Chatted with MY DUDE, JJ Hairston.  Not only does he lead the dynamic choir, Youthful Praise, he’s a man who simply adores God and wants to serve Him through his gifts and calling.

Although I kinda wanted to cut up with him during the interview, we managed to keep it professional.  The result is a great interview in which JJ shares his heart for this current album, talks about how Youthful Praise has evolved, and tells us what’s next for him.

Without further delay, here’s JJ Hairston…

*     *     *

EJ:  Hey!

JJ:  What’s up, dude?!

EJ:  *laughs* How are you?

JJ:  I’m good.  How are you doing?

EJ:  Good, good, good.  Let’s jump to it– you’ve got your fifth album coming out on September 1st, entitled Resting On His Promise.  Tell me about the vision of this particular project.

JJ:  Well, we usually praise and worship the Lord, which is what we’re called to do.  But for this album, we wanted to do something a little different– not only did we want to worship God, but we wanted to encourage His people.  So, we used some more thematic songs… songs that kind of speak for the day.  Normally, we sing all of our songs UP… this time, we’re singing to the people, encouraging them that, even in these times, God is still able to take them through anything.

EJ:  That’s needed, man.  Do you have a favorite track on the project?

JJ:  Umm… “Close To You” is my favorite track.  It’s a worship track, it’s intimate.  Everyone knows that I just love to worship Him– that’s just me.  I’m not saying it’s gonna be everybody’s favorite, but that’s mine.

EJ:  Talk to me about some of the collaborations you’ve got on this album–guest spots from Shirley Caesar, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Deon Kipping, Myron Butler, Bishop McDaniel…  how did those come about?

JJ:  Well, the first one I knew I was doing was with Dorinda.  That was just something… I knew, for this record, I wanted to get my favorite female vocalist and she is still, by far, my favorite.  So that was something I knew I was doing.

Everything else kinda happened in the process.  Pastor Shirley Caesar, of course, is on the label.  That was something I really wanted to do.  The song was kinda traditional to me and I wanted to the “queen”of traditional gospel to sing it.

EJ:  That’s wise.

JJ:  Myron, that was something that James Robinson [of Evidence Gospel] and I were just talking through… it was like, “which one of your friends would you love to do a song with?”  Me and Myron are so cool, but we never really got to work together in that aspect, so we did that and it turned out great.

We actually weren’t in the same room– he was in a studio in Dallas, I was in a studio here, but we kinda compliment each other very well.

EJ:  Wow.  You’d never have known it.

JJ:  Yeah.  William Murphy was supposed to sing the song “Lord, You’re Mighty.”  The night before the recording, he wasn’t able to make it because of some vocal issues.  I called Deon [Kipping] and said “look, I need you to sing this song tomorrow!”  He was like “are you serious?” *laughs*

EJ:  For real?  Did he know it before that, or did he just learn it?

JJ:  No, we rehearsed it the night before, and then an hour before the recording.  And that song, we actually sang on the stage together.  It worked out very well.  Bishop McDaniel– he’s just a great singer and I just feel like he delivers a song so well, so I wanted to include him.  That’s pretty much how it all happened.

EJ:  That’s great stuff.  Talk with me about how Youthful Praise has evolved over the years.  You all started out a long time ago as a youth choir and, as you got older, your sound was similar to other New York-area choirs at the time– a heavy vibrato (like on “Awesome God,” for example) and a killer band.

You’ve still got a killer band, but less vibrato.  And the style of music is a bit different.  Why the shift?

JJ:  I think that as I changed, and as the music I was drawn to changed, the music I wrote changed as well.

EJ:  Yeah.

JJ:  When we did Thank You For The Change, everybody doesn’t know it, but Shawn Brown and I were both directing during that record.  But in the midst of production on that record, Shawn went on to pastor.  So, though I’m the only one on the cover, we did that record together.

Live… The Praise, The Worship was the first record that I had done by myself and it was what was in my heart as opposed to being two different aspects of music.

EJ:  Definitely.

JJ:  Of course, Shawn and I are both church choir dudes and we were doing that type of music, but when it came time for me to do my own type of record, I had to do what was closest and dearest to my heart.  And that’s why that change kinda happened.

Now, because we grew up singing that way, we still have the vibrato.  It’s not as heavily accented by the style of song, but it’s still there.  I heard one guy say that we worship with a squall. *laughing*

EJ:  *laughs* I think that’s accurate!

JJ:  Yeah!  But that’s how it evolved.  Then, the Exalted record really went ALL the way worship.  So what I did with this album, Resting On His Promise, was tried to bring it back to the middle where the live praise and worship was, where everyone that likes church choirs will be able to enjoy it, but people who like praise & worship will also be able to enjoy it.

EJ:  Sure.  And I think you did that well– it’s got variety, but it’s clearly ONE project.  While we’re talking about choirs, I’ve got a more philosophical question for you.

JJ:  Okay.

EJ:  It seems like fewer choirs are getting recognition these days in the gospel industry… almost as if there aren’t as many mainstay choirs.  Do you feel like the choir scene in gospel is changing?  If so, how are you working to remain relevant?

JJ:  Wow.  I think the choir scene has changed because the industry has changed.  And I don’t mean “industry” as far as what people want, I mean “industry” as far as money.  Just to keep it real.

EJ:  Mm-hmm.

JJ:  It’s harder to move a choir because you can only move up to a certain number of people.  So, if you have a concert, you can have someone like J Moss– you have his honorarium, plus one ticket for him and travel for his background singers.  Or, you can bring in Ricky Dillard, who has 50 people.  Even though the honorarium may be different, the cost to move the group is just so much higher.

EJ:  Wow.

JJ:  So, what has happened now is that people are scaling down everywhere they can.  One of those areas is travel.  And choirs are taking the brunt of that because we have the most people.

What I’ve been doing to compensate for that is that I travel with less people, but still maintain the choir sound.  So as opposed to carrying 20 to 30 people, we travel with between 9 and 12 singers and a band.  We still give you the choir sound that you’re accustomed to from us, but you won’t have to pay as much for travel.  Still, 9 to 12 is a lot sometimes, but we move as many as we can.  It’s just a strain financially.

EJ:  Absolutely.  Just getting to the gig.

JJ:  Yeah.  I remember hearing that one choir took a bus all the way from California to New York.  People aren’t doing that anymore.  So, it’s just different, financially, in this industry than it was 15 years ago.

EJ:  Sure.  You mention traveling with fewer members, but you have a large choir.  How do you choose who’s going where and how do you deal with choir members who say “Well, he didn’t pick ME to go, why should I still do it?”

JJ:  Even to this day, we still have the same issue.   There’s a certain sound that has to be produced, regardless of how many people we bring.  And what we try to do is rotate as much as possible because I’ve been blessed with a large group of singers that can really represent the choir well.

Of course, at the same time, we have certain lead singers that people look for when we go places and I can’t leave them home.

EJ:  Right.

JJ:  So, it’s always a hard balance, but we try to move them around as much as we can.  You know, I explain to the choir what the issues are and they seem to understand.  We just try to be as fair as possible when we move people around.

EJ:  That’s a good approach.  You mentioned some of those lead singers we expect to see and I’ve gotta tell you– at GMWA, I nearly lost my mind about David McClure.  I think everybody was like “who?!  WHAT?!” *laughs*

JJ:  *laughing*  You know, honestly, I’ve been blessed over the last year or year and a half with some GREAT lead singers– of course, David McClure… we have a lead singer from New Jersey named Melissa Bell, and another singer named Jennifer Johnson out of New Haven, CT.  I didn’t go out to search for singers, we just happened to go places and we ministered with them there.

David is actually a member of our church and it just felt so right at that point… the timing was right for him to start traveling with us.  He’s great and he’s really a humble guy.  It’s just been a blessing.

EJ:  That’s great to hear.  Now, you’re a husband, a father, an artist.  How do you manage it all?  We hear stories about artists falling prey to different situations– how are balancing your commitment to family and your commitment to ministry?

JJ:  Well, one of the blessings is that my wife sings in the group, so where the choir goes, she goes.  But even if I’m doing a workshop or make certain appearances by myself, I take her with me.  Not because I think I’m going to go out and make a mess if I’m not with her, but because there are so many things that happen today– I wanna make sure I’m covered and SHE covers me.

And with our kids, we try to be there for them as much as we can.  When we’re home, we are HOME.  And when time allows, we do bring them on the road with us, so we’re not away from them every weekend.  Otherwise, we’d never seem them on weekends.

EJ:  Right.

JJ:  It’s worked out well so far.  I was just looking at the schedule for the rest of the year and it’s crazy.  When we go to Italy, I’m taking my kids with me.

EJ:  Are you?

JJ:  I told the promoter, if you want us, you’ve gotta bring my kids.  It’s Christmas and they’re coming with me.

EJ:  You’re a good dad.  So, what’s next for you?  Of course, you’re about to be working this album, but down the line, what do you have in mind?

JJ:  Well, one thing that’s been a blessing is that some people have heard the record and they’ve started asking me to help them with their records.  So what I’m trying to do is– my musical director and I– we’re looking into starting to produce a little bit.

EJ:  That’s awesome, man!

JJ:  We praise God that people enjoy our sound and we wanna be able to place that sound in some other places, maybe even where it’s not a choir– groups and soloists… I’ve gotten a lot of flack from people who say “you turned the choir into a praise & worship group.”  Well, that’s what I enjoy.  But now, I may be able to deal with other groups and soloists that are geared more toward praise and worship, and help to accentuate that sound for them.

EJ:  Very good.  I think that’ll be hot and, of course, I’m looking forward to it! I really appreciate you for taking a minute to chat, man.

JJ:  This is so funny… you’re sounding so professional!

EJ:  *laughs* I’m trying to put on my professional voice!  It’s all I can do to be like “Hi there, JJ Hairston, how are you?”

JJ:  *laughing*  Well, I’ll be professional and say “thank you very much.”

EJ:  Yes. You do that! *laughing*  And may God continue to bless your many ministry endeavors. *laughs*

JJ:  *laughs* Alright, thanks man.

EJ:  Bye man.

*     *     *

That’s it, folks!  What did you think???

One thing that stood out to me is that, no matter how large or successful, the issues that are real for smaller choirs are the same issues that are real for major choirs.

Don’t forget that Resting On His Promise, the new album, is due in stores THIS TUESDAY.  Click here to read my review of the album.

And lemme know what you think!

 

JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise boldly return to the gospel scene with their fifth album, Resting On His Promise, due in stores this Tuesday, September 1st.  From this 12-track project, two things are abundantly clear to me– the choir is establishing itself as the contemporary choir standard, and it’s only getting better with time.

There’s plenty to love on this album– from the great songwriting to the talented band and excellent production.  What I appreciate most, however, is that JJ Hairston & YP are able to significantly contribute to the progression and development of the choral genre, while respecting the foundation upon which it is based.

It’s clear in the varied, but cohesive, styles of songs on the project.  YP easily navigates the rock-infused “Hear Me Lord,” the staggering worship ballad “Awesome Wonder,” and the jazz-laced “Still Mighty, Still Strong,” with vocals from powerhouse Dorinda Clark-Cole.  But they remind us that they’re more than capable of mastering the traditional “High Praise,” featuring the legendary Pastor Shirley Caesar, and the downright churchy “You Can Make It.”

Other stand-out tracks are “Great Expectation,” a timely single-worthy song of encouragement featuring Myron Butler, “Powerful God,” with jaw-dropping ad libs from YP’s own David McClure, “Lord You’re Beautiful,” with the boundless Lorraine Stancil leading the vamp, and the title track (and current single), “Resting On His Promise” featuring Bishop Eric McDaniel.

More than catchy songs, the album’s message of trusting in God is timely, encouraging and full of life.  I urge readers to not regard this project as “just another choir album.”  Resting On His Promise is definitely worth a listen (and probably a purchase) from any lover of gospel music.

The project is available everywhere on September 1st, but you can pre-order it NOW by clicking on the image to your right. >>>

Wednesday at GMWA was a slower day, not cuz there wasn’t plenty to do, but because people were kinda dragging and showing their fatigue… folks were skippin’ events and what not. LOL

I got a chance to chat with Floyd Wilkinson, who leads the hit Donald Lawrence & Co. single, “Back II Eden.”  To be one of the singin’-est dudes you’ll find in the game, he is incredible kind, humble and down to earth.  And he’s hilarious.  Gotta love that.

I stopped by the “Tribute To The King” concert, which was being hosted by Kurt Carr.  I didn’t stay for the whole tribute, but I noticed some of his singers, so I’m sure they ministered their faces off.  I also got a chance to see Dottie Peoples and Chrystal Rucker backstage.  The attendance at the tribute was rather low, but they were goin’ in on some classic James Cleveland tracks before I had to leave.

Took a quick break for dinner at some Korean bistro (it was pretty good) before heading to the Youth & Young Adult showcase, which featured a bunch of great aspiring/new artists.

When I arrived, Isaac Cates & Ordained were on stage and sounded GREAT.  Not long after, Sunday Best finalist Zebulon Ellis got on the piano to play and sing the classic Milton Brunson tune “For The Good Of Them.”  I’ll say this– we, the Sunday Best viewing audience, were cheated out of experiencing how awesome his vocal ability is.  Dude can blow, FOR REAL.

A bit later, Melinda Watts performed “There Will Come A Day” from her new album, followed by a organ-accompanied “When We All Get To Heaven” and “When I See Jesus” medley.  It was HOT.

After her, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise took the stage and performed their hit song “Incredible God, Incredible Praise.”  Lemme tell ya– incredible PERFORMANCE, too.  They ended their set with their new single, “Resting On His Promise,” and had Bishop Eric McDaniel join them for the vamp (as he does on the recorded version).  They had great energy and an even better sound.

I ducked out before the end, lest I fell out from fatigue– this week will wear you OUT if you don’t get your rest!  Geeeeez.

That’s it for now.  ‘Til later!

Yesterday was the first full day of action-packed GMWA stuff.

I was bouncin’ around between the hotel lobby, the press office (shout out to Jojo Pada of IgnitionPR), the airport to pick up folks, and back to the convention center.

Last night, we went to the Youth & Young Adult Forum at the Hyatt in Downtown Cincinnati.  By the end of the week, I’ll be annoyed cuz the musicals start so LATE at night, but for now, I’m napping when I can and making it through!

There are so many events happening simultaneously, I can’t go to all of ‘em.  But at the Youth thingy, there were some GREAT performances from new and developing artists across the nation.  Special shout-out to Algernon, Bubby Fann and his group, and Melinda Watts, each of whom did a GREAT job.  It was an awesome time… I even got to catch-up with manager extraordinaire (and Gospel Dream judge) Mitchell Solarek.  SUPER cool guy.

Random sightings included Dorothy Norwood, Donald Lawrence, Albertina Walker, Vashawn Mitchell, Stephen Hurd, Kervy Brown, Earnest Pugh, Bishop Eric McDaniel… TONS of folks are here and more are continuously arriving.

I didn’t get to bed until around 3:00am (what in the WORLD?!), then back up at 6:30am to do it all again.  Whateva!  I’ll sleep next week.

More recaps tomorrow… and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for ongoing ramblings about stuff.

What’s good, people?  A coupla quick updates:

1.  Don’t forget to email me if you want a chance to 2 VIP Tickets to Bishop Eric McDaniel’s live recording THIS SUNDAY featuring KIM BURRELL.  Click here for a reminder on how to win the tix!

2.  The petition I created to Save 106 & Gospel has gotten nearly 1,300 signatures in less than a week– that’s ASTOUNDING. And more are coming each day.  Make sure you’ve signed it at http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/save106andgospel.

3.  I chatted with Tonex last week and I’m posting my interview with him here TOMORROW, so don’t miss it!

I think that’s it for now… holla!

Bishop Eric McDaniel is recording his first solo album, entitled I Am Favor, LIVE on Sunday, April 5th at 7pm, at Allen Memorial COGIC in Mount Vernon, NY.  The recording is going to feature TONS of great music AND the incomparable KIM BURRELL!

And guess who has partnered with Bishop McDaniel’s team to give away TWO FREE V.I.P. TICKETS to the recording?  ME!!!

Y’all know that I’ve mentioned Bishop McDaniel before on GospelPundit– I was raving about his church choir (click here for the post), but he’s also well known for writing songs for Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Rev. Timothy Wright.  He also wrote “One More Chance,” which was recently featured on Ricky Dillard’s 7th Episode album.

Bishop McDaniel says that the concept for the title, I Am Favor, is that the FAVOR of GOD is such an integral part of our existence, that we don’t just have favor, we ARE favor.

How To Win The Free VIP Tickets:

1.  Send me an email at ej@gospelpundit.com testifying about GOD’S FAVOR in your life– make the declaration that “I AM FAVOR” and TELL ME HOW!

2.  From among the entries, ONE name will be drawn at random.  The winner will receive TWO (2) V.I.P. Tickets to this incredible LIVE RECORDING.  Plus, your testimony will be featured in a short post on GospelPundit.com!

3.  Make sure you include your full name, mailing address and contact phone number!

4.  HURRY HURRY HURRY!  This promotional giveaway only lasts until 11:59pm on TUESDAY, March 31st!

Legal Stuff:  Transportation expenses are NOT included in this giveaway.  The winner is solely responsible for all expenses except for admission ticket costs.  Duplicate entries by the same person will be disqualified from the promotional giveaway.  The act of submitting via email your name and personal contact information shall constitute consent to be featured by name, likeness, city and state on GospelPundit.com and other related third-party sites and publications, including EricMcDaniel.org and 360TotalSolutions.com.  Any contact information provided in connection with this promotional giveaway shall not be publicly disclosed in any way, nor shall it be used for any purposes not already enumerated in GospelPundit.com’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

THIS choir and THIS soloist…

The track was originally recorded by Eric McDaniel & The Lord’s Church choir, and I LOVED it then.  I was a little skeptical when I heard that Ricky Dillard & New G were gonna re-record it, but once I heard it, I was sooooooooooooo not disappointed!

Watch them SLAY this thing.

I could speak of both albums that this church choir has put out, but I’m gonna focus on the most recent one, released independently in 2007, cuz I listened to it a bit earlier today.

I dunno how many people really know of Bishop Eric McDaniel outside of New York, which is rather unfortunate cuz he’s done quite a bit.  Aside from being for the Bronx what Hezekiah Walker has been to Brooklyn (he’s a local artist, turned pastor, turned bishop… and he’s also one of Bishop Walker’s closest friends), he’s written songs you’ve undoubtedly heard, like “Restore Your Joy” and “When We Get Over There” (recorded by Hezekiah Walker & LFCC), and “One More Chance” (Ricky Dillard & New G, but originally recorded by his church choir and led by his wife).

On Restoration, the choir’s sophomore album, Bishop McDaniel BRINGS it.  In addition to the local radio hits, “Something Good” and “Thank You,” the album features stellar performances from regional and national giants.  “A Closer Walk” is an awesome worship track led by Ayana George (a member of the church, known for backing vocals with Donnie McClurkin) before Karen Clark-Sheard blesses us on the reprise.

I also love to hear the choir modulate to the RAFTERS on “Nothing But Praises,” featuring choirmaster James Hall on lead vocals, but my favorite track is prolly their remake of the Tramaine Hawkins cut “Holy One.”  It features a duet by Lucinda Moore and Melonie Daniels, and… ’nuff said!

I think that, in a time when a lot of choirs simply are not delivering, Bishop Eric McDaniel & The Lord’s Church Cathedral Choir provide some great stuff.

Listen here to “Thank You”:

 

For the record, what do y’all think?