“Tis So Sweet”
Clarence McEwen
Independent (release date: April 3, 2026)
By Robert M. Marovich
The lithe piano intro sets the mood for this marvelous choral arrangement of the nineteenth-century hymn written by Louisa M. R. Stead.
Roscharl (Sherry) Warnsley’s lead work places the hymn solidly within the walls of the Black church while the Levitical Singers offer luscious choral harmonies to support her. Classical meets gospel in the Richard Smallwood tradition.
The Levitical Singers have been singing since 2001. They are under the direction of Clarence McEwen, whose musical provenance includes learning piano and organ while at First Church of Deliverance. McEwen currently serves at Beth Eden Baptist Church in Chicago where the Reverend Dr. Craig M. Jenkins is Senior Pastor. It’s fitting, too, as McEwen’s work follows the formal church music foundation set at Beth Eden by legendary directors Dr. Robert Wooten and Charles H. Pace.
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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