Bob

“In the Fire”LindaNWJ Productions (2011)http://www.lindaagostoonline.com/Latino singers and musicians have long embraced African American gospel song – from Gene Viale of the Cleveland Singers to current stars Joann Rosario and Puchi Colon. Count Linda Agosto among them. The New York native’s 2004 self-titled debut CD featured songs in English and Spanish, [...]

“Running”Johnny GatlinFrom the Byrd Records CD The Sanctified Review Project: Volume 1 (2010)johnnygatlin@yahoo.comSinger-songwriter Roy Tyler introduced TBGB to Johnny Gatlin recently. Gatlin is a Bay Area gospel singer who mixes new material with traditional classics on The Sanctified Review Project: Volume 1.“Running” is one of the traditional selections: a smoky, [...]

Lonnie Hunter feat. StructureI’m BackBlacksmoke Music Worldwide (2011)http://www.thelonniehuntershow.com/By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.From business owner to Stellar-nominated gospel artist to Chicago morning drive-time gospel announcer to the host of one of the country’s most popular syndicated radio programs, Lonnie Hunter is a walking, talking success story. He was [...]

“Pray About It”Donnie & ShirleyFrom the EP Never Too Late (2011)www.cdbaby.com/cd/donnieshirleyShirley Morgan sounds like she took voice lessons from Mavis Staples and Tina Turner.Her deep, throaty alto and soulful shouting, coupled with Donnie Morgan’s deep southern guitar licks, could give one the mistaken impression that “Pray About It” is an [...]

LaShun PaceRebornShanachie Entertainment Corp. (released June 28, 2011)http://www.shanachie.com/On a salute to Tarrian LaShun Pace that opens Reborn, sister Lydia Pace comments that “there’s a price to pay to sing the songs of the Lord.” LaShun has paid that price. Her eleven year-old daughter, Xenia, died of heart trouble. Two marriages fell [...]

“To Praise You”Michael NelsonFrom the VeeKay Music CD Nikao! (2011)http://www.veekaymusic.com/On “To Praise You,” God picked Michael Nelson up, dusted him off, and sent him on his way. In the process, He changed the singer’s life. Nelson and his strong band of vocalists give praise for such a blessing on this [...]

“Free”Voices of PraiseFrom the EP Voices of Praisewww.cdbaby.com/cd/vopraise2“Free” is a simple, delicate, very lovely worship song by the Voices of Praise. The crystal-clear tenor lead pleads to “be free from all my guilt and shame…make me free, make me more like you,” all the while supported by well-balanced musicianship. The [...]

T.D. Jakes PresentsSacred Love Songs 2: Music Inspired by the Film Jumping the BroomDexterity Sounds (2011)http://www.dexteritysounds.com/By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.The most popular entry on The Black Gospel Blog lists gospel songs for weddings: TBGB’s recommendations and those offered by readers.T.D. Jakes Presents Sacred Love Songs 2 is an [...]

Shawn McLemoreOne Percent Miracle Any Minute NowBlacksmoke Music Worldwide (2011)http://www.gospeltruthmagazine.com/By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.Most gospel music enthusiasts know Shawn McLemore as one of the three authoritative gospel tenors on James Fortune & FIYA’s chart-topping smash hit, “I Believe.” On that single, McLemore’s piercing, tough tenor voice complimented [...]

“God”Gail HolmesFrom the Habakkuk Music CD I Receive Your Love (2011)http://www.habakkukmusic.com/Written by the incomparable Donald Lawrence, “God” receives an effective reading by psalmist Gail Holmes (“Whatever It Is”). A songwriter herself, Holmes flexes her lilting-to-muscular soprano to lift this ballad of anthemic praise into a thing of beauty. Her voice [...]