TBGB Pick of the Week: May 12, 2008

“Lead Me to the Rock”
Rev. Stefanie R. Minatee & Jubilation
From the CD The Launch Out Project
http://www.jubilationinc.com/

When I reviewed Rev. Stefanie R. Minatee and Jubilation’s The Launch Out Project in November 2006, I commented that “Lead Me to the Rock,” featuring soloist and Stellar Award nominee Min. Nancey Jackson-Johnson, was the crème-de-la-crème of the album. To quote: “I didn’t know this much emotional energy could be expended in a single song. This track and its reprise are alone worth the price of the CD.”

“Lead Me to the Rock” has not only been chosen as the project’s debut radio single, but also greets the ears upon entry to Jubilation’s website (www.jubilationinc.com/aud_samples.htm). It’s a great gospel performance, propelled by an enthusiastic live audience.

Rev. Minatee’s spiritual advisor is the legendary Rev. Lawrence Roberts, former gospel producer for Savoy Records and pastor of the First Baptist Church of Nutley, NJ, from whence came the Angelic Choir who accompanied James Cleveland on the historic 1963 “Peace Be Still” recording. The soloist, Min. Jackson-Johnson (right), is a “PK” from Newark who has garnered stacks of accolades as a gospel artist, songwriter, background vocalist, and theatrical performer. Her gospel albums produced a pile of radio hits, including “My Soul,” “Set Time of the Hour,” and “Crazy Praise.”