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"Spirit of America"Cadillac James & FriendsH/F Records 2010www.cdbaby.com/cd/cadillacjames4Despite the fact that the tragic events of September 11, 2001 were nation-changing, few gospel songs have been written about or dedicated to the event.  Gospel Fab lists a couple, and Kirk Franklin wrote "Are You Listening," the song recently recorded by Artists United for Haiti, as a personal response to [...]

Harold Rayford LIVE - I Am the InstrumentTyscot Records 2010www.tyscot.comYou know about singing preachers, but how about a saxophone-honking preacher?The latter would be Pastor Harold Rayford of Madison, Wisconsin. On his first-ever live CD, I Am the Instrument, recorded at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, Rayford conjures up the vibe [...]

“He Worked It Out”Debbie OrangeFrom the CD Debbie Orange Sings Church LIVE (2010)DSGospel@sbcglobal.netDebbie Orange’s churchy “He Worked It Out” could easily be the sequel to the Christian Tabernacle Concert Choir’s classic “Jesus Can Work It Out.” The Chicago-based singer, who studied the techniques of Mahalia Jackson and Albertina Walker, sings, [...]

“Amazing Grace”Bobby HardyAvailable on iTunes (2010)www.bobbyhardy.comIn this age of auto tune, Pro Tools, mixes and remixes, sometimes you need to stop and listen to an old time gospel hymn, sung flatfooted and with minimal instrumentation, like it used to be. This is what Bobby Hardy of Hollywood, California gives us. [...]

Lisa McClendonRealityBluSoul Entertainment 2010www.LisaMcClendon.comLisa McClendon wants to put her life on pause, and is pretty sure you do, too.The uber-cool singer’s fourth CD, Reality, is about escaping the daily onslaught of perceived urgent/important issues and focusing on what really matters, including our spiritual lives.McClendon’s musical palette, which she calls “inspirational [...]

Some final photos and notes from the 2010 Gospel Music Workshop of America, held at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, Ohio:Legendary on-air personalities "Reverend Mother" Norma Jean Pender (Detroit) and John Phillips (Los Angeles) share a moment. Phillips has been on the air for more than 60 years and [...]

The Violinaires were one of seven awardees at the Gospel Music Workshop of America - Quartet Division banquet this afternoon. Here they are accepting their award from the Christianaires' Tyrone Porter. Afterwards, they did an acappella version of "The Lord's Prayer." Their top notes at the end of "The Lord's [...]

Here are some random notes from the Gospel Music Worshop of America - Gospel Announcers Guild:-- Congratulations to Dr. Albertina Walker, Queen of Gospel, who has released a one hour documentary on her life and music. More info at www.albertinawalker.com.-- Congratulations also go to Chicago's own Shirley Bell. She was [...]

Ami RushesTestifyAmi Rushes Ministries 2010www.amirushes.comOn her latest project, Testify, Ami Rushes sets out to “remove burdens and destroy yolks” – those of her listeners as well as her own -- through the cathartic and redemptive power of music. The title, however, could just as easily apply to the Rev. James [...]

Earnest Pugh ("Rain On Us") stopped by the Gospel Announcers Guild room at the Gospel Music Workshop of America in Cincinnati today to say thank you to radio for its continued support of his ministry.