Hey folks, just a quick heads-up to let you know that we’ve added new artists to the Pundit Pages, our growing database of gospel artist info.
Head over now and check out the pages we’ve compiled for Dorinda Clark Cole, Andraé Crouch, Ricky Dillard, Le’Andria Johnson, Mali Music, Jessica Reedy and Trin-i-tee 5:7.
More coming soon!
The Journey is the newest project from the legend himself, Andraé Crouch, and it hits stores on Tuesday, September 27, 2011. The 15-track album is produced and co-written by Luther “Mano” Hanes, who also worked on Crouch’s last album, Mighty Wind (2006).
The songwriting, familiar but fresh, is second to none. Listeners will enjoy the fact that, though Crouch explores and experiments with new sounds and instrumentation, he never veers too far from his wheelhouse– captivating melodies and refrains so beautiful that one is compelled to sing along.
This is clearly seen in the album opener, “Somebody Told Me About Jesus,” a classic Crouch-styled upbeat gospel tune, full of movement and led by the powerhouse vocals of none other than Táta Vega. It’s also apparent on “When I Think About You,” which is a personal favorite. Led by Markita Knight (you may have heard of her from West Angeles COGIC or through her work in the COGIC Music Department), this tune has a funk element laced over a very classic sound. But no matter how “current” these songs sound, they are as classic as ever because of the pen that wrote them.
The Journey also shines because of the perfectly paired guest vocalists throughout it. Whether Linda McCrary-Fisher on “Where Jesus Is,” or Kim Burrell and Take 6 on the dramatic and melodically winding “Faith,” Andraé Crouch has selected some of the music industry’s finest and featured them on musical masterpieces.
And he is, indeed, a master of musical styles. With The Journey, Crouch experiments with the ragtime-inspired “He Has A Plan For Me,” and the almost club-danceable “All Around the World,” featuring a soulful and in-her-lane Chaka Khan on lead vocals and Sheila E. dominating the percussion.
Other notable tracks include the smooth and jazzy ”Jesus Came Into My Life,” with Daniel Johnson (perhaps best known as a part of Israel Houghton’s New Breed) on lead vocals, the hymn-like ballad ”I Can,” with Andraé Crouch passionately delivering his lead, and the project’s current single, “Let the Church Say Amen,” featuring Marvin Winans.
I’m also a huge fan of ”There’s Nobody Like Jesus,” a jazzy groove looping a standard refrain, featuring LeAnne Palmore on lead vocals. It’s actually a segment of a larger live moment, but I’m thrilled to get the snippet that we get– it’s absolutely one of my favorite three minutes on the album.
The album ends with two versions of the captivating “The Promise,” an assurance that God will never leave us. Crouch leads one version and, as a special treat for listeners, he repeats the track again, swapping out his lead vocal for that of Marvin Winans.
I cannot quite express how much consumers will enjoy this album. I can admit that, as I sat and listened for the first time, tears welled up in my eyes. I thought to myself, “this is the man who God has used to shape the sound of gospel music as we know it today… and every tune he writes, even to this day, is laced with that same power and anointing.”
I’m happy to have The Journey in my collection because it takes me back to being the young kid who simply fell in love with great music, even before I could understand the beauty of its Gospel message. But I’m happier– perhaps even ecstatic– that Andraé Crouch can deliver for me, as an adult, music that will truly encourage and bless me on this journey with Christ. It’s really “the soundtrack of life” type of music. It is Andraé Crouch at his best.
Gospel hip-hop fave Da’ T.R.U.T.H. lands at #2 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart this week with his new album, The Whole Truth.
Still reigning at #1 is winner of last season’s Sunday Best on BET, Le’Andria Johnson, with her debut album, The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson. I expected a bit of a sales dip, but I’m quite proud of her for that staying power!
Trin-i-tee 5:7 also experiences a notable sales bump, moving from #19 to #5 this week with their latest album, Angel & Chanelle.
Here’s a glance at the full Top 10 in Gospel…
1 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
2 | Da’ T.R.U.T.H. – The Whole Truth
3 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
4 | Isaac Carree – Uncommon Me
5 | Trin-i-tee 5:7 – Angel & Chanelle
6 | WOW Gospel 2011
7 | Donald Lawrence – YRM (Your Righteous Mind)
8 | Dorinda Clark Cole – I Survived
9 | Mary Mary – Something Big
10 | Earnest Pugh – Earnestly Yours
I’m not expecting to see any big debuts on the charts in the coming week, but the following week, I think we’ll see strong showings from Jessica Reedy, Andraé Crouch and CoCo Brother’s Gospel Mix V compilation, all of which hit stores on the 27th of September.
For about 5 days, the only music I’ve listened to is advance tracks of The Journey, the upcoming album from the legendary Andraé Crouch. It instantly became one of my favorite albums of the year– pure genius musicality, incredible guest vocalists…
ONE of the incredible tunes on this project is the single, “Let The Church Say Amen,” which features none other than Marvin Winans on lead vocals. It’s awesome.
And, cuz I love you guys so much, I’m adding it to the Pundit Player!
The full album hits stores at the end of this month, on September 27th.
In the meantime, click the bar at the bottom of your screen to listen and lemme know what you think!
Isaac Carree’s long-awaited solo debut, Uncommon Me, hits stores tomorrow, August 23, 2011. The 14-track album doesn’t disappoint, blending together several styles– urban, churchy, worshipful– in a way that is all “Ike.”
The project opens with a beautiful piano intro, followed by the somewhat melancholy ballad “Chances.” It’s a departure from the beat-heavy urban track that I expected the album to open with, but by the bridge, it grows into a grand ballad that frames the rest of the songs on the project fairly well.
I love the concept of the next track, an interlude that chronicles Ike’s gospel music history– from his time with John P. Kee, to Men of Standard, to Kirk Franklin. It seamlessly moves into his hit single, “In the Middle,” before landing on an incredibly tasteful arrangement of the Andraé Crouch-classic “We Are Not Ashamed,” which features a nostalgically great guest performance from John P Kee. It was a winner from the first note.
The title track, “Uncommon Me,” follows. Somehow, this urban gospel track has somewhat of an acoustic vibe to it– and it’s awesome. With a nod to a Men of Standard or Dawkins & Dawkins type of style, it still stands on its own as an all “Isaac” song.
In case you’re looking for the urban, it comes with a vengeance in the next track, “Walk Alone,” produced by Warryn Campbell, and the one after it, “Power,” featuring Eric Dawkins. Isaac is in his element on these.
“Shout It Out,” is a thumping churchy tune mixed with the edgy instrumentation of the Isley Brothers’ “Shout.” It’s cleverly produced with a great vocal performance.
Isaac’s rendition of “Simply Redeemed,” which was actually his first single, follows– it’s as beautiful now as it was when it first reached radio and fans last year. Ike gives an award-winning vocal that is tasteful and moving, solidifying a firm place as one of gospel music’s great male vocalists of the coming generation.
A standout favorite is “I Worship You,” an energetic worship ballad with great movement, in large part because of its drums and piano accompaniment. Blink and you might miss how this song got to be so grand by its end– I had to go back and listen again to realize that Ike’s riffs and pleading tone actually contributed to the forward-moving energy of this tune. Very well done.
The melody and chords of “Navigation,” alone, are enough to impress. But the clever concept behind the lyrics are a bonus– it’s the testimony of every believer’s battle between our natural selves and God’s navigating Spirit at work within us.
The album closes with “Putcha One Hand Up,” a sure party song that makes you want to run through the whole album again to relive it all.
Isaac Carree has been a part of the progression of gospel music in a way that many don’t take time to recognize– from framing the sound of contemporary choir leads to continuing the excellent tradition of male groups like Commissioned and The Winans with his group, Men of Standard.
The tell-tale sign of a good album– I didn’t want to skip through any of the tracks. I never felt like “okay, I get it”; rather, I was anxious to hear how each tune would start, continue and end. I think we’d call it “captivating.”
If this album falls short, it would be merely as a sequencing issue– I wanted to feel certain things at different places– but feel them, I did. And with a style and ability as versatile as Isaac’s, it’s hard to perfectly merge everything into one ideal order.
You can order here it from Amazon.com
In this editorial review, contributing writer Mia Paylor gives snapshot reviews of three independent releases from newer artists…
Preashea Hilliard
Live Out Loud
Release Date: April 19, 2011
Must-Have Tracks: “Lift Up Your Heads”, “All For You”, “Fresh Fire”, “Redeemer (feat. CeCe Winans)”, “Oh How We Love You”, “We Want You”, “Something Happens”
Live Out Loud is a solid Praise & Worship CD released by the youngest daughter of Bishop I.V. & Lady Bridget Hilliard of New Light Christian Center Church in Houston, TX, where she serves as a Youth Pastor. It has a little bit of rock, soul, pop, and traditional gospel. Produced by Aaron Lindsey, it debuted at #4 on Billboard’s Gospel Chart.
If you’re looking for new Praise & Worship material…songs you can execute well at your church…this CD is for you. These songs were written and arranged to be ministered in churches on Sunday mornings across the globe.
Preashea has a rich alto tone. She’s an effective worship leader and exhorter. Vocally, her style is to stick to the melody and stay within her vocal range. But, we aren’t dependent upon vocal acrobatics in order to be led into worship, are we church? No? Good.
Then, give Live Out Loud a listen. 
Daniel Johnson
You Make Me
Release Date: April 4, 2011
Must-Have Tracks: “You Make Me”, “What A Time”, “I’m With You”, “Beautiful”, “For My Good”, “Come Go With Me”, “All The Way”
You know him as “not Israel Houghton or Aaron Lindsey, but the other guy you hear singing leads on New Breed songs”. But, his Momma-n’em named him Daniel Johnson…and You Make Me is his new, ubersoulful gospel CD.
Daniel, a vocalist, writer, producer, arranger, and music director from Compton (LA), CA, has sung with Andrae Crouch, Chris Tomlin, and Darius Rucker, as well as Israel & New Breed. You’d think that Daniel’s solo project would be a mashup of those sounds. It’s not.
You Make Me is dripping with soul. During an interview with M.E.X Magazine, Daniel mentioned that he wanted an opportunity to sing like his father, who sang soprano and played guitar in a quartet. The result is a sound reminiscent of D’Angelo and other soul legends. And, the style matches Daniel’s voice perfectly. The falsetto, the runs, the passion… it’s all there.
You Make Me only has two or three kinda-churchy tracks. The band-ish accompaniment of the first four tracks makes them sound a bit too similar. And, some of the songs have too many conflicting musical twists within them. But, I love everything that’s right about the CD…and I think you will too.
Utrecht Music Presents
New Artist Showcase Vol. 1
Release Date: April 1, 2011
Must-Have Tracks: “Set Free”, “We Made It”, “Sunday School (Sweetest Man I Know)”
It’s hard to recognize new talent in a music industry full of anointed and gifted artists. So, Utrecht Music, a new independent label, has released Utrecht Music Presents New Artist Showcase Vol. 1 in a one-stop, economical effort to introduce you to their roster of new artists…all from the east coast.
Jamaal Miller & Purposely Anointed delivers young, urban gospel on “Set Free” that makes me want to dance like Tye Tribbett’s old indie stuff still does. Andre Nance & Greater Praise delivers funky, traditional gospel on “We Made It” that is soo ready for Sunday Morning. Steve McCoy & Sacrifice delivers urban, CCM-styled gospel on “Sunday School (Sweetest Man I Know),” compelling you to think about just how sweet Jesus is with its simple melody, great hits, and the addition of “Sweet Jesus” at the end. Kenyon Portee’s “Isaiah 53” has a nice, soulful groove and he delivers a nice tenor lead. I enjoy the song although it loses steam toward the end. Rehoboth’s “Rejoice” couples great lyrics with a conservative, contemporary sound. It could’ve used a bit more soul, in my opinion.
[Insert "indie production" disclaimer here. 
] BUT, I believe that’s what’s great about this project. It should
be enjoyed by all! To hear more about the artists, check out www.utrechtmusic.com.
On May 17th, gospel pioneer and legend Andraé Crouch will return to the music marketplace with his newest album, The Journey.
Before that, however, Associate Editor Troy Lilly takes a minute to speak with the man, himself. They chat about Andraé’s new album, his new choir competition and how he feels about gospel hip-hop. Plus, some random bits of trivia about him!
* * *
Troy: Thank you so much for joining me. How are you?
Andraé: Good! Sitting down in warm California where there’s no snow, there’s no cold weather. (Laughs)
Troy: (Laughs) Well it’s been very cold here…sometimes as low as 15 degrees! It’s the complete opposite here. But I know your time is valuable, so let’s get right into it.
Andraé: Ok.
Troy: First, you’ve got a new album project entitled The Journey, which is coming out on May 17th. Tell me more about it.
Andraé: Well, I think it’s really a great description of where I am right now as far as my head and my spirit. I almost wish it was a double album, because it’s not all I want to say and it’s not all I have to say.
Troy: Oh yeah?
Andraé: But like anything else, you know, you do things gradually so people can get what you’re trying to tell them.
Troy: Of course.
Andraé: I probably could write two or three more verses to each song because there is still so much I have to say on the topics I’ve written about this time.
But Mano Hanes, who’s a monster of a keyboard player and arranger, was my co-producer. There’s a very interesting story behind how he and I originally started working together.
Troy: Do tell!
Andraé: I had the opportunity of meeting him after I heard some work that he had done, and I didn’t know that he was trying to get to me. He didn’t I was trying to get to him!
We met and he called me “Dad” and he called my twin sister, Sandra, “Auntie” because he had been listening to me since he was a kid. We just hit it off, and he can play stuff just like me. But most importantly, he loves the Lord. That’s the main thing we share in common.
Troy: That’s awesome.
Andraé: It really was quite awesome, because he reminded me of songs that I written but never recorded. He’s wonderful to work with and he has patience. He’s always in the mode of learning. He understands what I’ve tried to say with my music.
Troy: When it comes to the style of music on The Journey, does the vintage, jazzy feel of the lead single “The Promise” carry through the entire album?
Andraé: Yes, most of the songs will be like that. And then some will be… very picturesque.
Troy: I like that.
Andraé: Then there are some like a song on there called “Let the Church Say Amen.”
You know how sometimes a pastor may be preaching to his congregation and they may not agree with something he has said? Well at the end of this song, it talks about how you can’t change the Word that God has delivered through leadership, but you’ve got to accept and ultimately agree with it. Thus, ‘let the church say amen.’
Troy: Wow. That’s a good message.
Andraé: That’s the only way in churches that we can grow. If God has put something on a pastor’s heart, we’ve got to be on one accord.
Troy: As one of the original innovators of the modern contemporary gospel movement, what do you think of the hip-hop influence on gospel in the last 20 years?
Andraé: I personally have always believed when God gives me an idea, he wants me to spread it as much as possible. I believe that He deals with me in multiplication. I don’t just want them to buy it and bop and rock to it, but I like for it to get into their hearts and become a part of them.
“On Earth as it is in Heaven”… when God gives us something to write, we want it to be something that He said so that it will last.
Troy: Right.
Andraé: Now, we have some kids rapping here at my church and I always tell them if you have a distinctive style that may not be in the church at all, you’re limited in the direction of that song. I think people receive more when it’s repetitious. So what I tell the kids is to remember to write a song, a melody … something that will allow the song to live on without you.
Troy: Indeed.
Andraé: When you get done rapping and beating, no one can deliver the rap lyrics exactly the way you can. But if you’ve incorporated singing into it, the song has a better chance of being remembered and even recorded by other people later on, so the song lives on even after the initial popularity fades.
Troy: Well, one way that you will be able to directly influence some of the younger generation and help develop their unique gifts are with “The Promise” Choir Competition. Can you tell me about that?
Andraé: Yes! The choirs will be doing their own versions of my single “The Promise.” It’s quite possible we may get versions of the song with rapping, or just different interpretations.
Troy: So, this isn’t like a choir version of BET’s Sunday Best, or is it?
Andraé: Oh, they’re going to submit their performance digitally to http://andraecrouch.com. Then we’ll select the best submissions and travel to cities in the U.S. and also Puerto Rico, and a panel of judges will select 10 choirs to compete on the show.
Troy: Ok, I see.
Andraé: And some of the choirs may not be the “winners” per se, but I believe we’ll find some gems in the process, you know?
Troy: Oh, definitely, diamonds that just need a bit of molding or mentoring.
Andraé: Yes.
Troy: I think it’s a great way to bring young and old musical genius together and create the best of both worlds.
Andraé: Certainly, certainly.
Troy: So, let me just say this. You know you’re a super star. (Laughs)
Andraé: (Laughs)
Troy: You have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You’ve recorded with Madonna and Michael Jackson, and contributed music to the films like The Color Purple. But I want to know, what’s something you love or enjoy that we don’t really know?
Andraé: Well, my sister, Sandra, always jokes and tells people that I like to sky dive! But that’s a joke. (Laughs)
Troy: (Laughs)
Andraé: But I love animals… the kinds that I can have in my own house, you know? (Laughs)
Troy: Right! (Laughs)
Andraé: I have four dogs…. an English bulldog, two Chihuahuas, and a Chinese Powder Puff. Birds run me crazy because they tweet all night long. But I tell ‘em, “go ‘head and talk if you want to.”
Troy: Alright!
Andraé: I love the outdoors, too, especially water and boats. I have friends with big yachts and things, but I don’t buy them because I don’t wanna take care of no boat.
But most of all, I love people and love to travel. We’ve traveled to 72 countries and I’ve got friends all across the world. When we first got started way back, people who traveled with us would just sing and go back to their rooms. But I like to meet the people and experience the culture.
Troy: Yeah, you have to!
Well, I’m so glad to have had the chance to speak with you. It’s awesome to tap into the man behind the music as well. And I know people are looking forward to hearing the new music!
Andraé: Thank you I enjoyed talking to you, indeed. May the Lord bless and prosper you and the work you guys are doing.
Troy: Likewise, sir.
* * *
Be sure to look out for Andraé’s new album, The Journey, which is set to be released on May 17. The newest single “The Promise” is already available on iTunes, Amazon or Wal-Mart.com.
And if you’re thinking about entering Andraé Crouch’s “The Promise” Choir Competition, presented by Riverphlo Entertainment, the details can be found below:
• Who Can Enter: All church and community choirs in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada. All participants must be at least 18 years old.
• When: The competition runs from February 15 through June 30, 2011.
• What You Have to Do: Go to http://riverphlo.com/contest and register to download the sheet music to “The Promise.” Record audio and/or video of your choir performing “The Promise,” and finally, upload the media onto the contest page.
• What You Win: The Grand Prize winning choir will receive a two-song deal with Riverphlo Entertainment; both songs will be produced by Andraé Crouch and Mano Hanes; the choir will have an opportunity to appear with Andraé in various local and national media engagements, both Andraé and Mano Hanes will conduct a music workshop on songwriting and producing at the winning choir’s church; and the choir will also receive music and sound equipment from a leading music supplier.
For the complete list of contest rules and eligibility, visit http://riverphlo.com.
A list of performers and presenters for the 26th Annual Stellar Awards has been released!
Among the performers are Marvin Sapp, Beverly Crawford, Deitrick Haddon, the Nevels Sisters, VaShawn Mitchell, the Soul Seekers, the Williams Brothers, the Rance Allen Group, forever Jones, JJ Hairston and Joshua’s Troop. Also performing will be an all-star choir in tribute to Kirk Franklin, and the winners of the 2010 How Sweet the Sound competition in tribute to Donald Lawrence.
Award presenters and other participants will include J Moss, Dorinda Clark Cole, Hezekiah Walker, Andrae Crouch, Vickie Winans, Lisa Page Brooks, DeWayne Woods, Wess Morgan, Myron Butler, Yvette Nicole Brown, Dr. Bobby Jones and more.
The show will be taped this Saturday in Nashville, TN, at the Grand Ole Opry House, and will air on gmc on March 5 at 8pm ET. The program will also air in various national markets from January 22nd through March 13th. Check your local listings!
BMI has just announced its honorees for the 2011 BMI Trailblazers awards– they are COMMISSIONED and SHIRLEY CAESAR!
The annual musical tribute luncheon is THE PLACE to be during Stellar Awards weekend (aside from the awards, themselves). The invitation-only event takes place on Friday, January 14th at Nashville’s Rocketown.
Hopefully, gmc will broadcast the event again, as it did this year in honoring Donnie McClurkin and Andrae Crouch.
Word has it that CNN’s Black In America special will feature the church, a part of which will discuss how gospel music as always been at the heart of the black church.
As part of that feature, CNN wants to create a video of choirs around the world singing Andraé Crouch’s “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power.
If you wanna be in it, CNN asks the following:
1. Record video footage of your choir singing “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power” in the key of F.
2. Keep instrumentation to a MINIMUM– a capella is ideal, but light percussion is also ok.
3. Make sure you capture the AUDIO of the song well, by strategically placing mics where needed.
4. It’s okay to sing in your church, but even better to sing someplace that represents your hometown… significant to your community.
5. Even if you don’t have a choir, you can sing by yourself or with members of your congregation.
Files should be kept to under 600MB and uploaded to CNN before Sunday, October 10, 2010.
Here’s the scenario I see panning out– church choirs across the U.S. will try to record it ON Sunday, October 10, have last-minute technical difficulties and rebuke Satan for the rest of the day. You don’t have to do all of that– just plan ahead and do it WELL in advance of the deadline. Yes?
Who’s sending in a video on behalf of yourself or your church? I’m curious to know. Talk to me!
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