Bob

“Shelter From the Storm”Donnie CKingdom Records (2013)God is the ultimate umbrella, and Donnie C is feeling “blessed to have shelter in times of stormy weather.”  Although this inspirational slow jam from Donnell Charlton (aka Donnie C) has a rainy day feel to it, the message is about escaping the rain [...]

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Sherree BrownFirst FruitNSB Music Group/The House of Zion (2009)www.sherreebrown.comBy Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog“Perfect Peace,” one of seventeen selections on Sherree Brown’s debut album, First Fruit, deftly expresses the CD’s musical and lyrical sentiment.  Brown’s unshackled voice and limitless style restore the soul like a refreshing sea breeze [...]

Bishop Jerry L. Maynard PresentsThe Cathedral of Praise ChoirJelama Records (2013)By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel BlogThe self-titled album by the Cathedral of Praise Choir was recorded live in September, 2011, at its home church, Cathedral of Praise COGIC, in Nashville, Tennessee, where Bishop Jerry L. Maynard is pastor.On [...]

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel BlogGospel’s Troy Sneed and country’s Roy Acuff share similar back stories.Both grew up in the South.  Both aspired to be professional athletes.  For Sneed, it was football; for Acuff, baseball.  The pro careers of both men were halted by injury or illness.  Each [...]

“Higher Ground”Lemmie BattlesFrom the Ashro Records CD Testify(2013)www.ashrorecords.comCut from the same trad cloth as gospel squallers Dot Coates, Ruth Davis, and several Caravans, Chicago’s Evangelist Dr. Lemmie Battles takes the listener to church on her new single, “Higher Ground.”  Summoning the evergreen movable couplets about feet striking Zionand singing in [...]

“What A Friend”Deanna RansomFrom the CD Never Say Never…Againwww.deannaransom.comNot the old hymn but based lyrically on its chorus, “What a Friend” is a smooth jazz paean to the constancy of Jesus in the best and worst of times.  It is not surprising that Ransom, who has had her share of [...]

Carl Lavon BellCarl Lavon Sings, Jesus SwingsTate Music Group (2013)www.tatemusicgroup.comBy Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel BlogThe second half of the title of Carl Lavon Bell’s new album refers to its opening track, “Jesus Swings.”  Backed by a hip jazz combo, Bell strings together gospel and spiritual song titles into [...]

Chicago, IL: The 28th Chicago Gospel Music Festival, presented by The Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA) and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is June 20-23. Once again the Bronzeville neighborhood, the birthplace of Gospel music, will serve as the festival’s main home – with the weekend portion [...]