David Wright – Let the Organ Play
David Wright Let the Organ Play Godfather Records (release date: February 12, 2021) By Robert M. Marovich Typically, we hear Pastor David Wright leading the New York Fellowship Mass Choir. For Let the Organ Play, the choir takes a rest and Wright lights up the Hammond B3 to play an [...]
JGM Pick of the Week: April 12, 2021
“Still Gon’ Trust” Joshua Rogers Mixed Bag Music Group, LLC (release date: March 19, 2021) By Robert M. Marovich Joshua Rogers sums up the sentiments of most in the first few lines of his new single, “Still Gon’ Trust:” “It’s been quite a year / A test of my faith [...]
Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia (Lifetime)
Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia (106 minutes, dir. Kenny Leon, 2021) www.mylifetime.com By Robert M. Marovich Lifetime did not ask me to review Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia, but since a few individuals have inquired as to my thoughts on the biopic, I thought I’d post them here. First, I commend executive [...]
“Tender and Mighty” – The Wood Drake Sessions
"Tender and Mighty” The Wood Drake Sessions feat. Tammy Bullock Independent (release date: March 11, 2021) https://thewooddrakesessions.com/ By Robert M. Marovich In lyric and melody, “Tender and Mighty” has the soul of an ancient hymn wrapped in contemporary clothing. With the support of an angelic-voiced choir, lead vocalist Tammy Bullock [...]
Kelontae Gavin – The N.O.W. Experience
Kelontae Gavin The N.O.W. Experience RCA Inspiration / Marquis Boone Enterprises (release date: March 5, 2021) www.rcainspiration.com By Robert M. Marovich Some gospel artists you meet outside of the church environment startle you when you witness their artistic presence in the spotlight. One is Jekalyn Carr—quiet and measured in informal [...]
“Holy” – Mark Hubbard & The Voices feat. Pastor Don Clark
“Holy” Mark Hubbard & the Voices feat. Pastor Don Clark Independent (release date: March 15, 2021) By Robert M. Marovich Growing up in the Catholic church, we'd sing “Holy Holy Holy” with such lackluster spirit that I wasn’t sure whether we were worshiping God or putting Him to sleep. Since [...]
JGM Pick of the Week: April 5, 2021
“Fighter” Patreka Wortham (release date: March 5, 2021) By Robert M. Marovich “Fighter” is sufficient confirmation why North Carolina gospel singer Patreka Wortham took home top honors at the 34th Annual Stellar Awards Independent Artist Showcase in 2019. Written, she told Buzzmusic, at a point in time when she was [...]
Carrie Underwood – My Savior
Carrie Underwood My Savior Capitol Nashville (release date: March 26, 2021) www.umgnashville.com By Henry Carrigan for JGM My Savior is an album Carrie Underwood was born to make. Listening to her sing these songs carries us back to Sunday mornings in country churches where the vibrant beauty of these gospel [...]
JGM Pick of the Week: March 30, 2021
“Saved and Sanctified” The Highway QCs feat. Spencer Taylor Jr. From Live at the 2021 Gospel Inaugural Celebration (release date: March 6, 2021) By Robert M. Marovich On the heels of his autobiography, A General Becomes a Legend, Godfather of Quartet Music Spencer Taylor Jr. joins his fellow Highway QCs [...]
“Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus! Photographs from the Sacred Steel Community” by Robert L. Stone (book review)
Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus! Photographs from the Sacred Steel Community. By Robert L. Stone. Jackson: University Press of Mississippi. 192 pp. (hardcover). Illustrations, Extended Photo Captions, Notes. ISBN 978-1-4968-3150-7. $40.00 By Robert M. Marovich With Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus! Florida historian and folklorist Robert Stone presses [...]
“Thank You Lord” – The Cross Family
“Thank You Lord” The Cross Family By Robert M. Marovich The Cross Family of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, pays homage to their father, the late Gene Cross, by keeping the family group going strong. Their new single, “Thank You Lord,” is a rhythmic affirmation of gratitude steeped in call-and-response, a good [...]
JGM Pick of the Week: March 23, 2021
“It Was the Blood” Minister James Willis & Nu Praze From the CD The Book of James V. 1 http://minjamesawillisjr.com By Robert M. Marovich Blood songs are especially relevant during the Lenten season, and Minister James Willis & Nu Praze deliver one in “It Was the Blood.” The musicians and [...]
CeCe Winans – Believe For It
CeCe Winans Believe For It Fair Trade (release date: March 12, 2021) www.cecewinans.com By Robert M. Marovich CeCe Winans’s Believe For It is the singer's first non-holiday release in four years and her first live worship solo album. Listening to the album will lead one to consider the live recording [...]
“It Won’t Be Long” – Dr. Waverly B. Bumbrey & Refuge Temple Cathedral Voices
“It Won’t Be Long” Dr. Waverly B. Bumbrey & Refuge Temple Cathedral Voices (release date: January 8, 2021) By Robert M. Marovich Pandemic-wise, “It Won’t Be Long” feels more relevant today, in mid-March, than when it was released in early January by the award-winning choir Dr. Waverly B. Bumbrey & [...]
“Get Ready” – Darwin Hobbs
“Get Ready” Darwin Hobbs FairTrade Services / Tyscot Records (release date: January 15, 2021) On “Get Ready,” singer-songwriter Darwin Hobbs quotes from 1 Corinthians 2:9 (“eye has not seen, nor ear heard”) to drum up excitement about the miracles just beyond his/your/our horizon. The new single features Hobbs’ husky voice, [...]
JGM Pick of the Week: March 16, 2021
“Remember Me” Eleanor Dubinsky Touch the Sky LLC (release date: March 12, 2021) By Robert M. Marovich Based on a true story, “Remember Me” was written by Sally Ponzio, her brother Frank Ponzio, and Eleanor Dubinsky, though the most critical contributor was Sally’s late son, Travis. Six months after Travis [...]
“Heal Our Land” – Oscar Williams & the Band of Life
“Heal Our Land” Oscar Williams & the Band of Life Ft. C. Ashley Brown-Lawrence From the EP Speak Life – Vol. 1 (EP release date: January 14, 2021) By Robert M. Marovich “Heal Our Land,” introduced last year by Oscar Williams & the Band of Life, remains a relevant prayer [...]
JGM Pick of the Week: March 8, 2021
“We Need You”Titus ShowersA&P Records (release date: January 15, 2021) By Robert M. Marovich Alternately balladic and rhythmic, Titus Showers’ new single “We Need You” is a passionate, moving entreaty to the Lord to help the world search for peace, regain its faith, and answer the most fundamental question during [...]
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