Mavis Staples reflects on activism and music, past and present
Mavis Staples reflects on activism and music, past and present.
JGM Pick of the Week: October 28, 2014
“I Need Thee” Beulah Grove Mass Choir feat. Monica Lisa Stevenson Released digitally October 21, 2014 www.beulahgrove.org Beulah Grove Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia (Dr. Sam Davis, Pastor), celebrates its centennial with a rousing gospel version of the hymn, “I Need Thee Every Hour,” rendered with spirit by the always [...]
Gospel scholar, civil rights leader Bernice Reagon sings of song’s power – WacoTrib.com: Sound & Sight
It was a privilege and an honor to be in the number for Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon and Toshi Reagon's presentation, and to hear Dr. James Abbington's mass choir pour forth the praise beforehand. Gospel scholar, civil rights leader Bernice Reagon sings of song’s power - WacoTrib.com: Sound & Sight.
JGM Pick of the Week: October 13, 2014
“Hallelujah” Jewell & Converted From the Malaco CD For Real www.malaco.com “Hallelujah” is an up-tempo praiser from St. Louis-based female quartet Jewell & Converted. About a third of the way through, the lead singer gets downright Pentecostal, shouting and squalling about how she wants to “get her praise out,” then [...]
“God Will” – Kergyma Community Choir
“God Will” Kergyma Community Choir From the album Kergyma: The Proclamation www.kergyma.org Never let it be said that the Kergyma Community Choir doesn’t put on its shouting shoes once in a while. With evocations of the Cosmopolitan Warriors, Ricky Dillard & New G, and JJ Hairston and YP, the choir [...]
Coming April 2015: A City Called Heaven: Chicago and the Birth of Gospel Music
Journal of Gospel Music Editor-in-Chief Bob Marovich has written the definitive history of gospel music from Chicago, the genre's birthplace. Available from the University of Illinois Press starting in April 2015. Read more here: UI Press | Robert Marovich | A City Called Heaven: Chicago and the Birth of Gospel Music. [...]
Minister C.L. Johnson – Favor
Minister C.L. Johnson Favor Doowgam Records (2011) http://wreg.weebly.com/index.html By Bob Marovich Given Minister Craig L. Johnson’s career as a member of several gospel quartets, most notably the Pilgrim Wonders of Toledo, the Revelations of Cincinnati and, most recently, his reformation of the Flint Cavaliers, it’s not surprising his solo album, [...]
A Homegoing Fit for Bro. Nash Shaffer Jr.
Nash Shaffer, Jr. By Bob Marovich Bro. Nash Shaffer’s friends and loved ones said he needed no special invitation to sit in the front row of a gospel musical or service. He would proceed to the front of the church, choose his seat, and sit down. In his [...]
New Converted Voices – New Day: Live in Tupelo, MS
The New Converted Voices New Day - Live in Tupelo, MS (2014) www.newconvertedvoices.org By Bob Marovich “You may have come in with your head hung down, but you go ahead and lift it up and smile.” This is how the New Converted Voices opens the title track of their new [...]
Various Artists – The Best of Revelation Records: 1959-1962
Various Artists The Best of Revelation Records: 1959-1962 Narro Way Records (released September 16, 2014) www.cityhallrecords.com www.gospelfriend.com By Bob Marovich Mention the name Bobby Robinson to popular music historians, and you will hear how he founded a number of New York-based record labels, including Whirling Disc, Fury, Enjoy, and Red [...]
