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Sizzlin’ This Week (8/1/11) – “I Got A Friend”

“I Got A Friend”
The New Pearly Gates
From the upcoming CD, Through It All (2011)

The New Pearly Gates of Suffolk, VA are gearing up for the release of a brand new CD.  In the meantime, I’m listening to the single, “I Got A Friend,” and I dig it.

There’s nothing fancy about it, and that’s a good thing.  Sometimes less is more. “I Got A Friend” has a simple hook, easy-to-learn verses and a pretty basic chord structure.  It’s an uptempo declaration of the unfailing devotion of Jesus, and we all can testify to that!

“Fly Again” – Sounds of Blackness

“Fly Again”
Sounds of Blackness
From the upcoming CD, The Sounds of Blackness (Fall 2011)
www.malaco.com

Sounds of Blackness was recently signed with Malaco Music Group (see related post here), and the choir is already set with its debut single “Fly Again” from its forthcoming self-titled CD.

“Fly Again” features Jamecia Bennett, daughter of longtime Sounds of Blackness powerhouse Ann Nesby and mother of American Idol Season 5 sensation Paris Bennett.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and like her mother, Jamecia Bennett delivers a signature sound of soulful singing, colorful phrasing, and stirring ad libs on this midtempo inspirational track, all alongside the choir’s staccato vocals which soar to their summit with, “Just hold on and be strong / You hold the key to your victory / Keep your head up to the sky / You’re gonna fly / You’re gonna fly!”

According to Gary Hines, the group’s music director and producer, the single is dedicated to Malaco and to people across the country and world “who have recently suffered unfathomable devastation. Together we will all soon be able to ‘fly again!'”

The release of the full length CD The Sounds Of Blackness coincides with the 20th anniversary of the group’s landmark album The Evolution of Gospel (which features the hit “Optimistic”), and the 40th anniversary of the group’s inception.

Expect to hear “Fly Again” all over radio the first of August.

Sizzlin’ This Week (7/25/11) – “Lord Save Me”

“Lord Save Me”
Todd Curry & Focus
From the upcoming project, Quit Playin’ Church (2011)
www.quitplayinchurch.com

Character and “pure” ministry are the pulse of music ministry for Todd Curry & Focus–no wonder the ensemble’s new project is titled Quit Playin’ Church and the lead single is “Lord Save Me.”

“Lord Save Me,” written and arranged by Cornelius T. Purcell, is a fervent prayer from the heart of a sinner in the first verse and a christian who lives in a world where temptation is ever present in the second.  Each leads to a sincere appeal for salvation: “Lord save me / Wash away my sins / Free me from the bondage of the sinful life I’m living…”

A goal of Curry, who is an ordained elder, and his Greensboro based urban gospel group is for “Lord Save Me” to cross cultural lines with its sound and message.  Mission accomplished.  The melody is simple, the lyrics are powerful, and the song is a timely reminder that in whatever state we find ourselves, saint or sinner, we will never outgrow our need for Jesus Christ and His saving power.

Malaco signs Sounds of Blackness

Press Release from Malaco Records
Malaco Music Group has signed Sounds of Blackness, and the group’s debut single “Fly Again” from their self-titled CD, The Sounds of Blackness will be hitting radio the first of August.
Gary Hines, music director/producer of Sounds of Blackness states, “Sounds of Blackness and I are extraordinarily overjoyed to have the honor of signing with Malaco! Sounds of Blackness and Malaco have a lot in common–bringing Black Music to all people, celebrating four decades of existence, and remaining true to our roots!”

Malaco Vice President Tommy Couch Jr, comments, “We are so exited to work with a group of this magnitude. The Sounds Of Blackness are still about the music and the message while maintaining their unique creativity.”

“Much like Bebe & Cece Winans,” adds D.A. Johnson, executive director of Malaco’s gospel division, “the Sounds Of Blackness was extremely instrumental in crossing Gospel/Inspirational music over into the mainstream in the 90’s and It is great to see them return stronger than ever.”

Kirby Powell of gospel quartet, The Powell Tradition, has passed

GMF is sad to report that Kirby Powell, lead singer of Robersonville, NC quartet gospel group The Powell Tradition, passed Wednesday.  He was 29 years old.
The Powell Tradition is a family group consisting of brothers and cousins who were exposed to music as toddlers and who have been singing together as The Powell Tradition for more than 24 years. The group’s recordings include It’s Been Too Long and Personal Diary.

At the time of Powell’s passing, the group was prepping for an appearance on Bobby Jones Gospel next month as well as a live CD/DVD recording this fall.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Kirby’s wife and his entire family, friends, and The Powell Tradition.

Funeral Arrangements:

Viewing
Saturday, July 23 
6-8 PM
Roberson Chapel
4014 US Hwy 64, Robersonville, NC 

Homegoing
Sunday, July 24
2 PM
South Creek High School (formerly Roanoke High)
21077 Hwy 903, Robersonville, NC

“I Believe” – Praises of Zion

“I Believe”
Praises of Zion
From the CD, I Believe (2010)
Savoy Records

Praises of Zion may not be on your personal playlist–yet. Put ’em there.  The bouncy “I Believe” is one tune from their current project (by the same name) that is infectious.

On the title song, Wayne Robinson leads the choir in acknowledging their trust in the promises of God in celebratory fashion.

“I read Your letter sent from above / Every single word tells of Your love / No longer doubting the path I go / All is in Your hands and that I know.”

Recorded live at The First Cathedral in Bloomfield, CT, on the Savoy label (a Malaco subsidiary), “I Believe” is Praises of Zion’s personal approach to a very public praise.

Funeral Arrangements for Bishop F.C. Barnes of “Rough Side of the Mountain” Fame

Arrangements for Bishop F.C. Barnes have been announced by Glessa Morris, booking manager for Luther Barnes Song Ministries.  Barnes passed Monday morning.  He was 82. (See related post here.)

Memorial Service
Friday, July 15th
7-9 PM
Red Budd Holy Church
1108 Luper Street – Rocky Mount
Funeral
Saturday, July 16th
11 AM
Red Budd Holy Church

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Chapel in Wilson, NC.

Sizzlin’ This Week (7/11/11) – “It Was A Great Thing”

“It Was A Great Thing”
Rev. F.C. Barnes & the Red Budd Combined Choir
From the CD, “LIVE” featuring “Rough Side of the Mountain” (1994)
www.malaco.com

Bishop F.C. Barnes transitioned in the early hours of yesterday morning at the age of 82 (see the related post here), but not before leaving a rich legacy to be remembered for years to come.

Bishop Barnes founded Red Budd Holy Church in Rocky Mount in 1959.  This week’s pick, “It Was A Great Thing,” features him with the Red Budd Combined Choir.

Thank you, Bishop Barnes, for reminding us of the mercy of Jesus Christ.  Yes, it was a great thing that He did for us!

Bishop, singer, and patriarch Barnes has passed

GMF is sad to report that Bishop Faircloth Barnes passed early this morning.

Bishop F.C. Barnes was the founder of Red Budd Holy Church in Rocky Mount, NC.  He is most recognized, however, for his rise to gospel music fame in 1983 with the blockbuster hit, “Rough Side of the Mountain,” recorded with Rev. Janice Brown.

Singing was seemingly always a family affair for the bishop.  Through the years, in addition to his own group, Bishop F.C. Barnes and Company (his nieces), Bishop Barnes was featured on projects with Luther Barnes, his son; The Sunset Jubilaires, his brothers; and the Red Budd Gospel Choir, which consists of his granddaughter, nieces, and other family and friends.  His sons Samuel, Melvin, and Tony were musicians on several of the recordings.

Recently, Bishop Barnes appeared on Darrell Luster’s (God is God) He Won’t Change album, putting his signature down home flavor on the title cut.

Please keep the entire Barnes family as well as the church family in your thoughts and prayers.

GMF will post arrangements as information becomes available.  Update: Arrangements have been announced.  Click here for service times.

“Peace in the Valley” – Raymond Silver

“Peace in the Valley”
Raymond Silver
From the CD, Use Me (2010)
http://raymondsilverproductions.com

“Peace in the Valley” is a timeless hymn that has been covered by the likes of Mahalia Jackson (for whom it was written), Red Foley, Pat Boone, Dolly Parton, Randy Travis, Loretta Lynn, Take 6, The Soul Stirrers, Elvis Presley, and no less than a score of others.

Now you can add Raymond Silver to the roster.

On his current CD, Use Me, the multi-talented Silver delivers his own interpretation of the Thomas Dorsey classic.  Silver’s arrangement is faster, but he handles the traditional gem with care, as if the composer is within earshot.  Most of Silver’s liberties are taken in the vamp (the repeated phrase “in the valley”) as he chronicles all the glooms he’ll abandon and joys he’ll embrace upon entering into eternal peace.

Hearing this version of “Peace in the Valley” 70-plus years after it was written, I think Rev. Dorsey would be pleased.