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TBGB joins the gospel community in mourning the loss of a great artist and brilliant talent, Bishop Walter Hawkins, who has "gone up yonder to be with his Lord."Hawkins died today, July 11. Walter and the Hawkins Family have had such a profound impact on gospel music that to call [...]

Elaine NorwoodReleasedHighly Favored Music 2010www.highlyfavoredmusic.comOn the polyrhythmic first track of her fourth solo CD, Released, veteran vocalist Elaine Norwood sings about offering up undignified praise. Her praise may be undignified, but Released is anything but. In fact, it is one of the best gospel albums I’ve heard this year.The album’s [...]

“Get Off the Pew”Outreach 24/7Outreach Productions 2010www.outreach247.orgOutreach 24/7 sounds like a new group of superheroes. Based on their single, “Get Off the Pew,” they might as well be. On “Get Off the Pew,” the mixed vocal group from Washington, CD tells stories of troubled souls at a crossroads (e.g., a [...]

“Get There”Modern Day DavidFresh Entertainment 2010www.myspace.com/mddmoderndaydavidLike many Christian hip hop artists, Lawrence Williams started rhyming secular until he’d seen enough – his brother lost his life on the streets. Williams was determined to dedicate his craft to the church and working with troubled youth, and rechristened himself “Modern Day David.”On [...]

Deitrick Haddon’s Blessed & CursedTyscot Films Directed by Joel KapityAvailable exclusively on DVD July 27, 2010www.blessedandcursedthemovie.comDeitrick Haddon's Blessed & Cursed marks the gospel singer's acting debut and Indianapolis-based Tyscot's first foray into the world of theatrical film production.Set and filmed in Detroit, Blessed & Cursed follows the journey of Dwight [...]

Phil TarverPlace of WorshipKingdom Records 2010www.kingdomrecordsinc.comThose familiar with Phil Tarver as the successful, hit-making recording artist and praise and worship leader with the award-winning Shekinah Glory Ministry may find it hard to believe that in 1999, the man was homeless. He and his family shuttled back and forth between relatives [...]

“I’ll Praise Him”Minister James A. Willis & Nu PrazeGospel Warehouse Records 2010www.myspace.com/officialjameswillisnuprazMinister James A. Willis from Oklahoma City wants to praise the Lord so powerfully that it will make the devil hopping mad. And that’s just what the singer-songwriter and his choir, Nu Praze, set out to do on “I’ll [...]

From a press release:The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad, is presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Cultural Affairs. The Rhythm Road is a unique international touring opportunity for American musicians, designed to foster unparalleled cultural exchange with audiences worldwide. The program expands [...]

Elliott Chavers featuring Lisa SinkfordGospel Jazz 4 the Soul – Live in Pasadena, CAHi Desert Records www.ElliottChavers.comA while back, TBGB reviewed the EP by old school California saxman Elliott Chavers, which featured the delightful gospel singing of Lisa Sinkford, “L.A.’s best kept secret.” In addition to the EP, there is [...]

“Jesus You Are”April NevelsFrom the forthcoming 7 Places Indie Records CD Krazy Praise (release date: July 2010)www.7-places.comApril Nevels’ “Jesus You Are” is a praise song, but it's not "krazy." This time, April (of the Nevels Sisters) is dramatic, serious and introspective. Nevertheless, she sings the wrapper off this mellow, string-laden [...]