Tag: Reviews

"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.

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.

“Teach the Children” – Dr. John “G Star” Jones

“Teach The Children”
Dr. John “G Star” Jones (2012)
Independent

Dr. John "G Star" Jones
There’s more to education than ABC’s and 123’s, according to Dr. John Jones, who goes by the stage name G Star (meaning “God’s Star”).  His uptempo inspirational tune reminds mothers, fathers, and teachers of all kinds of their moral obligation to “Teach the Children.”
 
“Teach the Children” sounds like a public service announcement of sorts, urging that children be taught to love God, stay in school, and have class.

Jones has been making music for many years and is known for his unique style and charisma.  More notably, according to his bio, he has dedicated his time and talents toward helping to take homeless children off New York City’s streets and provide them with housing—a commendable service to our kids and a testament that Jones doesn’t just talk the talk.

“Good To Me” – Carolyn Traylor

“Good To Me”
Caroyln Traylor
From the CD, Waiting (2013)
Malaco Records

Carolyn Traylor "Good to Me" photo
Thinking on the goodness of the Lord is sure to lift your spirits, and Carolyn Traylor’s “Good to Me” is sure to make a great soundtrack for the experience.

“He’s so good to me / He constantly makes ways for me / He opens doors for me / Loves on me…” goes the contagious hook. After just one listen, I couldn’t stop humming the melody.

Traylor, who hails from Texas, has musical experiences on her resumé ranging from performances with Albertina Walker to international tours with Dr. Bobby Jones. Her soulful flare, which delves into blues territory, is just what this groove needs to complement its punchy bass, simmering horn section, and lively contemporary-styled background vocals.

Colin McGuire reviews indie doc on New Orleans’ Electrifying Crown Seekers

“Despite its rich tradition,” reports PopMatters Music Reviews editor Colin McGuire, “the future of gospel music in various parts of the world has been an issue of contention and heartbreak in recent years, but the Electrifying Crown Seekers make a case that the genre is still going strong.”

Read more here: “In Defense Of…New Orleans Gospel Music”

"B A Beacon (Se' Un Faro)" – Everett Drake

“B A Beacon (Se’ Un Faro)”
Everett Drake
From the CD, Amen Goes Right There! (2011)
Dherico Music

Everett Drake cover art

It’s not often that you get to hear something like “B A Beacon (Se’ Un Faro)” from Everett Drake.  The reason is that he’s usually seen churning out more traditional tunes with Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones and the Nashville Super Choir.  With songs like this quick-paced Latin jazz piece though, Drake shows that he’s quite capable of writing (along with the project’s producer Derrick Lee) and performing a diverse repertoire of gospel and inspirational music. 

Vocalist Kyla Jade and trumpeter Rod McGaha join Drake on “B A Beacon (Se’ Un Faro)” urging, “B A beacon, let your light shine!”