Category: Features

"Trouble in the Street" – The Pilgrim Jubilees

"Trouble in the Street" The Pilgrim Jubilees cover art
“Trouble in the Street”
The Pilgrim Jubilees
From the vinyl LP, Trouble in the Street (1997)
 
By Libra Boyd
 
The Pilgrim Jubilees were thought by some to be ahead of their time when they released their 1997 album, Trouble in the Street. The title track has in fact been around decades longer. Still, the evocative title song raised eyebrows and perked up ears with haunting sounds of gunshots, sirens, and authoritative voices shouting, “Get on the ground, Boy!”
 
Written by the Jubes’ frontman Clay Graham, “Trouble in the Street” is an emotive message song with social commentary that, sadly, is as relevant today as when first released.  When the song first came out, however, it failed to garner radio airplay.  The reason, Clay recalled in Alan Young’s book The Pilgrim Jubilees (University Press of Mississippi), was that some deejays thought lyrics about violence and senseless deaths were too pessimistic for the listeners.  Still, Clay remained hopeful that the time would come for his outcry to be heard.  After all that has happened in the nation in recent weeks and months, this may be that time. “We need Jesus!” proclaim the Jubes.

Fill This House – Shirley Caesar

Shirley Caesar
Fill This House (2016)
eOne Music 
www.shirleycaesar.com
 
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
 
Fill This House is Pastor Shirley Caesar’s most refreshing body of musical work in recent years.  Many who bought the project, helping it debut at number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Album chart, will probably agree.
 
The album kicks off with the immediately infectious “It’s Alright, It’s OK,” featuring soulful R&B singer and fellow North Carolinian, Anthony Hamilton.  Following the opening track, she takes us straight to church with the testimony-charged “He Won’t Fail You,” praise-break inducing “Survive This” with Bishop Hezekiah Walker, and worshipful title song “Fill This House.”
 
Although head-bobbing comes standard with “Need Him Now,” the traditional-contemporary groove is the backdrop for sobering social commentary:

Look at all of the trouble today–war and killing flooding the land
You know it’s time to pray
No prayer in the schoolhouse, and wrong is right in the White House
We need Him right away…

During the last ten seconds, crank up the volume and check out some of Pastor Caesar’s wordless improvisational sweetness.
 
Having recorded more “mama” songs than perhaps any other gospel recording artist, it is entirely appropriate that Fill This House also features a matriarchal ode of sorts—this one to the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church, site of the devastating Charleston church massacre.  “Mother Emanuel,” penned by Chip Davis and Dony and Reba Rambo-McGuire, is the poignant, moving standout of the project, elevated in emotion when President Obama begins to read the names of the victims. 
 
“Prayer Works,” written by V. Mike McKay, brings Fill This House to a high energy, inspirational end and solidifies the project’s place among the great releases of 2016. 

The saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”  There is certainly nothing broken or in need of a fix when it comes to the music of Pastor Caesar and the writing and production of her longtime music director, Michael Mathis.  Still, their collaborations with this project’s host of creative writers, producers, musicians, and background singers has reinvigorated the Caesar sound and brought out the best in one of the best to ever sing or preach a gospel message. 

I have never made such a bold prediction and do not know what the rest of the year holds for highly anticipated music releases, but I believe Fill This House may net the reigning queen of gospel Grammy number twelve. 

Favorites
“It’s Alright, It’s OK” – “Need Him Now”

Fever Meter
SWELTERIN’ (5 of 5 Stars)
 

John Thorpe and Truth, Chosen Live DVD Recording Recap

John Thorpe and Truth
John Thorpe and Truth | Photo Credit: Libra Boyd

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

A modest crowd of roughly 250 traditional gospel enthusiasts gathered at Roxboro’s Kirby Theater Saturday night (July 16) for the live DVD recordings of John Thorpe and Truth of Rougemont, NC, and Chosen of Wilkesboro, NC.  Radio announcer David Ramsey and Bishop D.T. “Dynamite” Johnson served as emcees for the evening.

The one-hour late start caused restlessness among some in the audience, but they appeared to be instantly refreshed by the live music performances of area artists Chozen Phaze II and saxophonist James Brown, who opened the concert.

Once John Thorpe and Truth took to the stage—about 55 minutes after the late start—they wasted no time moving through the first of two five-song sets, beginning with “I Don’t Mind,” followed by the bluesy “Child of God.”  Both numbers are from an album recorded with his siblings, John Thorpe and Family Live with Dr. Bobby Jones, and are fan favorites. Still, it was the perennial hymn “Old Rugged Cross” that shifted the somewhat constrained atmosphere into extended worship.  Thorpe brought out his son Jonathan (of James Hall & Worship and Praise) to share the lead.  Jonathan’s velvet tenor was a stark contrast to his dad’s gritty baritone, but the duet was nonetheless palatable.  The worship that ensued cued a reprise before the group finished out its opening set with downhome hand-clapper, “Do What the Lord Say Do.”

Chosen
Chosen | Photo Credit: Libra Boyd

While John Thorpe and Truth recessed for a wardrobe change, Chosen began its 10-song set, which included a mix of original tunes and covers of “What He’s Done for Me” (Lisa Knowles and The Brown Singers), “Thank You” (Tim Rogers and The Fellas), “Meet Me at the Gate” (B.T. Green and the Christian Harmonettes), and “Old Landmark” (Tammy Edwards and the Edwards Sisters).  An unhurried song of assurance, “Jesus is Standing There,” especially resonated with the intimate crowd:

You feel all alone sometimes, and you don’t know what to do, but still
Jesus is standing there
I’ve got friends, they’ll turn and walk away from you, but still when they walk away
Jesus is standing there
Call Him in the morning
Call Him late at night
Oh Jesus is standing there

The song’s lead singer Marshall Parks shared with the audience afterwards, “A whole lot of folks sing songs that sound good; but I want to sing a song that says something.”  When the lead mic was passed to Quinda Parks, she emphasized that Chosen came to have church.  I was convinced.  Their sermonettes, testimonies, praise break, and the atmosphere of an old-fashion revival as they neared the end of their set were proof positive.

As the night drew to a close, John Thorpe and Truth returned to complete the final set, opening with the lively title track from their current CD, “Stay with Jesus” and ending with “Thank You,” reminiscent of soul singer Eddie Floyd’s “Knock on Wood.”

Both group’s recordings will be released as individual “live” CD and DVD projects in association with Light of Day Productions, LLC.  To pre-order, visit the artists’ websites at www.johnthorpeandtruth.com and www.chosen-ministries.com.

Minister of Music's experiences inspire Christian fiction novel 'That Church Life'

For ten years, Teresa B. Howell was the minister of music for the Durham’s Mt. Olive Holy Church youth choir.  When she eventually turned her attention to her love of creative writing, it’s understandable that the church music department was a common thread for several characters in her recently released fiction novel, That Church Life (Walking in Victory International Publishing).  Specifically, explained Howell to GMF, “The lead character [in the book] is a great singer and was in love with the organist.”  The organist is the novel’s antagonist.  Another main character is the choir director.  The plot itself is complex and is influenced by a number of Howell’s personal observations and experiences over the years while involved in various church organizations.   Here’s the synopsis:


The Church Gal Crew is leading the way to salvation at Mt. Zion Holiness Church.  Feisty Natalia Freemon is the “head” of the crew.  Rebellious and outspoken, she has no problems challenging the church status quo.  Years later however, her loss of faith will tragically impact her life.

Michelle Hanks, a country girl from a hardworking farm family is the peacemaker and “soul” of the crew.  Although struggling with self-confidence she is wise beyond her years and can’t wait to escape the farm life and find success; even if it costs her soul.

Missy Jones, the “heart” of the crew, has the face of an angel and a voice sent from heaven. A pastor’s daughter raised in the church, Missy loves the ministry and her place in it.  But the flesh is tempting, especially when it comes in the form of sexy church musician and Mt. Zion playboy Tommy.

In spite of her dedication to the word, Missy falls hard for Tommy, and then falls out of favor with the church.  Trapped in a cycle of relationship abuse, Missy’s world is falling apart until Beanie, a reformed stick-up man turned Evangelist, shows her real love. But when tragedy strikes, Missy is torn between the truth, that could jeopardize everything she loves, or a lie that could be her damnation.

These three best friends drift away from each other and the church but come back together through spiritual downfall, relationship crises, drug addiction, and even murder.  Can the crew survive the drama involved in That Church Life?

Though a work of fiction, Howell does not shy away from writing about troubling realities that plague more than a few church folks.    For more information about the author and That Church Life,visit teresabhowell.com.

Multicultural Christian ensemble, withLove, desires to unite body of Christ through music

withLove group photo
 
(Baltimore, MD)  Many have witnessed unrest on our city streets. Baltimore has seen its share of conflict, but it’s been said that love makes the world go around. There are five young men and women from Charm City who are doing it “withLove.”  The new Christian group, withLove, is on a mission to share the love of Christ through song and unite believers in the process. Featuring amazingly talented musicians, withLove combines their love of jazz, gospel and contemporary Christian music to create a very unique and moving worship experience.  Although the group pulls from influences like Israel & New Breed and Hillsong, their style is all their own. 

Their fresh sound is on display with their debut single, “Worth It All,” available now.  The song is the lead single from their forthcoming album self-titled, withLove, releasing on September 1, 2016.
 
This up-tempo, feel-good track is a reminder that Jesus gave His all for us through his life and death, and in the same way, no matter what we go through, God’s love is always “Worth It All.” Written by David Warren, the track is vibrant and showcases the band’s gifted musicians. The group also released a concept music video of the single. “Worth It All” is available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon and other digital music outlets.
 
The eclectic yet inspiring group is made up of David Warren (visionary, keyboardist), Stephen Waddy (electric guitar, arranger, producer), Lana Matthews (songwriter), Rachael Edwards (vocalist), and Jordan Williams (drummer). David Warren knew when the group initially came together that they were destined to create something truly special. He also knew there was one theme that would permeate their music and their ministry.
 
“I named the group withLove because our theme is ‘loving God, loving people, doing everything with love’. It’s central to who we are,” Warren says.  “We want to unite different races and cultures under
the banner of Christ. Through music, we want to break ethnic tensions and bring the Church together. God never meant for His people to be divided.”
 
Bringing different cultures together is personal for David. Half-Korean and half-African American, he is acutely aware of how different people treat others of different races. He wants to tear those barriers down, with the love of Christ leading the way. Warren doesn’t just want to use music to do it. He has programs called “The Love Projects,” where he and fellow group members hit the streets of Baltimore extending love through witnessing to people, feeding the homeless, serving the shut-in and acting as mentors to kids that need them.
 
Each of the members comes from different areas and backgrounds. Warren trained in classical piano (by a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra), ultimately playing for the University of Maryland Gospel
Choir.  A passionate worshiper, he leads worship at Gallery Church Sowebo, an ethnically-diverse congregation in the southwest part of Baltimore. Lana Matthews, who calls herself a “late bloomer,” didn’t start singing until college, where she met Warren. Her love of the arts initially was focused in film and poetry; songwriting came a little later. Rachael Edwards has been singing all of her life and belted out her first tunes in church.  Before joining withLove, she sang frequently in the DMV and also at Regent University. Jordan Williams, who hails from a musical family, began playing drums at the age of three and has been honing his skills ever since.
 
Warren says, “When I was given this vision for withLove, it was to create a multicultural, diverse worship team that’s embracing the Baltimore community, the same community that experienced the city uprising in the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray. We want to be part of the healing process of our city. We also want to reflect the people’s hearts right back to the Lord,” says Warren. For more information about withLove, log on to www.withLoveMusic.org. Connect with the group on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
 
– Tehillah Enterprises

"I'm A Winner" – Tonya Lewis-Taylor

Tonya Lewis-Taylor "I'm A Winner" art work“I’m A Winner”
Tonya Lewis-Taylor
From the upcoming EP, I’ve Got to Win (2016)
www.tonyalewistaylor.com

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

“I’m A Winner” is the uptempo inspirational debut single from Tonya Lewis-Taylor’s forthcoming EP, I’ve Got to Win.

Abundant with self-affirmations, Tonya (pronounced Tone-yah) makes one declaration after another, echoed by her background vocalists:

“I can do all things through Christ…”
“I can be whatever He wants me to be…”
“I can have whatever He wants me to have…”
“I’m the head and not the tail…”

Tonya wrote and co-produced “I’m A Winner” with Martin Christie and her husband J.P. Taylor.

"All Day Long" – The Rance Allen Group

All Day Long art work The Rance Allen Group“All Day Long”
The Rance Allen Group (2016)
www.tyscot.com

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

“Is there anybody out there who could literally sing God’s praises all day long?”  Bishop Rance Allen asks the lively San Francisco audience.  The crowd’s response is a resounding “Yes!”  What follows is “All Day Long,” a CCM styled worship tune stamped with the signature sound of the multi-Stellar Award winning Rance Allen Group.

“All Day Long,” written by Brittney Byrd Campbell, Chris Byrd, and Rance Allen, is the first single from the Rance Allen Group’s forthcoming album, Live from San Francisco.

"Angels" – Judea feat. The Loving Sisters

“Angels”
Judea feat. The Loving Sisters
From the upcoming CD, Trumpets (Available Summer 2016)
MG Music Group

Angels art work Judea ft. The Loving Sisters

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Acts of violence, terrorism, and evil appear daily in news headlines around the world.  It’s a savage reality that Christian rapper Judea chooses to address in his self-penned single “Angels,” featuring The Loving Sisters.

Arpeggiated strings punctuate Judea’s lyrical imagery as he speaks of these atrocities and laments, “Dear Lord, if you hear me please save us; all these suicide killers is outrageous.  Taking innocent lives, they’re called ISIS; I guess they don’t really know who Christ is.”  Beyond the present social condition, however, he “can hear the angels singing in Heaven,” where suffering, death, and conflict are nonexistent.

Judea, aka George Pettiford, enlisted the music and production talent of Deacon Authority (aka Cedric Hester) and the supporting vocals of his biological siblings, female quartet group The Loving Sisters of Roxboro, NC.

"Oh How We Love YOU" – TIFF JOY

“Oh How We Love YOU”
TIFF JOY
From the CD, TIFF JOY (2015)
Walkway Music Group/Tyscot Records


Tiff Joy Oh How We Love You art workBy Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

“Oh How We Love YOU” is the current radio single from TIFF JOY, the Stellar Award-winning singer/songwriter who wrote and performed the hit “Amazing” with Ricky Dillard and New G.

TIFF JOY opens the exultant praise from her self-titled album with an invitation to “put’cho hands together” before directing lyrics of adoration to the Lord.  The beginning lines of which are, “Glory to God in the highest / You are great and greatly (You are greatly to be praised)…”
“Oh How We Love YOU” is co-written by TIFF JOY, Phillip Feaster, Angel Feaster, and Calvin Rodgers.  GMF featured the official lyric video here: Official Lyric Video – “Oh How We Love YOU” – TIFF JOY

"Let Him Work on You" – Arthur Roland

“Let Him Work on You”
Arthur Roland
From the CD, Stepping Out of Myself (2015)
Nosmoke Records

Arthur Roland Stepping out of myself cover artBy Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

In his self-written and self-produced toe-tapper, Arthur Roland recounts a list of frustrations common to mankind—hard times, failed plans, and bad news.  Then, he urges, “Turn ya life over to Jesus; let Him work on you!”

“Let Him Work on You” is from Roland’s CD Stepping Out of Myself, inspired by the Michael Brown incident.

In 2014, Roland, a 30-year industry veteran, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as a member of Lucille Pope and the Pearly Gates.