Sherry Songbird Made for You Family First Productions (2014) www.sherrysongbird.com By Bob Marovich Singer-songwriter Sherry Songbird’s sophomore release is an EP called Made For You. The six selections are sunny vertical praise songs written by Songbird, and the understated instrumentation, led by acoustic piano and guitar, spotlights her light but [...]
Joe Douglass & Spirit of Praise Redemption Daveshand Productions (2014) www.joedouglassministries.com By Bob Marovich Joe Douglass & Spirit of Praise pulls out all the stops on Redemption. Douglass, a twenty-five-year-old Californian, organized Spirit of Praise a few years ago. The group released a single, “It Belongs to You,” in April [...]
Smokie Norful Forever Yours Tre Myles Music / Motown Gospel (2014) www.motowngospel.com By Bob Marovich Grammy Award-winning vocalist Smokie Norful burst upon the national stage in 2002 with the breakout hit, “I Need You Now.” The song, featuring Norful’s trademark melismatic tenor, not only garnered significant gospel radio airplay, but [...]
"Preachers of L.A." Oxygen New Season Starts Wednesday, August 20 10/9C By Bob Marovich "Preachers of L.A.," the reality series featuring six successful Los Angeles-based pastors and their families, enters its second season today on Oxygen. Bishop Noel Jones, Minister Deitrick Haddon, Bishop Clarence McClendon, Pastor Jay Haizlip, Pastor Wayne [...]
Efforts to launch first gospel radio station in Cypress underway - Your Houston News: Living.
“So Easy to Love” Calvin Bridges Bringing It Back Home Music (2013) www.calvinbridges.org Chicago’s talented singer, songwriter, and choir director Calvin Bridges (“I Can Go To God In Prayer”) pens and sings a love ballad—to Jesus, to a significant other, to a parent, whatever fits the situation. The mood is [...]
UK gospel artist Pastor Sue Neil talks with the Journal of Gospel Music's Bob Marovich about her life and career in gospel music and ministry. Hear her new single, "Shining," immediately following the interview.
Check out some of the music you have read about on the Journal of Gospel Music the past couple of months: Playlist for August 18: Praise Him in the dance - Mark Yandris Amazing worth - Charles Butler & Trinity It's gonna happen - Jekalyn Carr God can - Andrea [...]
Eddie Reddic Above All Reddic Records (2014) Available at CD Universe By Bob Marovich Above All, the third album from Houston, Texas, native Eddie Reddic, ties traditional lyrics to contemporary sounds and resourceful arrangements. For example, Reddic gives the church classic “I’m a Soldier” a deep, funky treatment, while “Lead [...]
