Category: Features

"Necessary" – Juan Santiago & Integrity

“Necessary (Radio Edit)”
Juan Santiago & Integrity (2018)
Milagro Records

Necessary Juan Santiago cover artBy Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

Independent gospel artist Juan Santiago, owner and founder of Milagro Records, a record company with a mission of promoting gospel music nationwide, found it “necessary” to debut his newest group, Juan Santiago & Integrity, in June of this year. Along with the debut of the new ensemble was the release of the contemporary Christian single, “Necessary.”

DeLaVanta “D-Hydrate” Tabor’s tasteful piano accompaniment is the sole instrumental anchor to the passionately intense testimony of both the ensemble and the single’s lead vocalists Jana Jackson, B.J. Brown, and Joel Darwin. While the radio edit is just under five minutes, the extended CD version is nearly twice as long, adding Jonathan Parker-Ashley’s oration to the message that God works all things in our lives–good and bad–together for good. Life’s experiences have their necessary place in who we are becoming in Him.

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Janie Sheeley-Torain, Ed.D, is a gospel music enthusiast, author, National Board Certified Teacher, and lifelong educator. She is an advocate of invigorating gospel music that inspires, elevates, and encourages the listener. She has published and is currently working on manuscripts that embolden the musicians of gospel music.

Worship Leader Krystal A. Livingston: Living God’s Songs In The Key Of Life

By Andrea R. Williams
 
Some people are just blessed with an ability to take you into the Throne Room of God.  One of those gifted worship leaders is Krystal A. Livingston.  A gospel artist, songwriter, and exceptional vocalist, Krystal A. Livingston is walking in her purpose.  Her talents have placed her front and center and even found her singing behind or opening up for mainstream and sacred artists such as Josh Groban, Kenny Loggins, and Donnie McClurkin.  Although she’s honored for the national platforms she’s been given to minister, her sole reason for singing is to share the gospel through song.
 
Although Krystal had been singing all her life, she got her first taste as a recording artist when she dropped her debut, My Journey, His Glory. Cleverly, the project was a two-part set.  The first part of the project, My Journey, lays bare her life and addresses issues like low self-esteem or feeling stuck in one’s life.  Understanding the value of transparency and how her story can uplift others, she chose songs which would allow her to share her personal experiences.  The second half of the release, His Glory, includes songs of adoration, praise, and worship to the Lord.  My Journey, His Glory saw the release of an unforgettable single, “Shoelaces,” a track encouraging listeners to look up for their identity in Christ instead of looking down in despair at their troubles.  In addition to the singles from the project, she has also dropped a song, “Great Things,” a classic praise anthem penned by Tessie Hill.
 
Her most recent creative work is a track called “Winner.”  “Winner (Hupernikao)“ is an inspirational power ballad which finds the psalmist showcasing her alto vocals while encouraging the believer.  Another track penned by the vocalist herself, Krystal delivers a rousing performance flaunting her multi-octave range.  The song is also a testimony for the singer, reflecting on a time when it didn’t seem like she was winning at all. 
 
“A few years ago, I had two positions that abruptly ended,“ Krystal recounts. “At the time, I did not understand what was happening; things were going so well and then, all of the sudden, the rug was pulled out from under me -TWICE.  Later, I realized that I was getting comfortable and God had to make me uncomfortable to push me into my purpose.”  These “unfortunate incidents” were right after she had mentioned to friends her aspiration of full-time music ministry.  The Lord told her to dust off the songs He had given her and to move forward.
 
And move forward, she has.  Born and raised in the Bronx, New York and a longtime resident of Connecticut, Krystal recently made the move to Atlanta where she plans to put her music ministry in first gear.  No stranger to the educational aspect of music, she taught a Gospel Music Master Class at Yale University.  A graduate of University of New Haven (UNH) in Connecticut, she founded and directed the UNH Gospel Choir and became the university’s first adjunct professor teaching Gospel Music Performance. Prior to her move to Atlanta, she was Executive Director of Worship & The Fine Arts and Director of Praise & Worship at her home church, New Life
Christian Fellowship in Ledyard, CT.
 
Krystal has caught the attention of many, inside and outside the music field.  The songstress was recognized with a proclamation from New London, CT, and was honored by the National Council of Negro Women.  She has netted awards and nominations for her music as well, including a Connecticut Music Award nomination for gospel music in 2015 and a Holla Back Gospel Music Award for Best Female Artist in 2017.  Also an actress, she portrayed jazz great Nina Simone in a one-woman show, “An Evening with Nina Simone.”  In 2018 alone, she made numerous television appearances including Rejoice In The Word with Bishop George Bloomer on the Word Network, Celebrate on TCT-TV, Babbie’s House and Atlanta Live on WATC-TV, Nite Line on WGGS-TV and Club 36 on WBPI-TV.  Lord knows, there is much more to come from this rising songstress and dedicated worshipper.
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Andrea R. Williams is a gospel music insider, artist, musician, producer, and owner of the PR firm, Tehillah Enterprises. A former GRAMMY Awards Project Manager, she is author of the book, Live The Life You Sing About: How To Live With Integrity In The Gospel & Christian Music Industry. 

"Still Alive (I Survived)" – Lucinda Moore

“Still Alive (I Survived)”
Lucinda Moore (2018)
Nalah Music Group
www.facebook.com/LucindaMooreOne

Still Alive Lucinda Moore cover artBy Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

Lucinda Moore’s message to encourage oneself, never give up, and acknowledge the need for help beyond one’s own strength is evident in her current single, “Still Alive (I Survived).”  The Stellar Award-winning songstress co-wrote her testimony with Grammy-winning producer Cedric Thompson after learning that her heart stopped during spinal surgery in 2015.

Lucinda’s dynamic vocals punctuate the song’s overarching message to the hearers that they too can get through the everyday challenges of life, rising from their valley experiences to the mountaintop: “You’re the only One who heard my silent cry / I’m still alive–I survived!”  By the culmination of the song, I can see myself getting my praise on at the top of the hill–Rocky Balboa style!

“Still Alive (I Survived)” brightens the path to listeners’ purpose and destiny.  When the struggles of day-to-day duties seem to get to you, pull out the electronic device of choice, put in your earbuds, and let Lucinda enlighten you on how to be a survivor.


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Janie Sheeley-Torain, Ed.D, is a gospel music enthusiast, author, National Board Certified Teacher, and lifelong educator. She is an advocate of invigorating gospel music that inspires, elevates, and encourages the listener. She has published and is currently working on manuscripts that embolden the musicians of gospel music.

"H.O.L.Y." – Keion D. Henderson

“H.O.L.Y.”
Keion D. Henderson (2018)
 
Holy Keion Henderson cover artBy Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor
 
Keion D. Henderson’s cover of “H.O.L.Y.” (originally performed by country duo Florida Georgia Line) will have your hands raised and singing along with tears of joy streaming down your cheek. Hallelujah!  “H.O.L.Y.” is an acronym for “high on loving you.”
 
The country-styled vertical worship song opens with layers of musical accompaniment and just enough organ to give you that “churchy” feeling that suggests, “Oh yeah, we are getting ready to worship.”  Then, oh my!  Keion—also known as Pastor Henderson to his 6,500-member Lighthouse Church of Houston congregation—capably leads you from a cold winter morning of loneliness and despair to feeling the warmth of the Son on your face. He guides the tune dramatically upwards into the crescendo of worship and praise and then gently downward, back into the flow of personal worship.

“H.O.L.Y.” is written by Busbee, Nate Cyphert, and William Larsen. 

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Janie Sheeley-Torain, Ed.D, is a gospel music enthusiast, author, National Board Certified Teacher, and lifelong educator. She is an advocate of invigorating gospel music that inspires, elevates, and encourages the listener. She has published and is currently working on manuscripts that embolden the musicians of gospel music.
 

“Young & Strong” – Sidney Buckner and Youth In Unity

“Young & Strong”
Sidney Buckner & Youth In Unity (2018)
Available at iTunes

Young and Strong Sidney BucknerBy Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

Can anything “good” come out of Chicago?  Absolutely, especially if it’s gospel; after all, the city gave birth to it.  Another resounding “yes” nods to Sidney Buckner, who has mentored and trained a group of young people who are on fire for the Lord and willing to minister and encourage the youth in spiritual songs.  We can hear Sidney Buckner and Youth In Unity (YIU) encouraging other young people through their moderately paced urban contemporary single to serve God while they are “Young & Strong.”  The song’s lyrics, primarily sung in unison, tell of the choir’s determination to be victorious in life through acknowledging and serving Jesus: “So I’ll pray a little harder, get acquainted with the Father, learn to be a little smarter, while I’m young and I am strong.” 

YIU lets us know that there will be mistakes along the way, but if we listen to the words that we have been taught, pray, and seek Jesus for guidance and understanding, we will defeat the enemy of our soul.  Relax, listen, and be refreshed by the Scripture which tells us to “remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1, King James Version).

Sidney Buckner and YIU have ministered throughout the Chicago area and have recorded two live CD projects.

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Janie Sheeley-Torain, Ed.D, is a gospel music enthusiast, author, National Board Certified Teacher, and lifelong educator. She is an advocate of invigorating gospel music that inspires, elevates, and encourages the listener. She has published and is currently working on manuscripts that embolden the musicians of gospel music.

“Christ Out of Christmas” – Yemi Ayeni

“Christ Out of Christmas”
Yemi Ayeni (2018)
WTL Records 
www.yemiayeni.com

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Sounds of Christmas are in the air.  Among them is Yemi Ayeni’s single, “Christ Out of Christmas.”

“They tried to take Christ out of Christmas, but they can’t take Christ out of me,” sings Yemi as her words gleefully sweep like brush strokes across the tune’s jazz-embellished canvas.  “He’s the reason for the season; that’s why we are here!”

Yemi is a UK-based singer/songwriter who says she penned “Christ Out of Christmas” to “draw more attention to the world’s denial and rejection of Christ [and give] a clarion call to action to the Church to defend our faith.”

Five Questions With Modern Day Cure: ‘Jesus is the answer’

Modern Day CureBy Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Worship band Modern Day Cure has enjoyed warm reception since the release of their current single “Confident.”  With Aaron and Tamar Chipp at the helm, the Nashville-based group has shared their ministry across several states and venues since 2012, sharing the stage with the Newsboys, Sanctus Real, and other artists. 

Libra:  Tell us about the moniker Modern Day Cure.

MDC:  We get our name from Hebrews 14:8 which says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” To us, this makes Him the modern day cure.  Jesus is the answer the world needs today and He will always be.

Libra: How do you describe the band’s sound?

MDC:  Our sound can be described as contemporary worship with pop/rock elements.  We’re exploring new sounds and feel like we’re finding ourselves in this new season as a band.

Libra:  Modern Day Cure is a young band–just getting started–so to speak.  What do you want the band to be when it “grows up”?

MDC:  God’s given us a big vision, but we know it’s in His control and time frame.  We try to stay faithful with what He’s given us in the moment.  We like to say we’ll go as far as He takes us.

Libra:  Besides your own music, what’s currently playing in your personal music playlist?

MDC:  We love The Belonging Co (our home church), Elevation Worship, and Bethel Music.

Libra:  What else would you like to share?

MDC:  We’re in the process of recording a new EP to be released this fall…and would love to partner and serve churches, events and festivals. For more info visit www.moderndaycure.com.

"Confident" – Modern Day Cure

“Confident”
Modern Day Cure (2017)
www.moderndaycure.com

Modern Day Cure Confident cover artBy Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

More than ever, we as the people of God and especially our young people, need music that encourages us to not only confidently face day-to-day situations, but face the future with confidence in the Lord.  Thanks, Modern Day Cure.  

“You know–that you know–that you know!”  Modern Day Cure, a Nashville-based worship band, helps listeners be self-assured that they will not be abandoned; left to their own devices.  Rather, they will look back over the challenges that God has brought them through and be “Confident”!

– Confident that God finishes what He starts!
– Confident that God will honor His promises!
– Confident that God will be with you until the end and forever more!

Modern Day Cure is led by Aaron and Tamar Chipp.  “Confident” is the contemporary worship single from their forthcoming EP.

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Janie Sheeley-Torain, Ed.D, is a gospel music enthusiast, author, National Board Certified Teacher, and life-long educator. She is an advocate of invigorating gospel music that inspires, elevates, and encourages the listener. She has published and is currently working on manuscripts that embolden the musicians of gospel music.

“Lord, You’ve Been Good to Me” – Tim Woodson & The Heirs of Harmony

“Lord, You’ve Been Good to Me”
Tim Woodson and the Heirs of Harmony (2017)
Peacock Music Group 
https://www.facebook.com/timandtheheirs/

Tim Woodson and the Heirs of Harmony cover artBy Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Tim Woodson and the Heirs of Harmony pay homage to a pioneering gospel quartet-styled group with the current single, “Lord, “You’ve Been Good to Me.”  The number was popularized over 50 years ago by the legendary Five Blind Boys of Mississippi.

Sticking to the adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Woodson pounds this toe-tapper with the same vocal intensity as Henry Johnson, who is heard on the Blind Boys’ version as this Heirs’ remake begins. 

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Woodson and the Heirs have been spreading the good news since 1992.

"I'll Always Be Thankful" – Duranice Pace ft. The Pace Family

“I’ll Always Be Thankful”
Duranice Pace ft. The Pace Family (2017)
Madison Music Group

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Duranice Pace is the eldest sister and a lead singer with gospel’s beloved Anointed Pace Sisters.  She’s appeared in a number of stage plays and once upon a time appeared weekly on BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel as a Nashville Super Choir cast member, the backing choir for Jones.  Those who weren’t already acquainted have been introduced through video clips of her trademark entrances at family gatherings and impromptu performances at places like Walmart and IHOP, which spread like wildfire across social media.

At the family’s most recent Thanksgiving Day get-together, Duranice burst through the front door with melody.  Her musical family–which includes matriarch Pastor Bettie Pace and Duranice’s eight singing sisters–has come to expect as much, so the phone’s cameras were rolling.  The footage, posted by younger sister LaTrice, became an instant hit and within a few days, “I’ll Always Be Thankful”–the song that brought everyone joy, tears, and tears of joy–was released as a single.  It’s easy to see why the inspirational uptempo song of gratitude, celebration, and fond remembrance resonated with hundreds of thousands: “Here we are again sitting at the dinner table / Talking to one another / Ain’t nothing like family and friends…”

“I’ll Always Be Thankful” features the Pace family and is produced by Duranice’s nephew, Dennis Lamar Martin, Jr.