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"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.

Dorinda Clark-Cole to be part of reality series ‘Preachers of Detroit’

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

I suppose the cast of a new Preachers… series wouldn’t be complete without a prominent preacher who is also a powerhouse singer. It’s apparent from the first two seasons that Deitrick Haddon has it on lock with the LA installment.  Come February 18 (10pm ET), Dorinda Clark-Cole will hold it down on the new Oxygen network series, Preachers of Detroit. 

The three-time Grammy winner and member of the legendary Clark Sisters wears many hats: COGIC evangelist, recording artist, TV and radio host, and fashionista with her own clothing line called The Rose Collection. The reality show will chronicle Clark-Cole’s efforts to juggle her whirlwind lifestyle (as her family’s primary bread winner), her desire to strengthen her relationship with her daughter Nikki, and her own self-care.

The Preachers of Detroit cast features six other high-profile persons of the cloth: Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III, Bishop Corletta Vaughn, Pastor Tim Alden, Pastor David Bullock, Bishop-Elect Clarence Langston, and Pastor Don William Shelby, Jr.

Rod Aissa, Executive Vice President of Original Programming and Development for Oxygen Media, says in a press release, “Preachers of Detroit is the latest iteration of the honest, thought-provoking storytelling that Oxygen viewers have so strongly connected with. We introduce a new group of Preachers who have various roads to faith, triumph and transformation, but share a united dedication to help influence positive change in Detroit.”

For a sneak peek of the series visit: www.oxygen.com/shows/videos/preachers-of-detroit-a-new-series

I’m just curious. What’s the likelihood of adding Preachers of Memphis to the franchise with Al Green rounding out the cast?

From
left to right: Bishop-Elect Clarence Langston, Pastor Don William
Shelby, Jr., Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III, Pastor David Bullock, Bishop
Corletta Vaughn, Pastor Tim Alden, and Evangelist Dorinda Clark-Cole. 

Danny Yancey, NC educator and church music director, a finalist for Grammy Foundation award

Danny Yancey, NC educator and church music director, a finalist for Grammy Foundation award

Congratulations are in order for NC educator Danny Yancey, one of 10 music teachers selected from over 7,000 nominees as a finalist for the second annual Music Educator Award presented by The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Foundation.

According to www.grammy.com, “[The] Music Educator Award was established to recognize current educators
(kindergarten through college, public and private schools) who have made
a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education
and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining
music education in the schools.”

If Yancey is chosen as recipient from the 10 finalists, he will be flown to Los Angeles to accept the honor, attend the Grammy Awards, and receive $10,000.

Yancey teaches choral music at Martin Gifted & Talented Magnet School in Raleigh.  He is also the music director at Durham’s Monument of Faith Church. He cites his father, Pastor Willie Yancey, and his uncle, Detroit Yancey—gospel singers/writers/musicians and recording artists—as his earliest significant music influences.

Vanessa Bell Armstrong mourns passing of son

Please join GMF in extending condolences to Vanessa Bell Armstrong in the passing of her son Terrance.  The gospel singer tweeted the news of her son’s passing Thursday, December 4, via Twitter.

Early Friday morning, she shared this tweet with her followers:

Our prayers are with the family during this very difficult time.