Category: Reviews

"The Greater" – J. Grant Thompson

“The Greater”
J. Grant Thompson (2014)
Available at iTunes

J. Grant Thompson - The Greater - art work

By the time J. Grant Thompson was six, he was singing and playing drums for the children’s choir at his church.  His musical gifting was evident. Years later, his musicianship evolved to include piano, writing, and music production.  The evolution continues with the recent release of his debut single, “The Greater.”

Just as evident as J. Grant’s musical gifting is his heartfelt vertical worship through lyrical prayer: “Open my eyes to see greater…The Greater is You!”  Flowing piano arpeggios and uncomplicated background harmonies usher the urban contemporary worship track to its climactic emphasis—”You are Greater!”

J. Grant is a native of Washington, DC, and serves as a worship leader at Church of the Rock Praise Factory, founded and pastored by his parents, Pastor G. Ainsworth and Lady Margaret Thompson.

"I Love to Praise Him" – Tim Rogers & The Fellas

“I Love to Praise Him”
Tim Rogers & The Fellas (2014)
www.pastortimothyrogers.com

Tim Rogers & The Fellas - I Love to Praise Him cover art

Tim Rogers & The Fellas hit hard with their remake of Jessy Dixon’s “I Love to Praise Him.” The Arkansas quartet’s current single is downloadable on iTunes.

At the outset, Rogers announces, “Church, I’m ’bout to take you back down to the country, from where I’m from!” From there, he and his group drive the classic into repeated declarations of “hallelujah” and “thank You, Jesus.”

"Take Your Burdens" – Juan Santiago and Uninhibited Praise

“Take Your Burdens”
Juan Santiago and Uninhibited Praise (2015)
www.jsuplive.com

Juan Santiago and Uninhibited Praise Take Your Burdens art work

Juan Santiago and Uninhibited Praise’s single “Take Your Burdens” can be summed up in one word: churchy.

 
JSUP, an aggregation of vocal talent recognized in and beyond the country for its captivating style of praise and worship (with songs like “Holy is the Lord” and “Healing Rain”), presents a markedly different sound with “Take Your Burdens.”  Vocalist Jeneal Johnson and JSUP’s cascading choir vocals make this moderately paced scorcher of a traditional choir number redolent of South Side Chicago Sunday mornings, Jackson Sunday afternoons, and Memphis Sunday evenings.

"Reach Out and Touch" – Ben Tankard ft. Kirk Whalum

“Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)”
Ben Tankard ft. Kirk Whalum
From the upcoming CD, Full Tank 2.0 (Available February 10, 2015)
www.bentankard.org

Ben Tankard cover art

Just imagine the enduring message of “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” infused with smooth, soulful jazz instrumentation by keyboardist Ben Tankard and saxophonist Kirk Whalum. Thankfully, use of imagination is not needed since “Reach Out and Touch” (popularized by Diana Ross) is in fact the first single from Tankard’s forthcoming gospel jazz instrumental CD, Full Tank 2.0.

Tankard certainly does appear to be running on a full tank. In addition to new music, the multi-award–winning musician/producer has kicked off season two of his hit Bravo reality show Thicker Than Water (read his interview with GMF here: Ben Tankard talks about new season of ‘Thicker Than Water,’ new music, and his critics) and has a new book and clothing line in the works.

Enjoy the video “Reach Out and Touch” below.


"Good News" – Deborah Brown

“Good News”
Deborah Brown (2014)
Purpose Driven Records

No doubt about it, good news is welcomed amid the chaotic nature of daily encounters, and Atlanta’s Deborah Brown delivers with her upbeat rhythmic single “Good News.”

‘Tis a contemporary gospel bounce that’s dominated by a repeated electric piano chord progression and syncopated horns. The “good news” that Deborah (bearing a smidge of tonal resemblance to Twinkie Clark) sings about throughout the tune turns out to be all the joys that accompany the birth of Christ: “Peace on earth / goodwill towards men / a child is born / a son is given / government on His shoulders…” These proclamations translate into the song’s head-bobbing vamp.

Deborah, along with her husband Dr. Jerry Brown (founder and CEO of Purpose Driven Records), was recently featured on The Don Frost Music City Gospel Show.

"Run and Go Tell It" – Mighty Men of Faith

“Run and Go Tell It”
Mighty Men of Faith
From the CD, Nothing But Grace (2014)
N2L Records
mightymenoffaith.bandcamp.com/

Mighty Men of Faith cover art

They planned to perform only once for a special event at University AME Zion Church, but the one-time plan was axed when the response to their performance opened doors for them to travel throughout northern California. Five years later, they’re known as The Mighty Men of Faith, and they’ve released their sophomore CD entitled Nothing But Grace, which features the urban contemporary single “Run and Go Tell It.”

In contrast to the tempo one might assume belongs to a song with “run” in its title, “Run and Go Tell It” is unhurried. Staccato R&B-esque lead vocals and finger-snap percussion, enhanced by layered harmonies throughout the chorus, accentuate the tune’s simple personal declaration: “I will run and go tell it…what God has done for me.” 


The Palo Alto, CA foursome has been nominated for Rhythm of Gospel Awards in five categories.

"I WIN" – Steve Dalton & The Leviticus Singers of Charlotte

“I WIN”
Steve Dalton & The Leviticus Singers of Charlotte
From the upcoming CD, As ONE, Release the SOUND (Available 2015)
Indie/SDM Productions
Available at CD Baby

Steve Dalton I Win cover art“No matter what you’re going through, God’s got His hands on you,” sings a harmonious cast of energetic vocalists known as Steve Dalton & The Leviticus Singers of Charlotte. The group’s mid-tempo contemporary worship tune “I WIN” is loaded with affirmations and is easily a theme song for overcomers.

Though “I WIN” is filled with positive self-talk, The Leviticus Singers describe their brand of praise and worship music as vertical, emphasizing that it’s from God and points others to Him.

“I WIN” is featured on the choir’s sophomore project entitled, As ONE, Release the SOUND, which is set for release in 2015.

"Merry Christmas" [Free Music] – Norris J

“Merry Christmas”
Norris J feat. Taushey Sias (2014)
Indie
www.norrisj.com

Norris J drops an inspirational rhyme on the meaning of the holiday season in his light and lively rhythmic tune “Merry Christmas,” featuring soprano Taushey Sias. You can download it free here: Christmas Single 2014

The Fort Worth native is a hip-hop artist and songwriter with a passion to connect with the young generation through his music.  He recently teamed up with BET Sunday Best 4 finalist Andrea Helms on her current single “Clap Your Hands.” 

It’s Christmas [Free Music] – Jason Nicholson-Porter

Jason Nicholson-Porter
It’s Christmas [Digital EP]
Indie (2014)
 
Jason Nicholson-Porter’s gift to you this season is a free download of his current EP, It’s Christmas. The download is available by clicking here.
 
The mellow title track is equal parts soulful, jazzy, and festive, balanced by the smooth texture of Jason’s flawless vocals and impressive range. Jason also performs the timeless classic “Noel Noel.” Strings and lush background vocals give his arrangement of the traditional carol its beautifully worshipful ambience. 
 
Jason is a singer and songwriter who hails from Jamaica and presently resides in the UK.  He has sung professionally since the age of 14.

"Because of You" – Damon Little

“Because of You”
Damon Little (2014)
www.damonlittle.com

Damon Little - Because of You art workDamon Little is known for the hit songs “You Can’t Straddle the Fence,” “Do Right,” and “Make A Way,” but perhaps his most personal musical offering thus far is the urban praise ballad “Because of You.”

Little has a testimony—a portion of which he shares at the start of his self-penned tune. Just over a year ago, the gospel community rallied around him with prayers and support when they got the news that he would need emergency heart surgery.  Though the surgery can now be described as a success, Little underwent several challenges and setbacks, including a brief period during which he says his body rejected his heart. Now he’s healed and lyrically proclaims, “I wish they could see me today; I would tell them look at me now, see what the Lord can do.”

“Because of You,” produced by Little and co-produced by Bubby Fann, departs from the familiar quartet stylings of Little and his group Nu Beginnings and embraces choir harmonies.  The result is an arrangement that complements the toggling of narration and singing that Little does throughout his song of gratitude.

“Because of You” is available on iTunes.