where it starts out with, "hallelujah for the great things You have done..." It is the inclusion of the vamp that made me like Lawrence's rearrangement a little better than the original by Adoration 'N Praise, but still a good song with a timeless message.
(To listen to the songs mentioned, click on the album covers)
P.S.
Sorry for the break away from the blog, but I will try to post on a regular basis. So check back often and tell a friend about the blog as well. I'll try to get some of your requests up by the end of this week, and thanks to all who have written, it was nice to talk with you all, keep the emails coming. I pray everyone has a great day, and I'll be back with the Old School Friday post on of course Friday, be blessed.
What can I say about Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up, that hasn't been said before?... not much with the exception that what makes this song works and moves anyone who hears it is the lyrical and musical simplicity of it (a hint to those up and coming and/or established gospel artists) . It also doesn't help that you have a composer such as John Askew (composer of Jonathan Greer's He's Worthy) along with Thomas Whitfield putting his "Midas" touch on a song that continues to be a mainstay in churches everywhere nearly 30 decades later.
Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up first was recorded (as far as I'm aware of) by Thomas Whitfield and The Thomas Whitfield Company out of Detroit, MI, on their 1986 release, I'm Encouraged on the Sound of Gospel label. The song became a radio favorite and also ushered in a new era of contemporary gospel music way before it's time. Once you heard that the simple piano chord being played, followed by the electric guitar, all before the choir chimed in, you knew your soul was about to receive a blessing.
Just when you thought no one else could minister the song as well,Albert S. Hadley and his group, The New Orleans Gospel Soul Children proves you wrong. With the assistance of Whitfield on their 1986, release Gospel Soul Children of New Orleans, on Gospel Fame, the group of young people sung it with so much conviction. Fast forward nearly twenty years later and newcomer Earnest Pugh debuts nationally with this song as his first single. Does he add anything extra to it, nope because the song doesn't need it, it's just as fresh as when Whitfield and his group first recorded it. This just goes to show that this song will be around for many more years to come.
You can listen to the songs mentioned by clicking on the album covers. Here's an audio of Earnest Pugh singing Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up, from his debut album: