Bob

ProdigyNever Let GoLeftfield Music Group/DMDMG (2013)https://www.facebook.com/ProdigyOfColumbusGaBy Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel BlogHailing from Columbus, Georgia, Prodigy blends contemporary harmonies with traditional lead vocals, though their one-title name suggests they prefer association with the contemporary quartet movement.  As such, they are akin to groups such as Houston’s Endurance and the [...]

“My Hands are Lifted Up”Benjamin Cone III & Worship From the Muscle Shoals Sound Gospel LPWhen Praise Meets Worshipwww.malaco.comOver a conventional, hypnotic melody that traverses familiar P&W territory, Jamel Strong starts a call and response with the choir.  Together, they supplicate for “a blessing with my name on it.”  Katrina [...]

By TBGB Correspondent Michael P. Coleman:Five time Grammy winner Larnelle Harris almost singlehandedly broke the color barrier with contemporary Christian radio stations in the 1980s, long before artists like BeBe & CeCe Winans, Take 6, and others found acceptance there.  What was to have been a brief chat about his new [...]

“Living By Faith”Eric CarringtonFrom the CD Amplified Prayzewww.ericcarrington.comWith its la-la-la-la hook and sing-along chorus, Eric Carrington’s “Living By Faith” is an earworm of a single.  True to its “let go and let God” message, the song is buoyed along by the singers, who bounce the melody like a rubber ball [...]

“For My Good”Mark Hubbard & the VoicesFeat. Corey Barksdale Jr.(available on iTunes as of October 15, 2013)“For My Good” is the latest product of Chicago's Stellar Award-winning and Grammy-nominated Mark Hubbard & the Voices.  The song's lyrics of hope are encouragement for times when we don’t understand what is going on and [...]

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel BlogOctober marks the third U.S. tour for native Trinidadian Brian Martin and his contemporary praise gospel ensemble, Worship 4 Life.  The visit, which included stops in Atlanta and Nashville, was on the heels of the UK-based group’s newly released singles, “Just For Who [...]

Special thanks to Charlie and Pam Horner of Classic Urban Harmony for being spectacular hosts last week during my research visit to New Jersey.  It was an honor, privilege, and source of inspiration to chat about our mutual interests and view their amazing gospel music collection, including records, posters, sheet music, [...]