Tag: Singles

"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.

"Do What Jesus Says" – Jenise La Vonne

“Do What Jesus Says”
Jenise La Vonne (2013)
Available at iTunes

Jenise La Vonne "Do What Jesus Says" art work

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

There’s something about Jenise La Vonne that makes her message instantly believable.  Maybe it’s that she conveys the lyrics of her single “Do What Jesus Says” with a not-often-used combination of gentle earnest.  Perhaps it’s because she sings as if the lyrics are a part of her lived experience.  Whatever the likely reason, when Jenise ascends to the uppers of her alto register to reiterate, “I’ll only do what, I’ll only do what, I’ll only do what Jesus says,” you get that she means it.

It’s just that simple.

And nearly as simple is the accompaniment, notably the barely audible strings underneath the more prominent acoustic guitar (and its periodic fret noise). Occasionally, Jenise backs herself like a reassuring voice of wisdom in the unhurried, introspective ballad.

Jenise is originally from Norcross, GA.  The singer/songwriter, aspiring author, and thespian describes her sound as a blend of contemporary gospel and contemporary christian.  This particular track leans strongly and beautifully toward the latter.

"So Good" – Ruth La'Ontra

“So Good”
Ruth La’Ontra
From the CD, So Good (2013)
Tyscot Records
Ruth La'Ontra So Good art work

By Shaundria Williams
Special Contributor 

Music lovers have all kinds of music.  Music for exercising, music for long drives, music for cleaning the house, music for getting ready for church—we create the soundtrack of our lives.  That being said, Ruth La’Ontra’s debut project, So Good, is SO GOOD!  Cousin Ruth (in my Kirk Franklin voice) has sung me
to work for a couple of months now.  Although her entire project is phenomenal, one song has been on repeat: the title track, “So Good.”

 
This neo-quartetish ballad reminds me of all-night “sangings” way back over in the woods.  You know the ones that started at three in the afternoon and didn’t end until ten or twelve at night?  In this scenario, Ruth La’Ontra’s group would sing after the offering.  And if they managed to complete their selections without singing “it,” you’d be sure to see members of the congregation with their index fingers up motioning for an usher, then handing over a folded slip of paper and whispering, “Give this to Ruth so she can sing ‘So Good.’” 
 
It starts out as a gentle conversation between God and His beloved child.  God simply asks her, “How does it feel…” followed by several illustrations of His loving kindness.  She simply replies, “It feels good, good to me.”  Somewhere around three minutes (2:53 to be exact), Sis. Ruth thinks about that “thang” and decides to tell God JUST how good He is to her.  As she testifies, her background vocalists support her with a simple refrain: “So good.”  The harmonies along with the horns are sure to spur a good “stank face.”  As for Sis. Ruth, I believe she’s got a little preach in her.  Check in tomorrow to read Shaundria’s interview with La’Ontra.
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Upcoming Event: Want to see Ruth La’Ontra in person?  She will minister in song on February 1, 2014, at Aberdeen Elementary School at 7:00 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM).  For more information, find her on Facebook and Twitter.  You can also follow her on SocialCam, Instagram, and YouTube.

"Be Holy" – Jason Coleman f. Thomas Clay

“Be Holy”
Jason Coleman feat. Thomas Clay
From the CD, Your Mercies (2013)
JLC Muzik
Available at iTunes

Jason Coleman Your Mercies cover art
By Jane White
Special Contributor
 
Jason Coleman is a lyricist with an aspiration to write, arrange, produce, and perform music that is consistent with the holy scriptures and brings glory to the name of Christ. This Kingdom mindset is deployed in his contemporary worship song entitled, “Be Holy” featuring Thomas Clay, wherein we are reminded that “the word of our God stands forever,” that we should stand on His living word, and that we should be holy!  Coleman’s lyrics have biblical denotations and his contemporary worship melodies exhort.
 
Jason Coleman is a Carneys Point, NJ native who started playing drums at the age of four and has played, recorded, and toured with many gospel/Christian artists, including Tye Tribbett, Freddy Washington, and Da Truth. 

"He'll Fix It" – Apostle James Alston and Fellowship

“He’ll Fix It”
Apostle James Alston and Fellowship
From the CD, The Movement (2013)
Available at iTunes

Apostle James Alston and Fellowship

“He’ll Fix It” has several of the ingredients expected in a down-home quartet drive: bass and drums in the pocket, screams, shouts, intense throaty lead vocals, and tag-team exchanges in the vamp.  Apostle James Alston goes to work early in the number before “feel[ing] this thing in [his] sanctified soul]” and letting out a screeching yelp.

Lead guitar kicks off the foot-stomper, followed by Apostle Alston and Fellowship who charge off full speed ahead: “My God will fix it for you / Runnin’ out of money–He’ll fix that too / Doctors quit on you and walked away / My God will fix it for you.” Javon Johnson trades lines with Apostle Alston in the vamp.

A native of Henderson, NC, Apostle Alston and Fellowship are presently based in Portsmouth, VA.

"Rejoice With Me" – Bobby Jones f. Faith Evans

“Rejoice With Me”
Bobby Jones f. Faith Evans (2013)
EchoPark JDI/Caroline/Capitol Records

Bobby Jones and Faith Evans

Dr. Bobby Jones is a legend, arguably not so much for his musicality as for his flagship show, Bobby Jones Gospel, the longest-running show on cable TV.  His legendary status may be attributed in part to the manner in which he advances gospel music as art by graciously extending his national platform to other talented acts across all subgenres of gospel and inspirational music.  

Through the years, Dr. Jones has been blessed to score many memorable collaborations (Dr. Maya Angelou, Donald Lawrence, Melvin Williams, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Barbara Mandrell, et al.) for his projects; the latest of which, “Rejoice With Me,” features R&B diva Faith Evans.  NSC (formerly known as the Nashville Super Choir) joins in on the uptempo contempo radio-friendly tune.

Following a brief intro, Dr. Jones steps aside from the mic, allowing Evans to do her thing.  Characteristically, the soprano’s riffs and runs soar effortlessly as she exhorts, “Trust God to work it out / All you gotta do is shout!” 

Dr. Jones’ full-length project is expected to drop on March 25, 2014.

Trayvon Martin's mom releases new single featuring gospel's T-D.O.G.G.

Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin, has released an inspirational song entitled “Joy Comes in the Morning.” Her collab with gospel hip-hopper T-D.O.G.G. is receiving positive reviews, especially from the numerous families affected by senseless gun violence.

T-D.O.G.G. wrote the inspirational piece after Fulton reached out, requesting that he compose a song based on her experiences.  Though she does not sing on the track, she uses the power of spoken word to encourage the brokenhearted.

“Joy Comes in the Morning” is available at CD Baby.  Proceeds will be used to make additional copies of the song.

"Ready Aim" – Mali Music

“Ready Aim”

Mali Music (2013)
RCA Records
www.malimusicofficial.com
Mali Music "Ready Aim" art work
By Shaundria Williams
Special Contributor 

SOAP BOX:  My God is so creative, strategic and infinite.  He has a way of ministering to every soul–from sending missionaries to the most desolate corners of third-world countries to impregnating vocalists and lyricists with music directly designed to minister to those who live and breathe HIP HOP.

If you follow Mali Music on Facebook, you’ll notice mixed reviews about his music career. Some folks are praying for him as if he’s hell bound.  Others are head-banging and hailing him a musical genius.  I stand with the Others.  I am often applauded at the naysayers of “Holy Hip Hop,” especially those that believe that Mali Music has backslidden into a secular abyss. I will admit, if “Ready Aim” plays on the secular station between Weezy and Drake, it won’t stick out like a sore thumb as a great gospel hymn.  However, it’s hot enough to lead someone to see what Mali is about.  They’ll run into other tracks like “The Name” or “Walk on Water” which are more “traditional” than the eclectic and reflective track “Ready Aim.”

Ready Aim is truly that FIYAH!  If you listen to it carefully, it is clearly a rebuke for those who question his walk–on either side.  It is biblically grounded; but, you do have to have the Word in your heart to hear it.  This track could easily be the sequel to the hymn “I Have Decided to
Follow Jesus.”  When you decide to follow Jesus, you follow Him at all costs and you’re willing to be attacked on every side: fighting against principalities and powers of the air, internalizing the fact that no weapon formed against you will prosper.  His verse of cadence seems to express his sentiment towards trying to reach the secular audience.  He’s been called to do this, so, if you’re ready, aim and FIRE!

"He's Very Much Alive" – Sue Roseberry

“He’s Very Much Alive”
Sue Roseberry (2013)
www.sueroseberry.com

Sue Roseberry He's Very Much Alive art work

Sue Roseberry, aka “Mama Sue,” has been making waves on the traditional choir scene for a long time, and ever since her stay on BET’s Sunday Best 4, fans have eagerly awaited the release of new music from the endearing vocalist.  Well, the wait is over and Roseberry is here with a brand new single, “He’s Very Much Alive,” from her forthcoming CD, Magnificent God.

With a shuffle feel, octave-toggling bass, swelling horns, and a cast of soulful background singers, Roseberry communicates the truth of the matter in an inimitable style that her audience readily identifies as praise-provoking: “He’s not on the cross, He’s not in the tomb—He’s alive! Jesus is alive!”

Besides being the vocal powerhouse you came to know and love from the Sunday Best competition, Roseberry is a writer with more than 300 compositions to her credit.  Additionally, she is a favorite at Gospel Music Workshop of America gatherings and an encourager to her industry compatriots.

"Just Pray (J Dilla Mix)" – Antonio Long

“Just Pray (J Dilla Mix)”
Antonio Long
From the upcoming mixtape, The Life Project (September 2013)
www.antoniolong.com

J Dilla

Antonio Long’s smooth vocals are unobstructed by the equal parts smooth and simmering beat in his current single “Just Pray.”  This is a good thing, because the ear settles exactly where it should: on the message.

Antonio is from Baltimore, and his testimony is one of having walked through adversity and into his calling in Christ.  It’s the kind of testimony that tells you when he sings, “It’s gonna be just fine, have faith, believe,” he knows from experience.