Marcel West informed the Journal of Gospel Music that gospel singer Julia Mae Price-Williams died. A PK--her father pastored Second Baptist Church in Augusta--Miss Julia sang briefly with the Davis Sisters of Philadelphia and later the Caravans. She married Rev. Felton Williams Jr., and in 1981, while living in Baltimore, [...]
"According to the Power” Bishop Charles R. Lyles & the New John Howard Gospel Caravan From the EP Payday (released August 2014) www.JHGCaravaninc.org The musicians set the drum machine tempo to rapid-fire, then all instrumentalists (including the human drummer) and the singers join in on this church-wrecking selection. Bishop Charles [...]
The Williams Brothers Songs of Worship, Praise & Deliverance Blackberry Records (2014) www.blackberryrecords.com By Bob Marovich With more than 50 years of harmonizing under their belt, the Williams Brothers are an institution in the quartet community. The group’s longstanding willingness and ability to adapt to the latest in sacred and [...]
“Real” BeWill www.bewillmusic.com Virginia singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer Will Stewart (aka BeWill) offers a brisk, refreshing ode to faith. It’s about the power of a God who he can’t see but nevertheless knows guides him throughout his day and provides beautiful gifts “from up above.” The inspirational message is [...]
The Journal of Gospel Music's Bob Marovich talks with Fred Hammond about his new album, I Will Trust; his approach to songwriting; and the future of gospel music. The title track plays immediately following the interview.
The Journal of Gospel Music's Bob Marovich talks with Grammy Award-winning producer Aaron W. Lindsey about his role in producing the new Motown Christmas CD, the label's first Christmas album in more than 40 years. Hear about his work in taking pieces of history and enhancing them without losing any of [...]
“Are You Ready” J. Maddox Jadox Music Group (2014) www.IAmJMaddox.com On “Are You Ready,” urban AC gospel artist William Jermaine Maddox (aka J. Maddox) knows what to do to prepare, should Jesus come “like a thief in the night.” Later in the song, he turns the question outward, to the [...]
“Christ Is Born” Maurice Griffin From the CD My Holiday (2014) www.MauriceGriffinOnline.com Maurice Griffin’s new single, “Christ Is Born,” is a Christmas hymn and Praise & Worship song all in one gift-wrapped package (though I have a friend who thinks all P&W songs sound like Christmas songs). A finalist on [...]
“Fix My Choir” With Deitrick Haddon and Michelle Williams Wednesday, November 19, 2014 – 10 p.m. ET/PT Oxygen www.nbcunv.com By Bob Marovich To borrow the main conceit from The Wizard of Oz, Deitrick Haddon and Michelle Williams helped the Harmonistic Praise Crusade of New Orleans find its courage on the premiere episode of "Fix [...]
Bessie Jones with the Georgia Sea Island Singers and Others Get In Union: Recordings by Alan Lomax 1959-1966 Tompkins Square (released, October 28, 2014) www.tompkinssquare.com By Bob Marovich Students of ethnomusicology and folk music enthusiasts fortunate enough to hear the two or three LPs of Bessie Jones and the Georgia [...]
