Smokie NorfulOnce In a LifetimeEMI Gospel (released April 3, 2012)www.emigospel.comBy Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.Ten years ago, Smokie Norful emerged as one of the most talented male vocalists in modern gospel music. His breakout hit “I Need You Now” made its way onto the playlists of urban contemporary stations [...]
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.The GRAMMY Award-winning a cappella group Take 6 is celebrating its 25th year in the recording business by releasing a new album with an old sound. The group's new CD, One (Shanachie), includes gospel and jubilee songs done originally by classic quartets such as the Selah Jubilee Singers, [...]
“Jesus Be A Fence Around Me”Elder Goldwire McLendonFrom the Music World Gospel CDThe Best of Elder Goldwire McLendonwww.musicworldgospel.comMany first became familiar with Elder Goldwire McLendon from his recent appearances on BET Sunday Best. Others know him as one of Philadelphia’s native sons and a former member of the Savettes, the [...]
Terea’It’s Up 2 You25 Keys Productionshttp://www.tereamusic.com/By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.On her debut CD, It’s Up 2 You, singer-songwriter Terea’ – known to her fans as the “songbird” – blends techno sounds with hip hop beats and neo-soul vocals. The songs on It’s Up 2 You feel intensely personal. [...]
“Amen Goes Right There”Everett DrakeFrom the Dherico Music CD Amen Goes Right There (2011)www.everettdrake.comThe soulful title track of Everett Drake’s debut solo album reflects on current social issues such as homelessness and sickness, and calls each of us to love one another and come together as “the greatest nation.” Drake’s catch [...]
The Black Gospel Blog is proud to be listed as one of the six spotlighted Bloggers, and among the Gospel Resource Sites, in the 2012 issue of The Gospel Music Industry Round-Up. The new issue is available through www.gospelroundup.com. The Round-Up is known as "The Bible of the Gospel Music Industry," and for good [...]
JsonGrowing PainsLamp Mode Recordings (2012)www.lampmode.comBy Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.On the cover of Growing Pains, Json (Jason Watson) is seen emerging face first from the ground, his face contorted in an exasperated expression, a bud growing into new life.The photo telegraphs the truth that pervades the Christian hip [...]
Roy Tyler from the Bay Area called to say that the video where he and Raphael Saadiq are performing at The Fillmore in San Francisco got messed up, but it is available again for viewing.Once again, ladies and gentlemen, here are Raphael Saadiq and Roy Tyler!
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel BlogDream With Your Eyes Open, a contemporary gospel musical written, produced and directed by Toussaint Duchess (right), combines entertainment with altar-call spirituality. Duchess, Founder and CEO of Toussaint Duchess Entertainment, spoke with TBGB about the chain of events that led her to write [...]
“Once in a Lifetime”Smokie NorfulFrom the EMI Gospel CD Once in a Lifetime(CD available April 3, 2012)www.emigospel.comAfter a decade in the gospel music spotlight, Smokie Norful looks back and wonders how he got over. He articulates his autobiography on “Once in a Lifetime,” a delicate song beautifully and wonderfully made. [...]
