Gospel Music

“Right There” Monica Lisa StevensonFrom the forthcoming CD Live in Atlanta (in stores May 14, 2013)www.monicazmusik.com“Right There” is one of those bold gospel ballads that gives a singer something to sink her vocal cords into.  More than up to the task is Monica Lisa Stevenson, who gives the song an [...]

Rev. Victor JonesCommon Christian Sharper Brothers Records (2013)www.sharperbrothersusa.comBy Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel BlogYou wouldn’t expect to hear reggae emanating from a pastor living in the snow belt city of South Bend, Indiana, but that’s what you get on two tracks from Rev. Victor Jones’ album, Common Christian.Evoking the early [...]

“I Need You”Lowell PyeOverflow Entertainment (2013)Opening with an acoustic piano riff that gives way to a full band, the andante-tempo “I Need You” is Lowell Pye passionately pleading for the Lord to help His people in their time of need.  Throughout, Pye evokes Fred Hammond with his elastic and soulful vocal [...]

"One of These Mornings”The New ChristianairesFull Circle Records (2012)www.fullcirclerecords.usThe New Christianaires were formed in 2010 by George Carter, a member of the Stellar Award-winning Christianaires (Paul and Tyrone Porter, Arnold and Ronald Brown). Signing with Full Circle Records in 2011, the New Christianaires graced 2012 with the traditional-flavored “One of These [...]

“Use Me”David SpencerFrom the CD Focused (2012)Available from online merchantsThe “musical melting pot” David Spencer encountered while studying music at North Carolina Central University is evident on “Use Me.”  His song about wholehearted discipleship—“You’re the potter, I’m the clay” / “Whatever you say, I’ll obey”—has a indie pop sensibility, complete with [...]

Sho BarakaTalented XthLions & Liars Music (2013)www.lionsandliars.comBy Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel BlogStellar Award-nominated Amisho Baraka Lewis, known as Christian hip hop artist Sho Baraka, tosses a cold bucket of needed reality on the public with his third studio album, Talented Xth (Talented 10th).Blend the indignant frustration of Stokely [...]

“Same God”Flint CavaliersFrom the Lowrush CD Havin’ Church(released March 5, 2013)Available from Amazon.com, iTunes, CD Universe.Known as the “Cavs,” the Flint Cavaliers of Flint, Michigan are back with an old-school drive tempo tune called “Same God.”  The bass and lead guitarist and drummer press the petal, easing the quartet into an [...]

“New Beginnings” Linda ClarkFrom the CD New Beginnings (2013)www.lindaclarkmusic.comOpening with lush strings and maintaining the laid-back but urgent forward motion of a gospel ballad with jazz undertones, “New Beginnings” is about being reborn.  “All things have passed away / Behold, I’m new in Christ today.”Clark’s lovely and adept mezzo-soprano sells [...]

“Miracle”Anitra WilsonFrom the TDNEET Enterprises CD Miracle (2010)      www.cdbaby.com/artist/AnitraWilsonWilson’s body swaying and finger-popping single, “Miracle,” is an encouragement that “your miracle is on the way.”  Evoking the premise of the "Footprints" poem, she sings, “He was working it out for you” on “those nights you cried and you felt all [...]

Rob MercerThe Photo AlbumKingdom Access Music Group (2012)www.robmercermusic.comBy Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog“Wherever I am in life, I want God to take a snapshot of me.”Thus says praise and worship leader Rob Mercer.  Indeed, photos capture moments in time, some good and some bad.  Moments captured in time [...]