Tag: Praise and Worship

"While I Wait" – Trice Staten

“While I Wait”
Trice Staten (2013)
Available on iTunes

Trice Staten "While I Wait" cover art

By Shaundria Williams 
Special Contributor

Have you ever been waiting on God to do something for you? Open a door?  Give you a sign? Create a breakthrough?  Ms. Trice Staten has a word of encouragement for you.  Depending on where you are in the waiting process, it may not feel like encouragement; but listen to it a few times.  The beautiful, worshipful, gentle self-penned ballad, “While I Wait,” is sure to usher you from the bitterness and doubt often associated with waiting into anticipatory praise.  
 

The first stanza ever so clearly expresses the childlike expectations that we have concerning God’s blessings and the care that He takes in uniquely crafting each one just for us.  In her chorus, Trice stands on the surety that the blessing is in fact on the way, and she softly declares that she will be faithful to her relationship with God by maintaining her praise and worship for Him–while she waits.  The melody might sound like a lullaby, but the lyrics are an honest reflection of the ups and downs of waiting on God.  Trice yet encourages us to praise Him, worship Him, and draw closer to Him while we wait.  

SOAPBOX:  Someone might wonder how.  How can I praise?  How can I worship when all of this is going on?  I’ve been waiting so long, won’t people think I’m faking? Well listen, regardless of your circumstance, situation, or even the timing–He’s still God and He’s still worthy.  In spite of yesterday, you’re still here.  The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy.  Don’t let him steal your praise, kill your hope, and destroy your blessing.  Remember, your praise is your weapon and your worship is your duty.  Let Ms. Trice Staten help get you back on the right track.

The Chicago native’s debut single, “While I Wait,” (produced by Matt Jones) is available on iTunes, Amazon, & Google Play.  The full-length project is expected to drop this spring. 

"Our Father" – Jeff Carnie and Spectrum

“Our Father”
Jeff Carnie and Spectrum (2013)
www.jeffcarnieandspectrum.com

Jeff Carnie and Spectrum

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever Editor

Uptempo contemporary worship best describes the light and invocative “Our Father,” from Jeff Carnie and Spectrum.  First released three years ago on the group’s full-length project, Complete, the single has now been re-released nationally. 

The B.J. Putnum-penned number opens with an immediately recognizable biblical passage (“Our Father who is in Heaven…”) set to a singable melody before Jeff and the group escort us to the chorus, taken from another familiar biblical passage: “Let everything that has breath…praise the Lord!”  There’s plenty of fusion, from the spirited horn section and Cuban-flavored percussion in the interlude to the union of the well-known texts from Matthew 6:9-13 and Psalm 150.

Ever since he wrote his first song at age twelve, Jeff demonstrated talent and gifting for music ministry, though it wasn’t immediately evident to Jeff himself.  Currently, he serves as worship pastor for the 8 am and 9:30 am services at First Baptist Church of Elk Grove (FBCEG), in California.

"New Beginnings" – Linda Clark

“New Beginnings”
Linda Clark
From the CD, New Beginnings (2013)
www.lindaclarkmusic.com

Linda Clark New Beginnings art work

Ever so soothingly, Linda Clark reiterates that “old things have passed away; behold, I’m new in Christ in today. I’m new in Christ; this is my new beginning.”

Warm strings prepare the way for Linda’s flawless vocal, and even when she ascends through her register, the tenderness of the self-penned ballad abides.

Clark’s artistry has gained attention from music heavyweights like Al Jarreau, Israel Houghton, and Vickie Winans. Presently, she serves as overseer and worship leader under the pastoral care of Bishop Daniel Robertson, Jr. and Co-Pastor Elena Robertson at Mt. Gilead Full Gospel International Ministries in Richmond, VA.

"Withholding Nothing" – William McDowell

“Withholding Nothing”
William McDowell (2013)
www.williammcdowellmusic.com

William McDowell

William McDowell’s single “Withholding Nothing” is one of the newest songs to
lead hearts into worship everywhere.  His music has done no differently
in times past; for the singer/songwriter’s gifts have blessed the masses
with “I Give Myself Away” and “I Won’t Go Back.”

“Withholding Nothing” stays true to McDowell’s characteristically simple and
passionate worship: “I surrender all to You / Everything I give to You /
Withholding nothing…”  In fact, the song is already being added to
worship leaders’ setlists.

"You Are" – Patricia Leigh

“You Are”
Patricia Leigh
From the CD, The L.I.F.E. Project (2013)
Poieo Music
www.iampatricialeigh.com

Patricia Leigh cover art
“You Are” from Patricia Leigh’s current release, The L.I.F.E. Project, is a great example of her self-described sound, “polyethnic sophisti-pop soul.”
 
The tune is lively: heavy on synths and drums.  And though it somewhat deviates from the contemporary gospel vibe to which many are acquainted, it’s Patricia’s warm alto that so effortlessly proclaims, “Because You are, I am” that makes it obvious she’s found her niche.
 
Patirica is a graduate of Oakwood University (also the alma mater of Take 6, Brian McKnight, and Committed), and has shared the stage several industry notables including Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, and Lamar Campbell.

"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.”

Video – “Perseverance” – Jordan Daniel (Live Recording)

Lady Dianne Richardson suggested that I take a listen to the music of Jordan Daniel.  I did, and his is definitely a name to remember.  Enjoy the live recording of “Perseverance,” written, arranged, and performed by Daniel.

"Glory" – Mario Brown

“Glory”
Mario Brown
From the upcoming CD, The Mario Brown Project (Available Spring 2012)
www.bronxbridgeent.com 
 
The worship ballad “Glory” is the current single from newcomer Mario Brown’s forthcoming album, The Mario Brown Project.  The singer, songwriter, and musician is signed with Bronx Bridge Entertainment, Inc. and F. Hammond Music.
 
With the tenderness of a warm embrace, Brown sings to the Lord, “I’m living all for Your glory; I found my purpose in You.  That’s why I’m singing, telling everyone my story…”  His emotion is intensified by the beautifully arpeggiated piano chords, lush strings, and occasional interjection of an electric guitar’s distortion.  
 
Brown is a praise and worship leader and the Minister of Music over Christian Faith Fellowship Church Choir in Milwaukee, WI.

Video – “Can’t Live” – Genita Pugh

Related Story
My Purpose – Genita Pugh

My Purpose – Genita Pugh

Genita Pugh
My Purpose
Eternity Records (2011)
www.genitapugh.com

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

You won’t hear any vocal acrobatics on Genita Pugh’s current CD.  What you will hear, though, is the heart of a pastor with a passion for her purpose: worship.  My Purpose is a most fitting title for the no-frills alto vocalist’s current project.

The set opens with “Can’t Live,” borrowed from R. Kelly’s “Can’t Sleep.”  From there, “Open My Eyes,” “You Were There for Me,” and “In the Presence of the Lord” deliver a pleasant listening and worship experience.  “Who Can?” does the same, albeit with an uptempo head-bobbing bounce.

Pugh doesn’t neglect her roots, though.  The founder and pastor of Original Worship Ministry has old-fashioned church Mississippi-style with her self-penned toe-tapper “All the Ways of You” and the mid-tempo “Die to Myself.”  Even with this pair of tunes, Pugh stays in her lane–avoiding feverish riffs and vocal cartwheels–supporting the adage that less is sometimes more.  She does give some oomph to the urbanesque “Do You Love the Lord?” an upbeat track accented with beastly slap bass and mean horn swells.

Produced by James Roberson (JDI Music), this project melds nice selections, good writers and musicians, and a singer who is grateful to know her purpose.

Favorites
“Can’t Live” – “Open My Eyes” – “In the Presence of the Lord”

Fever Meter
SIMMERIN’ (3 of 5 Stars)