Bob

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 [...]

“Handwriting on the Wall” Bhad Bhabie onlyfanJay Caldwell and The Gospel AmbassadorsFrom the RTG Records CD Victorywww.gospelambassadors.comTBGB must be in a quartet state of mind this week, because here’s another.  Jay Caldwell and The Gospel Ambassadors’ “Handwriting on the Wall” likens President Barack Obama to a modern-day Daniel who can [...]

Vocal harmony collectors and historians par excellence Charlie and Pam Horner are hosting a gospel concert to honor one of Asbury Park, New Jersey’s greatest gospel groups: the Missionary Jubilaires.  The concert is a fundraiser to benefit the Asbury Park Historical Society.Starring:·         Frankie Davis (lead tenor of the world famous Golden Gate [...]

The Wardlaw BrothersGod’s Been ThereTWB Records/New Day Christian Distribution (2013)www.twb5.comBy Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel BlogIf Boyz II Men forsook R&B for gospel, they would sound like the Wardlaw Brothers.This contemporary gospel quintet from Lyons, Georgia blends the finger-popping rhythms of Boyz II Men, the breathy harmonies of Take [...]