Barbara Kimbrough
Heavenly Rain
DB Productions (release date: August 22, 2023)
By Robert M. Marovich
Orlando, Florida-based Barbara Kimbrough’s Heavenly Rain is a laidback album with smooth vibes enveloping conventional Christian lyrics about the need for blessings in troubled times, the power of prayer, the glory of the hereafter, and the unconditional love of the Lord.
Kimbrough’s voice has supper club charm, honeyed and smiley, the product of years fronting a band with her brother Buford Noris, which worked nightclubs and other venues in their hometown of East St. Louis and environs. The band for Heavenly Rain, which includes Buford on guitar, supports with smooth jazz-infused arrangements, though Kyle Turner’s sizzling sax solo on “So Sweet” injects some real sass into the sweetness. The background vocalists include a few family members, and Derrell Noris offers a rap interlude on “Living in the Light,” thus making the project something of a family affair.
Barbara and Buford wrote all the songs on Heavenly Rain except two. Those two come straight outta the hymnbook: “Tis So Sweet” and “I Am Thine.” They are combined into a seven-minute medley that is the album’s highlight. A close second is the traditional-tinged up-tempo “Keeping Me,” which features the BGVs chirping like a choir and Andre Vinson’s organ peeping through the din.
The newly-composed songs are pleasant, with the concluding “More and More,” about the level to which Kimbrough needs Jesus, a compelling melody. But the hymn medley takes it home.
Three of Five Stars
Picks: “Tis So Sweet / I Am Thine,” “Keeping Me”
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Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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She has a sweet soothing voice that touches my heart every time I play her album. You can tell she has a sweet spirit and a deep love for God! She has inspired many people with her beautiful voice! I am blessed each time I listen. SO sweet, growing in grace, word painter is some of my favorites. May God Contiue to use her in reaching others with her love of music .
The best music takes you somewhere spiritually. Barbara’s music does that! It has this wonderful vibe of classic music. Her music and voice are timeless.
She has the voice of an angel and she is a beautiful person. May her music touch many lives!
This album is a heartfelt tribute to the DIVINE, a labor of love that shines through every note. It’s evident that the artists poured their hearts and souls into this project, delivering a remarkable tribute to God. Bravo!
As I sit here thinking about the goodness of God and the need to hear from him today I road around the city playing this very CD. The newly-composed songs are pleasant, the song“More and More,” really ministered to my spirit at a time of need.. The CD has something for everyone and every situation. You do know that when God inspires it is bound to resignate in the souls of his people. Barbara Kimbrough’ gospel CD does just that. I look forward to hearing more from this newly found gem……
This album is so inspiring and very uplifting, I’m so happy and thankful for God placing Barbara in my life. Barb has been so uplifting from day one and that was 30 years ago. Barb, I’m so proud of you, and thank the Lord for letting you pursue one of your dreams. Love Forever Tiffany
This album speaks to me and the songs calm my soul. I feel the pouring out of the anointing from the Lord upon me. The blessings from these songs fill the atmosphere with utmost peace. I’ve come to know Sister Barbara as a friend, and her beautiful spirit comes through in her songs. I look forward to hearing more from her. Congratulations and continued blessings.
I am in love with the album it is super inspiring and uplifting.
I can relate to Every song on this album. The smooth tone is very comforting. I hope there is more to come.
It is obvious that the soothing sounds of this album come from a richness of spirit and soul. Barbara’s love for Jesus comes through loud and clear and blesses me ans well ans all who listen.
I love this Cd, you can feel the passion and love she has for Jesus in every song. The smooth jazz tones are beautiful.
Barbara has such a passionate voice. Her smooth sway and soothing voice makes for pleasurable listening and meditating on every lyric of her songs. Puts one in that angelic mood and creates the right Spirit to serve a Majestic God. So divine.
It is so hard to pick I Love all of them, to me they are Love songs to the Lord Christ Jesus. Each one of them is anointed.
My heart and soul are blessed each time listen to them, so no I can’t chose just three. The Lord really used you to send His Anointing.
I was so blessed to listen to this beautiful album of God inspired music by my sister in Christ! She stepped out on faith and God kept his promise and delivered for her and her brother. God bless you Barbara and keep using your graceful voice for the Lord God above!
I have had the honor of hearing Mrs. Barbara sings since I was a little girl. Her voice is beautiful, and I’m so happy she got the opportunity to do this project. You can truly hear her love for Jesus and the passion in her voice on the album. I can’t wait for the next album!
She is such a talented singer with a smooth silky voice. Definitely a gift from God. I love the jazz feel of the music! The lyrics are inspiring and uplifting.
Mother Kimbrough,has a beautiful voice love to here her sing,pray I’ll be able to see her in concert.l love the CD it’s relaxing and Inspiring.My favorite is Heavenly Rain.More and More,She’s a woman who love God and truly a blessing in my life.jo
Sister Barbara has such a humble and beautiful spirit, that it radiates through this cd. The lyrics and melody will uplift your spirit anytime you listen to it. It is good therapy and will also encourage you to praise the lord through your circumstance. Congratulations and may the lord continue to use your voice for His honor and glory..
Needed this at such a pivotal time! So thankful for this album and for her willingness to share!! 💗💗
I thank God for the opportunity to meet Mrs. Kimbrough. It is so refreshing to personally have met a welcoming, sweet vocalist whose life matches her sweet and anointed music. Her song Heavenly Rain is timely in such times as we live today. The words are a constant reminder that we have someone above who loves and cares to lift our heart when we feel that no one else is there. Thank you Mrs Kimbrough. Continue to keep your ear tuned to the Holy Spirit of God as He uses you to uplift us.
Barbara, God has blessed you by giving you this wonder beautiful voice and I love that you are blessing the community, just as God has blessed you. May you continue to prosper and flourish in your talents and in life.
My dear Sister and Friend, Barbara Kimbrough. Everything you do is done with a spirit of Excellence! This CD came to fruition at the appropriate time in history and for the Kingdom. Thank you for being who you are – Always Humble, Always Focused on and Listening to Holy Spirit! May this music open the doors already appropriated by the FATHER!❤️🔥
Miss Barbara is such a beautiful person inside and out! The entire album is so inspiring and uplifting! And her voice Is truly a Blessing!
Thank God for giving Sister Barbara Kimbrough a voice so soft,so sweet, and special , pleasant to the ears and pleasing to the heart. The message in her songs glorify God and lift up the hearers. Now, I admire her for using her God given gift. After hearing her live,her voice is stronger some songs have a little jazz , some songs are soft,up beat and have an old school sounds. For those reading this, relax, listen to the CD and grab a copy for a friend / or love one. I enjoyed all the songs, they are moving and totally spiritual. This album will bless your soul and it is encouragingly to see/or hear her singing of her love for God in Christ Jesus.Also she’s sharing with others the knowledge of Gods love toward them. I see Gods invitation to come ,to walk, his protection, and,more and more. To all who understand ,once again ,I thank you LORD for using Sister Barbara Kimbrough. Psalms 103:2-5
Thank God for giving Sister Barbara Kimbrough a voice so soft,so sweet, and special , pleasant to the ears and pleasing to the heart. The message in her songs glorify God and lift up the hearers. Now, I admire her for using her God given gift. After hearing her live,her voice is stronger some songs have a little jazz , some songs are soft,up beat and have an old school sounds. For those reading this, relax, listen to the CD and grab a copy for a friend / or love one. I enjoyed all the songs, they are moving and totally spiritual. This album will bless your soul and it is encouraging to see/or hear her singing of her love for God in Christ Jesus.Also she’s sharing with others the knowledge of Gods love toward them. I see Gods invitation to come ,to walk, his protection, and,more and more. To all who understand ,once again ,I thank you LORD for using Sister Barbara Kimbrough. Psalms 103:2-5
My husband and I have enjoyed listening to the uplifting songs of hope, blessings and love on Mrs. Kimbrough’s album Heavenly Rain. These songs exude positivity and is exactly what the world needs right now. This music is so inspiring! Thank you for gifting us with your beautiful voice. We pray this will be the beginning of a long and successful gospel music career for you!
The album is very uplifting, each track speaks to you in a very different way. Every word reminds us of our God who cares for us so very much. Thank you sister Barbara for being obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit and putting together this wonderful album. You are such a gem, so loving, so caring, so faithful and always encouraging. You are truly a blessing. Congratulations
Heavenly Rain is an ingenious fusion of my preferred music genres, expertly curated into a magnificent Gospel CD. Now, with this album in hand, I no longer need to anticipate Barbara’s next live performance to experience her comforting melodies. Truly, it’s an exceptional album!
Sister KIMBROUGH have a beautiful voice and heart. I love to hear her sing. May the Lord continue to bless her with her music.
May the precious Grace of our Father rest upon you and those you love today and always! The first time I had the pleasure of hearing Sister Barbara sing was approximately 15 years ago. She sang MARY DID YOU KNOW? at one of my Corporations, annual neighborhood children’s, Christmas plays.
When I heard her sing I was excited
and wondered why she wasn’t recording in a studio somewhere! She litterally brought tears to my eyes.Well God is good! I was sitting in my room finally getting a free moment to listen to her first CD thinking, “WOW, FINALLY. LOOK AT GOD! It was raining cats and dogs up here in N.Y. that day and I was soooooo blessed as I listened to her marvelous voice as she sang each song on that CD! Every song was Absodernlutely blessing my heart and soul! There’s a divine message in each song that resonates so deep within my spirit and I was amazed at how much my spirit was being elevated towards my Father right then! It’s smoothe and jazzy and I love all the songs so much I cant even pick a favorite one because each song speaks to a different part of my heart and soul and causes me to feel such an even deeper and more intense expression of love towards my Father. i quietly listened while expressively swaying with the melodies of each song. I was (Am) excited! Again!
Ms. Barbara, TY for allowing God to use you and your family to present us and the world with this Amazing work of art! It is truly FIRE!! Love you more❤️…
This album is so peaceful. Barbara’s voice is so calming and one of a kind. You can tell she put her heart into these songs. If you need an album to bring you a peace of mind, this is the one. Beautiful work!
Barbara, God has blessed you by giving you this wonder beautiful voice and I love that you are blessing the community, just as God has blessed you. May you continue to prosper and flourish in your talents and in life.
What can I say, My Sister in Christ sings to the Glory of God! You can feel the love and passion that she has for the Lord through her songs Barbara’s voice is soothing, jazzy and Angelic-like. May God continue to bless you and your beautiful Ministry! Love and blessings. J.Harlan
What a privilege it is to give a review of Sister Barbara Kimbrough’s “Heavenly Rain” CD. As a Pastor, when I search for music, not only do I look for music that ministers to my spirit, I also look for music that is Christ centered in His Word. Heavenly Rain is one of the most Christ-centered CDs that I’ve heard in a long time. it’s refreshing that the scriptures that are used in these songs were lifted right off the pages of the Bible.
I thank God and the Holy Spirit for using Sis. Kimbrough to release this CD. I pray that many will be blessed by it. I thank God for the anointing on her and I thank God just for the comfort and the peace that one experiences while listening to this CD. It is the top notch CD that I would recommend for everyone to go out and purchase. I thank God for Sister Kimbrough and
her musical team that collaborated in putting this music together.. God bless you! Pastor Harlan and Living by the Bible Community Church
Mrs Kimbrough, I am truly blessed listening to the powerful and uplifting music, God bless you as you blessed us with your voice and music, I pray that God will continue to uplift you, and take you to a greater heights 🙏
Mrs Kimbrough, I am truly blessed listening to the powerful and uplifting music, it brought me so much comfort and joy. I pray that God will continue to uplift you, and take you to a greater heights 🙏
When I first heard “More and More” I fell in love with that song! The music is so relaxing and such a vibe. More than that, the lyrics bring life to the feeling in my own heart. Very well done 🖤
Pastor Barbara is the new nightingale of Gospel. To say her voice is angelic is an understatement. It’s a very high honor for us to have her as part of our leadership team. We love you not because of your musical abilities but because you love Jesus. Sing in.
Thank you Barb for making it possible for us to share a wonderful time of Praise and Worship! I so enjoy the attention to detail in the song writing and music arrangement of your new CD “Heavenly Rain”. It has a smooth, energetic aura about it which brings you to a place of peace. It is Simply beautiful just like you! Praying God will continue to use your beautiful musical talent to His glory!
I love this song it give me so much joy when I am feeling bad it left me up