Tag: CCM

“Praise the Name” – Melanie Waldman

“Praise the Name”
Melanie Waldman (2021)
Melanie Waldman Music

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Like many, Melanie Waldman’s 2020 was filled with transition and uncertainty. Drawn to the scriptures as her anchor, the worship leader began writing and has now released the worship single, “Praise the Name.”

“Praise the Name” is based on Psalm 107 and is the first single from Melanie’s forthcoming album, PSALMSONGS, which features more self-written tunes inspired by the book of Psalms. Produced by Lori Chaffer, “Praise the Name” is expressed with old and new sounds in instrumentation as well as through Melanie’s airy legato approach, particularly in the worship tune’s chorus. “Praise the name of the Lord our God,” she croons. “He is loving. He is kind…”

In addition to leading worship and writing, Melanie is a speaker and wife. She and her husband Scott split their time between New Jersey and Nashville.

U.K. gospel artist Seth Pinnock releases new worship music and visuals in times of global pandemic

UK singer-songwriter Seth Pinnock serves up a timely video with his gospel group, A New Thing, following the highly anticipated release of their sophomore album, A New Thing Live, earlier last year. The latest release offers Christian crowds much needed hope and faith-filled focus during the current, challenging climate of the coronavirus pandemic. 

“If My People” draws directly from scripture, II Chronicles, and hosts the considerable vocal skills and dulcet tones of upcoming worship artist, Lucy Grimble, also based in the UK. Showcasing a softer, devotional vibe, “If My People” offers itself as a communal prayer, leading our hearts back to a posture of humility as we face these unprecedented times, trusting God to be the only one to offer
resolution. 

Beginning the year in nationwide prayer during the heavily attended “Headstart New Year’s Prayer Week,” a signature Christian event run through his charitable organization called Symphony Co, and off the back of a postponed three month tour originally scheduled for this spring, Seth speaks of the pandemic and latest musical offerings:

We had planned the tour to begin this spring, however, within a week of starting, news of COVID-19 spread among the nation, resulting in us postponing what we were confident would be a significant move of worship and revival. I doubt there’s anybody that isn’t being impacted during this pandemic, whether through significant loss or affected by so much change and transition; so we thought long and hard as to what our offering should be during this time. Ultimately, this was the visual and sound we wanted to contribute to the noise worldwide – one of faith and firm assurance, that God remains in control. If ever there was a time to speak about the fullness of God, to turn our gaze towards Him and seek Him to heal our land, we felt this was it. We pray as a collective, the worship released encourages hearts and lifts spirits… 


Seth and A New Thing plan to reschedule the tour at the earliest convenience once the pandemic is over, gathering many churches and congregations nationwide into an immersive and impactful worship
experience once more. The new video can be found on Symphony Co’s YouTube channel with the song available to download on all major digital platforms, drawing many into a time of hope and peace during uncertainty. 
With its very simple yet
profound lyrics, “If My People” has been written as a call to prayer
for the global church. Given the worldwide crisis that is currently taking
place, there is an urgent need for prayer and this song does an excellent job instilling a new faith in the hearts of its listeners. Seth Pinnock enlisted the help of the outstanding
Lucy Grimble who is a renowned singer-songwriter within the CCM industry and
who also gives a heartwarming vocal performance on this track.
Lucy’s vocal delivery combined with Seth’s traditional gospel style
creates such a refreshing sound that captivates the listeners’ hearts both
musically and lyrically. This collaboration also exemplifies the unity that we
hope to inspire with this song.
 
– From a press release

"Foot of the Cross" – Loni Crawford

“Foot of the Cross”
Loni Crawford (2020)
 

By Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

Get ready for a fresh soothing sound with a sprinkling of traditional gospel with Loni Crawford’s “Foot of the Cross.”  As Loni ushers in God’s spirit, you can see yourself in the comforting presence of the Holy Ghost.

On the Cross, Jesus effectively paid the price for our redemption from sin and death. He is the powerful victor and has been exalted to the heavenly realms. So, close your eyes and see yourself after an exhausting, challenging day of work or dealing with difficult people – whether it be coworkers, children, or family members – putting on your headset and relaxing in your favorite chair.  Then, picture yourself letting the relaxing instrumentals and the tranquil vocals envelop you in the arms of safety, peace, and joy.  As you do so, you’ll notice Loni’s sprinkling of the traditional coming to the fore with the hymn “At the Cross,” a thematic reiteration that it’s where she longs to be.

Loni has served as a worship leader at various churches and has shared the gospel in America and abroad.  The Detroit born and reared singer currently resides in Birmingham, AL.

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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.

“Wind and Waters” – Native Kingdom

“Wind and Waters”
Native Kingdom (2019)
www.nativekingdom.com

Wind and Waters cover artBy Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

Native Kingdom’s “Wind and Waters” puts passion and prayer to song with resounding hope and joy.  The warm melodious instrumental and intimately personal lyrics rejuvenate your spirit like the refreshing waters of a brook on a hot summer day, offering an encouraging message for anyone currently in the midst of a fiery furnace or a tempestuous storm. 

The Native Kingdom Collective is based in the Pacific Northwest and was founded by Ryan and Haley Smith and Reuben Wai.  “Wind and Waters” is Native Kingdom’s first original single. 

Whether you are relaxing or exercising, put your earbuds in for a natural mood booster.  “Wind and Waters” will usher you into praise and worship of the One who will be with you to the end.


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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.

"Necessary" – Juan Santiago & Integrity

“Necessary (Radio Edit)”
Juan Santiago & Integrity (2018)
Milagro Records

Necessary Juan Santiago cover artBy Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

Independent gospel artist Juan Santiago, owner and founder of Milagro Records, a record company with a mission of promoting gospel music nationwide, found it “necessary” to debut his newest group, Juan Santiago & Integrity, in June of this year. Along with the debut of the new ensemble was the release of the contemporary Christian single, “Necessary.”

DeLaVanta “D-Hydrate” Tabor’s tasteful piano accompaniment is the sole instrumental anchor to the passionately intense testimony of both the ensemble and the single’s lead vocalists Jana Jackson, B.J. Brown, and Joel Darwin. While the radio edit is just under five minutes, the extended CD version is nearly twice as long, adding Jonathan Parker-Ashley’s oration to the message that God works all things in our lives–good and bad–together for good. Life’s experiences have their necessary place in who we are becoming in Him.

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Janie Sheeley-Torain, Ed.D, is a gospel music enthusiast, author, National Board Certified Teacher, and lifelong 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.

“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. 

"Glimpse" – Juan Santiago & Uninhibited Praise

Juan Santiago & Uninhibited Praise "Glimpse" art work

“Glimpse”
Juan Santiago & Uninhibited Praise (March 4, 2017)
www.jsuplive.com

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

“Glimpse” is the new single from multi award-winning international recording group, Juan Santiago & Uninhibited Praise (JSUP). Ecstatic applause and a one-minute guitar-infused intro kick off the CCM track through which JSUP proclaims, “Just to get a touch from You / Just to get a glimpse of You / We will be whole.” Santiago, the ensemble’s founder, allows his expressive vibrato to come to the fore as he enthusiastically leads the pulsating vertical worship song.

“Glimpse,” penned by Anthony Shepard, was recorded live in Baltimore and produced by Damion Murrill. It appears on JSUP’s forthcoming full-length project, scheduled for release later this year.

“I Believe (Gospel Remix)” – Michael Stosic feat. Gordon Chambers

“I Believe (Gospel Remix)”
Michael Stosic feat. Gordon Chambers (2016)
Available at iTunes

"I Believe (Gospel Remix)" - Michael Stosic feat. Gordon Chambers art workBy Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Singer/songwriter Michael Stosic has released a gospel-tinged remix of the Christian adult contemporary single, “I Believe.”

In his self-penned tune, Stosic – whose voice has been compared to Barry Manilow – steadily and melodically makes his way through a lyrical list of affirmations, both positive and poignant: “I believe in God…I believe He is love… / I believe we live in a world filled with darkness / I believe we can shine love’s light…”  His message is accentuated in the chorus, where Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Gordon Chambers (Yolanda Adams, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Usher) chimes in on the lead vocals.  Background singers Rasul A-Salaam, Cassondra James Kellam, Helen White, and Monet Ulerio celestially echo Stosic and Chambers’ sentiments: “I believe in love.”

"All Day Long" – The Rance Allen Group

All Day Long art work The Rance Allen Group“All Day Long”
The Rance Allen Group (2016)
www.tyscot.com

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

“Is there anybody out there who could literally sing God’s praises all day long?”  Bishop Rance Allen asks the lively San Francisco audience.  The crowd’s response is a resounding “Yes!”  What follows is “All Day Long,” a CCM styled worship tune stamped with the signature sound of the multi-Stellar Award winning Rance Allen Group.

“All Day Long,” written by Brittney Byrd Campbell, Chris Byrd, and Rance Allen, is the first single from the Rance Allen Group’s forthcoming album, Live from San Francisco.

"All That I Am" – Isabella

Isabella All That I Am cover art

“All That I Am” 
Isabella
From the CD, All That I Am (2014)
www.isabellamelodies.com

Isabella’s sultry alto is the lone voice on her vertical contemporary worship ballad, “All That I Am.” Forward-moving strings and guitar-laced orchestration, all atop warm piano accompaniment, escort her as she makes a melodic ascent to the Throne, pronouncing, “To worship You I live / My heart to you I give…”  The song is the title track of her current project, available at iTunes.

Isabella is based in London and has several music awards to her credit, including a Nigeria Gospel Music Award for Best Female Artiste in Diaspora and an Africa Gospel Music Award for Artist of the Year (Europe).  She is the worship pastor at The Father’s House International Church.