By Bob Marovich As is our custom for this time of year, the Journal of Gospel Music presents its “best of” lists in the category of CDs, songs, and historical releases. The recordings were not necessarily chosen as “Best of 2016” based on sales, chart status, promotion, voting, fan popularity, number of likes or retweets, committee decisions, throwing darts, reading tea leaves, arm twisting, flipping coins, or anything other than 1) JGM was serviced with the music for review and 2) JGM believes the selections best represent gospel/sacred music as an art form. The top selections in Best CDs and ...

Click on the image above to start program. Playlist: Think of His goodness – Dr. Karry D. Wesley Presents the Antioch Fellowship Church Voices of Praise Breakthrough – Bonita Burney Simmons Jesus – Rodriquez Linson & Ministry Call Him – Min. Earl Bynum feat. Andra Cross My all and all – Derrell Thomas Wait for you – Ragu Suguturaga Better than gold – Holly Ann By myself – Deon Kipping Upraised – Kassandra McGhee Bless up – Jor’Dan Armstrong Come 2 me – Spirit 2 Spirit Give it all – Jae Jerome

Holly Ann Light and Bloom Deeper Well Records (release date: January 13, 2016) www.deeper-well.com By Bob Marovich Last year, Liz Vice demonstrated that some of the best spiritual music doesn’t have to come from established channels of gospel and CCM talent. Portland, Oregon’s Christian alternative singer-songwriter Holly Ann Winchell (aka Holly Ann) is another pleasant discovery in this same vein.  Released last month on Deeper Well Records, her Light and Bloom is a great big introspective thank you letter to God. The album’s praise songs are atmospheric and minimal, Holly Ann’s voice beguiling and poignant. Although her publicity cites Mazzy Star as ...