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“Reason to Live”Brooke “Viosocalist” AlfordFrom the CD The Viosocalist (released today)www.brookealfordviolin.comBrooke “Viosocalist” Alford’s sweet violin riffs join with Rashanna Harmon’s lovely stream of consciousness vocals on “Reason to Live,” a song of encouragement that promises “there’s still hope for you.”  It is an ideal backdrop for praise dancers and mime [...]

“I Need You” Dileesa Hunter (2013) www.cdbaby.com/cd/dileesahunter1A talented singer and respected vocal teacher, Dileesa Hunter of Atlanta released her new single, “I Need You,” last month.  It’s a finger-popping song of love/praise with catchy contemporary provenance.The magic, however, comes from Hunter’s relaxed, smooth vocals.  At obvious ease with the song’s tempo [...]

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel BlogBrooke “Viosocalist” (pronounced VIO as in Violin-SOUL-KA-LIST) Alford, an artist of the violin, releases her second CD, The Viosocalist, tomorrow.  TBGB caught up with her last week to discuss the new release and her musical journey.TBGB: You describe yourself as a “Viosocalist.”  What [...]

Tony TillmanThe Tillman EPReflection Music Group (release date: June 25, 2013)www.reflectionmusicgroup.comBy Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel BlogOne thing about Christian hip hop artists: they almost universally tackle issues of the here and now, even when—as on Tony Tillman’s The Tillman EP—the solution may be more aligned with the eschatology [...]

Win Thompkins & the StompersI May Be Hoppin’Uncle Win’s Music, Inc. (2013)www.winthompkins.comBy Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel BlogI May Be Hoppin’ by Winfred “Win” Thompkins & the Stompers tickles me.  And that's a good thing.These guys have held on tighter to the 1960s gospel quartet style than most groups [...]

“Light” Tobbi & Tommi (2013) Available on iTunes Sisters, sopranos, and longtime members of Donald Lawrence & Company, Tobbi & Tommi just released their debut single, “Light,” written and produced by Brandon Avery Smith.   This rhythmic, extroverted praise song features harmonic as well as antiphonal singing by the sisters, whom [...]

Robert Randolph and the Family BandLickety SplitBlue Note (released July 16, 2013)www.robertrandolph.comBy Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel BlogThe petal steel guitar is an instrument with many emotions and no fear expressing any of them.  For example, it can cry briny tears, spit in indignant frustration, and lift its voice [...]

“Perfect Love Song”Anita WilsonFrom the Motown Gospel CD Worship Soulwww.motowngospel.comTBGB was enthralled by “Perfect Love Song” on first hearing, in its long version, considering it the best song on Anita Wilson’s debut album and among the best gospel selections of 2012.  It sounds like a recently unearthed collaboration between Roberta Flack [...]

Tye TribbettGreater ThanMotown Gospel (release date: August 6, 2013)www.motowngospel.comBy Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel BlogSet for release tomorrow, Greater Than is Tyrone “Tye” Tribbett’s fifth full-length album but his first for Motown Gospel (formerly EMI Gospel), which signed him to its star-packed roster several months ago.Recorded live in churches [...]