JGM Pick of the Week: December 27, 2023

“Somebody Saved Me”
Rev. Stef & Jubilation feat. Reverend Lawrence Roberts
From the CD Worship Him (album release: June 28, 2022)

By Robert M. Marovich

“Somebody Saved Me,” a selection from Rev. Stef & Jubilation’s latest album, Worship Him, has roots in the First Baptist Church of Nutley, New Jersey.

The traditional song has all the elements of First Baptist’s famous Angelic Choir, most especially an encouraging sermonette from the church’s longstanding leader, the late Rev. Lawrence Roberts. But the rocking chair tempo, the piano work reminiscent of Rev. James Cleveland via Roberta Martin, and explosive harmonies from the choir make for a heartwarming combination. This is gospel music at its finest. The only thing missing is a reprise.

The comparison to First Baptist and the Angelic Choir is no coincidence. Choir director Rev. Dr. Stefanie Minatee, her mother Pearl, and various other family members were, at one time or another, part of the Angelic Choir or the youth choir.