The Archives of African American Music and Culture (AAAMC) at Indiana University reports that it is offering online access to interviews and panel discussions videotaped as part of the conference, “Why We Sing: Indianapolis Gospel Music in Church, Community, and Industry,” which took place on the IU Bloomington campus in [...]
Donna LiZa Makin’ the Level www.facebook.com/officialdonnaliza By Bob Marovich On “He’s Got the Answer,” the concluding cut on her eight-selection solo CD Makin’ the Level, Donna LiZa gives us an autobiographical glimpse of a pivotal moment in her life. Originally from New Orleans, Donna lost everything in Hurricane Katrina and [...]
Gregory Brown with the Abundant Life Music Ministry 29:11 The Levite Music Group (2013) www.cdbaby.com/cd/gregorybrown22 By Bob Marovich Released November 3, 2013, 29:11 is the product of Birmingham, Alabama choir Gregory L. Brown and the Abundant Life Music Ministry. The title refers to Jeremiah 29:11: “’For I know the plans [...]
By Bob Marovich Rolling Stone and NPR called the Jones Family Singers, a gospel group from Bay City, Texas, one of 25 “must see” acts at SXSW [South By Southwest]. Filmmaker Alan Berg is working on a documentary about the family. They may be up for a GRAMMY for their [...]
“He Shall Reign” Bridgett Kern Platinum Image Music Group (2014) www.BridgettKern.com A worship leader, songwriter, and pastor, Bridgett Kern delivers this vertical praiser that combines the feel-good melodicism of CCM with the bracing, energetic punch of rock, and vocals from the modern gospel tradition. The CCM feel is not coincidental: the [...]
Mavis Staples reflects on activism and music, past and present.
“I Need Thee” Beulah Grove Mass Choir feat. Monica Lisa Stevenson Released digitally October 21, 2014 www.beulahgrove.org Beulah Grove Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia (Dr. Sam Davis, Pastor), celebrates its centennial with a rousing gospel version of the hymn, “I Need Thee Every Hour,” rendered with spirit by the always [...]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise I See Victory Light Records (October 28, 2014) www.lightrecords.com By Bob Marovich Recorded at the First Cathedral in Bloomfield, Connecticut, I See Victory is the seventh live CD for JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise and, with seventeen tracks, the group's most ambitious release to date. The choir, [...]
Bob Marovich of the Journal of Gospel Music interviews gospel artist and fellow Hoosier Lamar Campbell (Lamar Campbell & Spirit of Praise). Listen to the interview and hear the group's new single, "Power of Love."
It was a privilege and an honor to be in the number for Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon and Toshi Reagon's presentation, and to hear Dr. James Abbington's mass choir pour forth the praise beforehand. Gospel scholar, civil rights leader Bernice Reagon sings of song’s power - WacoTrib.com: Sound & Sight.
