Category: Reviews

“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.”

"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.

'Living Legends Concert' honors Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's as Williams readies for retirement

Lee Williams and the Spiritual QCs
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
 
Melvin Williams and Doc McKenzie & the Hi-Lites were among hundreds who filled Durham’s King’s Park International Church Friday evening to honor Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s (pictured left).
 
The four-hour musical was billed as “The Living Legends Concert: An Intimate Evening with The Legends Honoring Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s” and is said to be one of Lee’s final appearances with the QC’s in North Carolina.  The longtime frontman of the Tupelo-based group founded by his uncle in the 1960s plans to retire from traveling and performing this year.  In July, Daily Journal reported that the multi award-winning singer and songwriter is battling Alzheimer’s Disease.  Lee spoke with GMF in 2011 regarding fans’ concerns about his health and rumors of retirement.  At the time, he told GMF founder Libra Boyd, “That’s not up to me” and that he’d continue to travel and perform with the group “as long as [God] lets me.” (Read the related story here.)
 
Last evening, Williams led the QC’s and an enthusiastic audience through abbreviated renditions of the group’s hits including “I’ve Learned to Lean” and “I Can’t Give Up,” with support from fellow group members Patrick Hollis and Leonard Shumpert.  One of the evening’s most memorable moments, however, occurred at the conclusion of gospel great Melvin Williams’ 37-minute set when Lee, to Melvin’s utter surprise and sheer delight, reappeared on stage for “Cooling Water,” the standout song from Doug and Melvin Williams’ Duets project.  Minutes earlier, Melvin had credited Lee, who was featured on the recording with Melvin, for the song’s massive success.
 
Other musical guests for the Living Legends Concert were Doc Mckenzie & The Hi-Lites and area groups From the Heart, New Creation, and Chuckey Robinson & C.E.R.J.E.R.Y.  Lee was also celebrated with video tributes from industry colleagues Pastor Luther Barnes, Harvey Watkins, Paul Porter, Keith Wonderboy Johnson, and Pastor Thomas Walker. 

Additionally, he was honored with a proclamation from the City of Durham declaring August 24, 2018 “Lee Williams Day” and was presented a framed honorary gold plaque on behalf of event coordinator Clarence Harding, M4 Enterprise, and North Carolina gospel media.
 
GMF extends congratulations and deep gratitude to Mr. Lee  Williams for his notable achievements during his time on the gospel highway and for the example he has set in the quartet community.  Our prayers are with him for a blessed retirement and precious quality time with his family and friends.
 
See more pictures below and check out even more photos from the concert on GMF’s Facebook page.
 
  • Lee and Melvin Williams sing "Cooling Water"
  • Lee Williams
  • Doc McKenzie and the Hilites
  • Melvin Williams hugs Lee

Clockwise from top left: Lee joins Melvin Williams for “Cooling Water.” (Photo credit: Michael Boykin) / Radio personality Bobby Parker (left) presents Lee a framed honorary gold record on behalf of M4 Enterprise, its owner Clarence Harding (third from left), and NC gospel media personalities (in the background, partially obscured). Rosie Trenia Moore (right) looks on. (Photo credit: LaShelle Crump) /  Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites deliver a riveting concert of fan favorites. / Melvin weeps as he embraces Lee following “Cooling Water.”

Editor’s Note:  Lee Williams is no relation to Doug and Melvin Williams.

“I Am Confident” – Dr. Charles Diggins ft. Queen with High Praise & Worship

“I Am Confident”
Dr. Charles Diggins ft. Queen with High Praise & Worship
From the CD, The Secret Place “Live” (2018)

Charles Diggns cover artBy Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Despite what many of today’s gospel and inspirational playlists might imply, traditional choir music is alive, thriving, and kept at the forefront by artists such as Dr. Charles Diggins ft. Queen With High Praise & Worship.

The aggregation’s current single, “I Am Confident,” is from the full-length CD, The Secret Place “Live”, and is centered squarely on Philippians 1:6.  High Praise & Worship fervently punctuates the biblical assertion in a staccato manner as the song moves along unhurriedly.  Diggins’ verve and phrasing on the Roland Perry composition are occasionally reminiscent of gospel great Douglas Miller–certainly not a critique but rather a nod to the popular era of choirs fronted by robust voices like Miller, Cleveland, Brunson, Biggham, and Kee.  Diggins is solid at the helm of the High Praise & Worship Chorale.  Additionally, the minister of music and Alabama native has presented his own compositions and arrangements all over the country to include GMWA, NCGCC, and the National Baptist Convention.

The full-length CD features Diggins’ wife and music partner, Queen.

“I Can’t Afford” – Lowell Pye

“I Can’t Afford”
Lowell Pye
From the CD, The Master’s Will Project (2015)
www.masterswillmusic.com

Lowell Pye_The Master's Will Project cover artBy Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Lowell Pye appears on The Master’s Will Project with “I Can’t Afford,” a brisk traditional hand-clapper that hearkens to his New Life Community Choir days with John P. Kee.

A standout feature of “I Can’t Afford” is the way in which Lowell skillfully allows ample breathing room within its verses sans a grunt, moan, or riff in every cranny.  The Stellar Award-winning singer seems to focus squarely on delivering the song’s straightforward message: God’s love and goodness continually exceed Lowell’s faults and frailties.  In return, he “can’t afford to let [his] Savior down.”

The Master’s Will Project, executive produced by husband-wife team Dale and Carla Conaway, is the debut release from Master’s Will Music.  Both the full-length CD and “I Can’t Afford” were nominated for Radio Alliance Awards in 2017 for CD of the Year and Traditional Song of the Year, respectively.

“Shout It Loud” – Clifford

“Shout It Loud”
Clifford
From the EP, Love and Worship (2017)
Available at Soundcloud

Cover art for "Shout It Loud" by CliffordBy Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

From the EP Love and Worship, Clifford brings listeners “Shout It Loud,” produced by Dotkeez.  Throughout the CCM vertical worship tune, the singer/songwriter and worship leader extols God’s worth, asserting that he will proclaim his worship thunderously.

Clifford is based in Nigeria and balances careers in both music and medicine. 

"Mercy" – Prince Tai

“Mercy”
Prince Tai
From the CD, Lessons (2017)
Available at iTunes

Prince Tai art workBy Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

I got goodness on my right side
I got mercy on my left
And I know I don’t deserve it
Even my haters callin’ me blessed

Don’t mistake Prince Tai’s declaration for conceit, because while the singer/songwriter acknowledges, “I’m far from what I was,” he makes no bones about his need for God’s continual mercy.  In fact, “Mercy” is the name of his hip-hop tinged contemporary single and the plea therein contained.  The hook alone is infectious, but the prayer lyrically expresses a widespread confession and request: “I’m far from what I was, but I’m not yet what I shall be.  Have mercy on me…”

Prince Tai is based in Norcross, GA, and has caught the eye of notables like Drake, Michelle Williams, Tyrese, Erica Campbell, Tweet, and Missy Elliott.

"King of Glory" – Psalmist Raine & The Refresh Team

“King of Glory”
Psalmist Raine & The Refresh Team (2017)
 
Psalmist Raine King of Glory cover artBy Libra Boyd
 
“King of Glory” is the new single from Psalmist Raine and the Refresh Team’s forthcoming CD, Refresh Worship Live II: For the Nations.  The enthusiastic praise anthem, produced by Nicholas McCree of Salohcin Media Group, invokes the King of Glory’s presence, for “the Lord God strong and mighty is the greatest of them all…King of Glory, we welcome you!”
 
The full-length project was recorded live on September 29, 2017, at Atlanta’s Tabernacle of Praise International Church and is the Chicago-based singer’s fourth live recording.  “King of Glory” is available at CD Baby, and the entire CD is set for release in early 2018.