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The Call My Answer – Zone Of The Trinity

Zone Of The Trinity
The Call My Answer (EP)
Indie (2013)
Available on iTunes

Zone of the TrinityBy Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Jesse Crosby Mantey aka Zone Of The Trinity is sharing his message with others through the release of his three-track EP, The Call My Answer.
 
Zone Of The Trinity is originally from Ghana (currently living in NJ) and cultivated his singing and songwriting talents under the influence of the country’s contemporary gospel movement.
 
Each of the three songs on The Call My Answer move along at a moderately slow tempo, which is suitable for the reflective nature of the lyrics. “Doubting Castle” is a plea for God to remove doubt and restore a heart of faith; and it’s in “I Can’t Run Away Anymore” that Zone Of The Trinity likens himself to Jonah, acknowledging that he can neither void nor avoid the call of God on his life. The final track, “I’m So Ready” can be considered the resolution to the inner conflict revealed through the first two songs, the embracing of God’s will: “I’m so ready for You / I’m willing for You / I’m ready for Your spirit to fill me…”
 
Both Zone Of The Trinity’s vocal and musical presentations are simple. No frills. And I think that’s fine with him. At his core, he is a unique solo artist who combines African and American sounds with the desire to bring us inside his journey from the call to his answer, hence, The Call My Answer.

“Won’t Be Like This Always” [Audio] – PreZ Blackmon II

“Won’t Be Like This Always”
PreZ Blackmon II (2013)
Available on iTunes

In light of all that’s going on in our society and throughout the country, PreZ Blackmon II’s “Won’t Be Like This Always” has arrived just in time to point us to brighter days. 
Though the Cali singer/songwriter does not speak directly to societal ills through his single, he soulfully delivers an earnest message of encouragement applicable to a majority; that is, anyone from any walk of life who is searching for their cloud’s silver lining.

“Won’t Be Like This Always”–described by PreZ as “old school with a new school twist”–features guitar work by Agape Jerry and production by Patrick Bolton.

"Faithful" – Gwendolyn M. Smith

“Faithful”
Gwendolyn M. Smith
From the CD, Faithful (2013)
www.gwendolynmsmith.com

Gwendolyn M. Smith Faithful artwork
Gwendolyn M. Smith, a California native, is a songwriter whose contemporary gospel style is inspired by Edwin Hawkins and The Clark Sisters. Carrying that inspiration a bit further, she offers you “Faithful,” the title song from her current 13-track CD.
 

The worship tune’s personal lyrics and simple piano and string accompaniment are soothing complements to Smith’s light soprano, attesting, “You are God, and You’ve been true to me.”

"He Rescued Me" – Tim Woodson and the Heirs of Harmony

“He Rescued Me”
Tim Woodson and the Heirs of Harmony
From the upcoming CD, Live in Newport News – Millionaire (2013)
Peacock Music Group
 
Tim Woodson and the Heirs of Harmony Millionaire cover art
Tim Woodson and the Heirs of Harmony take it back to the old school with their new toe-tapper, “He Rescued Me,” from the forthcoming CD, Live in Newport News – Millionaire. Woodson is a former member of The Mighty Clouds of Joy.
 
The Grand Rapids group’s presentation brings to mind a few of their likely quartet influences. Woodson’s styling during the opening lines, for instance, hints at The Sensational Nightingales’ Horace “Sug” Thompson while the rafter-rattling background falsetto harmonies channel the Fantastic Violinaires. When you add in the rallies for audience participation, “He Rescued Me” is like trotting down memory lane with Tim Woodson and the Heirs of Harmony on a pleasant Sunday afternoon.

"Light" – Tobbi & Tommi

“Light”
Tobbi & Tommi (2013)
BAS Music Group
Available at iTunes

Tobbi & Tommi cover art

Donald Lawrence describes them as “two of the best sopranos on the planet!” After 12 years with his aggregation, Donald Lawrence and Company, sisters Tobbi and Tommi step forward with their brand new single “Light.”

“Light” shines as a contemporary christian beacon of praise–“Glory, hallelujah, Jesus reigns and there’s access to redemption through His name!”–throughout which the two declare that “Jesus is the Light!”

Hailing from East St. Louis, Illinois, Tobbi and Tommi (formerly known as T&T and The White Sisters) have been immersed in gospel music for as long as they can remember.  Tobbi is also the featured vocalist on the new single, “The Gift,” from Donald Lawrence’s forthcoming 20th anniversary CD.

Rance Allen chats with Tavis Smiley on PBS – July 2

(Indianapolis, IN) Rance Allen continues to make his rounds across the country promoting The Rance Allen Group‘s current project Amazing Grace as well as the accompanying documentary, Music Majors: The Rance Allen Group. His latest stop is in Los Angeles, CA for a chat with renowned journalist and host, Tavis Smiley.
A longtime fan of the group, Smiley invited Allen as a special guest on
his PBS program to discuss the group’s influence on gospel music, the
current project and more.
The interview will air on July 2, on PBS. Check your local listings for times in your area or click here for more information.
The Rance Allen Group’s current project, Amazing Grace,
is currently available in stores and online. This 2-disc CD/DVD special
package features the new songs from the legendary group as well as
their documentary, Music Majors: The Rance Allen Group. For more
information, visit www.tyscot.com.