The annual New Jersey-based True Worship Retreat, hosted by Lance Williams, will take place this year from September 8-10, 2011 in East Orange, NJ (at New Vision Full Gospel Baptist Church).
The conference features teaching and singing from some of the industry’s finest, including Edwin Hawkins, Kim Burrell, Jason Nelson, Beverly Crawford, Bishop Noel Jones and more.
Registration for the weekend is $55. For more info, visit http://www.trueworship.org.
It’s no secret that Donald Lawrence is one of my favorite artists in gospel music. There aren’t many artists who can honor the rich heritage and sound of gospel, while still adding their own element to it. He’s not of this era– he’s got few contemporaries– but he’s still relevant. That’s not an easy feat.
In case you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to read my album review at gmc’s official website. That’s my official and formal deal on Donald Lawrence’s new album, YRM (Your Righteous Mind).
Here, I’ll allow myself to be a fan, just chattin’ about my favorite parts of the project… let’s go!
The a cappella intro to D. Lawrence’s remake of Commissioned’s “How Can We Sing (In A Strange Land)”… perfection. And it only gets better, as Keith Staten and Jason Nelson take turns on lead.
Listen to “Spiritual,” the latest single from this album, to hear how masterfully Donald incorporated the classic “fruits of the Spirit” segment from the Clark Sisters’ 1981 tune “Walk In the Spirit” (Twinkie was before her time, by the way). THIS type of stuff is where he shines.
If you attended any of the regional Verizon Wireless How Sweet the Sound events last year, you probably remember Marvin Sapp and CeCe Winans performing the Walter Hawkins classic “When the Battle Is Over” with Donald. On the album, singers Kim McFarland and Dante Hall (one of Donald’s newer full-time vocalists) tag team on it. It’s gospel like it’s s’posed to be.
There aren’t many duos like sisters Tobbi and Tommi. And they demonstrate it on their remake of Chaka Khan’s “Through the Fire.” The bass line is true to the original, which is wise– this feels like a great, updated version of something we’re still jamming to anyway.
I adore the complex harmonies on the vamp of “The I AM Factor.” That, with the string arrangement… wow!
Aaaand Floyd Wilkinson’s performance of the Daryl Coley tune “II Chronicles,” is a more-than-fitting pairing. He executes it with precision and passion– definitely a fave.
Other stand-outs for me are “Second Wind” (featuring Anita Wilson) and “We Agree” (featuring Israel Houghton), the latter of which is a refreshing and unexpected pairing.
In a nutshell… buy it.
By the way, for street day (August 9, 2011), Amazon.com is selling it for $3.99!
Grab it here!
I woke up incredibly hoarse this morning. I know that I talked on the phone quite a bit yesterday for business, and that I went to bed later than usual because I was celebrating at a friend’s party, but I knew neither of those things was the culprit.
Jason Nelson is to blame.
See, I listened to Jason Nelson A LOT yesterday while riding in my car. More than listening, though, I sang along. Tried to, anyhow…
Jason’s got one of those voices that just makes you wanna try it. Like, perhaps you’ll accidentally stumble upon being able to sing like him, if only for one moment. You’ll go hoarse trying to sing with Jason Nelson.
But Jason’s not the only one– at times, for me, it’s been Teddy Campbell, Isaac Carree, Floyd Wilkinson, Donnie McClurkin, Melonie Daniels, Kim Burrell…
And I know I’m not alone in this because I’ve driven alongside some churchy people putting on a full CONCERT in their car.
So, tell me– who is an artist that you go hoarse trying to sing with?
So, by now, most of you have gotten the opportunity to grab Better Days, the latest project from Jonathan Nelson.
I know I can’t get enough of the band hits on “Cry Holy,” the incomparable vocals of Jason Nelson on “Another Way,” or the GRAMMY-worthy vocal performance from Kierra Sheard on “Performance” (it’s MAJOR to me).
But what about you? You lovin’ it? Just likin’ it a little? Do you prefer this project to his Integrity debut, Right Now Praise?
What’s the word on Jonathan Nelson’s project???
There’s a practice that’s become popular behind the scenes in gospel over the last decade. You may or may not be familiar.
Here’s the scenario: Artist A decides they need to record a “worship” album. Their record company hires a team of songwriters and producers to create a worship experience for Artist A. The record is cut, with mixed or “aight” results.
Not so for William McDowell – singer, songwriter, producer and worshipper. This new tide in the industry toward worship aligns perfectly with what he’s been doing all along. Even before he connected with his musical mentor, a man by the name of Ron Kenoly (a praise and worship pioneer), William was clear about his purpose.
Just one listen to his double-disc debut album, As We Worship: Live, released early last year, will make that purpose clear for you– to lead a new generation of worshippers. I was struck by how often he literally speaks (and sings) of “going to the nations so the whole world will know.”
I know you’re wondering one other important thing. What’s this William McDowell sound like? Well, his music has a William sound. Honestly, I’d love to compare him to Israel Houghton or Jason Nelson, or even Ron Kenoly. But I think his sound is a unique blend of all three with acoustic, contemporary and urban elements.
The best way for to draw your own conclusion is to listen!
His single “I Give Myself Away” has been making an impact on Christian radio, and is also available with his album on iTunes. It’s become popular with praise and worship teams, so chances are you’ve already heart it. If not, check out this clip featured below–
However, I wouldn’t stop there. He definitely has a few other cuts that you’ve got to hear: “Psalm 27 (One Thing)” featuring LaRue Howard, “Give Us Your Heart” and “Send Me,” featuring Brad Fontaine. And oh yeah, “The Sound of Heaven.”
Basically, listen to the whole thing because I’m sure you’ll find plenty of favorites on the two discs, just like I did.
For our friends down south, you can also catch William’s ministry in person. He’s the Music Minister at The Gathering Place in Lake Mary, FL, led by Pastor Sam Hinn.
Either way, I want to know what you think. Go listen (right now) and be sure to come back and share!
Troy Lilly, one of your favorite writers at GospelPundit.com, had a little chat that he wanted to share with you folks… I’ll let him tell you aaallll about it… Take it away, Troy!
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Over the weekend, I had the pleasure to spend an afternoon with a new friend. Many of you know her by face and name. Even more of you know her by voice. She’s been featured in a couple recent Goodies posts right here on GospelPundit.com.
I’m talking about the one and only San Franklin.
She was in the Washington, D.C.-area as a guest vocalist, and we talked about friends, music, and ministry for quite a while. In reality, though, “the interview” lasted only a few minutes. We spent the majority of the time catching up and clowning, as if we were old friends.
I came away from our meeting energized, having experienced a person who is both a dynamic singer and anointed minister with a contagious warm spirit. Some of her words will jump right off the screen.
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Troy: It’s great to get to talk with you. I know you’re very busy, but I’m thankful you took a few moments of your time to talk with me today – I really appreciate that.
San: I appreciate you having me…I’m not that busy (laughs)
It’s great to even be considered to sit down and talk to the audience, talk to you. It’s an honor and privilege.
Troy: So, what brings you to the Maryland/DC area?
San: I was here for Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries. Bishop Johnson in Baltimore, Maryland had a family and friends week – it was all week long and yesterday was the outdoor festival with Vanessa Bell-Armstrong, Lisa Page Brooks, Angela Spivey, myself, Bernard Harris…a lot of people.
Troy: The greats (laughs). Cool. I saw you tweeting because I do follow you on Twitter…
San: (Laughs)
Troy: And I know there are a few people who weren’t here. Tell me about some of your other friends, people that you’re close to in the area, who you didn’t get to see.
San: Oh, I didn’t get to see Jason Nelson, Pastor Nelson; I was supposed to go by his church this morning – he’s a very dear friend of mine…
Troy: Wow, love him!
San: Holla Walla, I didn’t get to see him. Who else? Well…Richard Smallwood (laughs) is a good friend of mine. He actually was in my hometown, Chicago, Ill., at the Edwin Hawkins Love Fellowship Conference.
I’m actually a native of that conference and of that church. You know, I spent 12 years with Bishop Hawkins and that whole movement, and I didn’t get to go to the conference this year because I’m in this area working, so…it’s been great, though, even though I didn’t get to see my friends here, the ministry opportunity was absolutely phenomenal.
Troy: Speaking of ministry, just talking with you earlier, that was something I actually got to hear more about – your opinions and your knowledge. So share a little bit more about what you know and your experiences in ministry versus just singing.
San: Well, something that probably most people don’t know is I’m an evangelist. I’ve been preaching for almost 20 years.
Troy: Wow!
San: Of course I started singing first.
Troy: Right.
San: And most people who minister or pastor, you start with the singing or the musicianship, and then you move on. But, I have found a way – thanks be unto God – to combine both. So when I sing I’m ministering Word, and when I’m ministering Word I end up singing, so they’re one in the same to me.
Whereas, you have some people who separate them – singing ministry and preaching ministry – they’re just one in the same for me, and it’s just ministry, period. So I try to make it an everyday part of who I am and not just when I get before the people or before an audience, but just a part of who I am everyday.
Troy: As it relates to the industry, with you having a ministering background, and with you blending the two pretty easily, what do you think of the state of the gospel music industry and do you feel everyone is able to do that as effectively as you are?
San: I believe in this season we are slowly but surely gearing the industry back to ministry, because I think we had taken the focus off of ministry. We were so focused on our look and so focused on our sound, and our riffs and runs, and the talent moreso than what’s behind the person who’s singing.
Troy: Yeah.
San: We have so many people who are behind the scenes, who are on the underground side of the industry that are really ministering to God’s people, you know, and they’re not always the ones who are elevated or celebrated necessarily.
Troy: Right.
San: There are people on the underground circuit that are laying hands and people are being healed and they’re ministering to people’s mental states and their emotional states and restoring people spiritually, but they don’t get the visibility that some “in the industry” get.
And so I think God is having to switch us back to ministry-minded people because we focus too much on talent which doesn’t destroy any yokes, it doesn’t break any bondages, you know what I’m saying, which doesn’t bring us to a state of wholeness, which is where I believe God wants his people.
Troy: Wow, yeah.
San: I think God has to shift us back to that because we’re losing…we’re…what do we say out on the Internet, “epic failing” (laughs)…
Troy: (Laughs) Yeah, that’s a Twitter thing!
San: When it comes to ministry, you know what I’m saying, we #EPICFAIL (laughs)
Troy: (Laughs)
San: So I think God is trying to get us back to a place in ministry where we’re effective and relevant.
Troy: What’s going on at home for you, back in Nashville?
San: Back in Nashville I’m Minister of Music at a church called Perfecting Faith Ministries with Pastor Dale Jones. It’s a great church. In this season it’s a great place for me to call home. It’s always good to have somewhere you can come and be settled.
Other than that…I’m working on my project. Everyone says, “when is your project coming out, when is your project coming out?”
Troy: Yes, we want to know.
San: And I want it out just as much as everybody else does. I told God years and years ago, if I cannot produce a project where someone puts it on and is instantaneously healed of a disease, or a worry or broken relationship, then I don’t wanna record. Everybody’s making music…everybody’s putting out a cd…I want to be able to minister and make a difference in somebody’s life.
God spoke to me and said that “every song on your project will speak to you” relating to somewhere I’ve been in my life. Like the single “Arise”… I was listening to that song after coming out of a divorce, thinking I had failed…I remember the words of the song ministering to me: “Today is the day of a new horizon, there’s new life.”
Troy: Yes.
San: For my project, for me, I want to meet the needs of God’s people. I want to be relative and transparent. People are looking for someone to say “I’ve been where you are and I understand, I feel your pain, and I can get down there with you.” Because that’s what I want to do, it’s taking me a little longer produce than I would like.
Troy: Well, it sounds like it will be worth the wait.
San: I hope so.
Troy: We appreciate that. Sometimes with people coming out with stuff back to back, we question the consistency…
San: Yes, yes (laughs).
Troy: We appreciate you letting it be a slow, churning process for the better end result.
San: I think it’s like ice cream…
Troy: (LAUGHS)
San: (Laughs) You know what I’m saying – I love sweets! But I say that because you can get ice cream, but if you know anything about homemade ice cream, old time, down South…
Troy: Grandma’s ice cream (laughs) mmmm.
San: Grandma’s ice cream where you have to put it down in the bucket and put the salt on the ice, and you have to churn that thing, and sometimes your arm gets tired from turning, but when it comes out it’s the best thing you’ve ever tasted in your life.
Troy: I can’t think of a better analogy than that. Last thing.
What advice would you give to someone who’s trying to nurture their ministry and let that lead, and avoid being persuaded by the pressure of the industry to just put something out?
San: To anyone in the industry…that’s been in the industry for years waiting on God to move, or just came in the industry waiting on God to move (laughs), it goes back to the old formula. Seek you first the kingdom of God and [all] of his righteousness, and everything else will be added unto you.
Troy: That’s right!
San: And I think transparency is the key. Being true first to yourself. As long as you remain transparent to yourself, it’s easy for you to be transparent to others. I think transparency brings about GREAT ministry.
Troy: With that I’ll say I was blessed to be in your presence for this short period of time…
San: Aww. Thank you.
Troy: I want to thank you again for sitting and talking with me candidly and openly.
San: Aww, thank you for having me.
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I really enjoyed that interview! Shout-out to Troy for makin’ it happen and for doing an impeccable job on it!
Were you familiar with San’s ministry? (you should be– I featured her last month!)
Here, I’ll help… peep this video–
Talk to me! What do you think?!
We’re moving full steam ahead with The Prayer List, the series in which we lift up one brother or sister within the gospel community each week. We’re ALL responsible for the well-being of this industry.
This week, I’m adding Pastor Jason Nelson. As many of you know, Jason Nelson is an incredible vocalist and pastor of Greater Bethlehem Temple in Maryland. He’s also a father and husband, and he’s the twin brother of gospel artist Jonathan Nelson.
Father, thank You for the life of Pastor Jason Nelson. Thank You for all that You’ve called him to do and be for Your Kingdom on Earth. Thank You for his role as a husband, father, pastor, singer and more. I ask that You give him strength to do all of the things he’s got to do– daily– and that, in doing so, You would compel him to trust You fully, submit to You fully and rely on You fully.
Lord, I pray that You would shield Jason from any insecurities, fears and anxieties that would creep into his mental space. I pray that You would always remind him of his value in You, and for Your glory.
Father, please surround Jason Nelson with people that will be for him– not for his gifts and talents, nor for his roles and positions, but because they see all that You’ve called him to be and because they, selflessly, desire to serve You by supporting him.
Finally, God, please open new doors of opportunities for him, his family and his congregation. Protect him as You lead him into new areas– keep him humbly focused on Your glory and give him the grace, discernment and wisdom for any decisions he’ll need to make. In Jesus’ Name, I ask You. Amen.
Okay, fam. Let’s go! Post your prayers in the comment section, cool???
I’ve been traveling this weekend, so I enlisted the help of one of GospelPundit.com’s newest guest contributors for this week’s recap– Troy Lilly. You remember Troy’s great work from his recap of Jason Nelson’s live recording a few weeks ago. Well, he’s back with his perspective on last night’s episode of Sunday Best on BET. I think it’s both thoughtful and thorough– I feel like I watched it already! Check it out…
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This week ‘s episode of Sunday Best was extra special for two reasons – a wildcard contestant who was sent home last week got a second chance to shine. And the incomparable Kim Burrell dropped in as a guest judge alongside Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams!
So, I was expecting a pretty memorable show.
But when J Moss hit the stage to open the show singing “We Must Praise,” the first single from his 2004 debut album, it seemed Sunday Best had pulled another “throwback” performance out of the hat. Fret not, though, because he quickly snapped back to 2010 with a powerful performance of his latest hit, “Rebuild.” The lyrics in the song are already powerful, but he really sang them – dare I say he was squalling at the end.
The bar was clearly raised for the 10 remaining contestants and there was added pressure since each singer got to choose their song, too. By the end of the night the true artists would stand apart from the rest of the pack.
Brian Smith – “I Won’t Complain”
Dubbed by the Sunday Best judges as Mr. Bowtie, Brian kicked things off with a mid-tempo rendition of the song. The arrangement was refreshing and allowed him to find his sweet spot vocally and command the stage a bit more. Judges agreed and enjoyed his performance and his nice “spirit.”
Orlando Wright – “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus”
There were signs of trouble with Orlando’s voice in the rehearsal footage. In my opinion, not much changed in his actual performance. He struggled to plant his voice in the melody and sufficed to improvise with plenty of questionable phrasing choices. The judges’ critiques were mostly succinct and vague. ? Hmm…
AND NOW FOR THE WILDCARD contestant…
Martha Buries – “Change”
Martha deserves to be back and she proved it by giving Tramaine Hawkins a run for her money on this traditional rendition of “Change.” In fact, her jazzy chops reminded me a lot of contestant Jessica Reedy from last season. I want to see her move ahead and Yolanda noted, “I knew God wasn’t through with you!” Definitely not.
Franklin Davis IV – “Savior More Than Life to Me”
No one was more disappointed in Franklin’s performance than he was. For all the flair he brings to the stage he wasn’t very sure this time around. Maybe he got nervous singing Kirk’s song in front of him, but then again, he picked it. He’s got the range but didn’t believe what he was singing. Before the judges said a word he was hanging his head.
Dathan Thigpen – “Speak to My Heart”
For Dathan, his song choice – a Donnie McClurkin classic – was a perfect choice. He literally tore it up, especially when he jumped from the bridge to the vamp. That big jump was make or break and Donnie applauded him for pulling it off. Yolanda called him “phenomenal” and Kim said he “exceptionally sang.”
Tawanna Tarvin – “Now Behold The Lamb”
Was Kirk song #2 the charm? Well let’s say it started very strong…maybe a little too strong. Tawanna has quite a range, and she started the song in the rafters and never came down. Her upper register was hurting a bit by the end. But there’s still no doubt she can rip a song apart, she just has to take her time doing it.
Durward Davis – “That’s When You Blessed Me”
Durward took on a big L.A. Mass Choir song, and with amazing background vocalists, he pulled that thing off up in Sunday Best time – and he was so sincere. Tears were welled in his eyes the entire time. Kudos to him for “doing just what he said,” as Kim put it.
LeAndria Johnson – “He Was There All the Time”
Singing a “testimony” song, LeAndria was true to form, which is to say flawless. From beginning to end she delivered. At this point, she’s the one contestant I would say is ready to launch. Stage presence, vocal control and dynamism and anointing. She’s the full package.
David Wilford – “Great is Thy Faithfulness”
David is a very cool dude. And that’s exactly what came across in his performance. To be honest, he kind of had a duet with the saxophone and the arrangement was very mellow, almost soothing. David crooned without missing a note. Somehow I feel he failed to grab the attention of the audience or the judges. It was certainly a safe performance. Sadly, it may have been a forgettable one as well.
Tiffany Carlin-Laird – “I Need Thee”
The judges told her she needed to own the stage and Tiffany ran with their advice. She tackled the traditional hymn with fervor, showing she could be soft and still pack a nice growl, too. I hope she continues to mature and grow comfortable with her gift.
Elder Goldwire McLendon – “Yes, Jesus Loves Me”
When I watch Elder McLendon all I can think is “oil”. There is oil all over him. Even before he opened his mouth to sing, he ushered in the Presence of God. We already know he can sing in the purest sense of the word, so what’s more intriguing is the way his singing changes the atmosphere. The audience (and judges) couldn’t contain the power that followed Elder McLendon’s performance. He literally shouted off the stage.
But in the end, only 7 contestants remained.
The Top 7:
Brian Smith
LeAndria Johnson
Elder Goldwire McLendon
Martha Buries (Wildcard)
Tiffany Carlin-Laird
Dathan Thigpen
Durward Davis
For once I agree totally with the cuts from the lineup. The remaining contestants have a certain degree of artistry. They are no longer just singing songs, but they have a unique style and approach to singing that is distinguishable. A few can still benefit from the professional mentoring. For the most part, though, they’ve got “it.”
By the way, this episode got me thinking: I would love for Kim Burrell to open the show at least once before the season is over.
Now what did you really think?
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Well, shooooooooot… I guess I’ll start by saying I think that’s a dope recap! 
Then, I’ll add that I am quite pleased with the top 7– these would probably have been my choices, too, even from the week before. I would have loved to see David Wilford progress through the competition a bit more, but I’ll have to see the performance footage from last night.
So, like Troy asked, what did you really think?
I told you earlier that you’d be hearing from Troy Lilly soon. His first contribution to GospelPundit.com is invaluable– he attended and recapped Pastor Jason Nelson’s live recording this past Friday and did a great job. Without any delay, here’s Troy (with some GREAT photos at the end)–
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You haven’t been to a recording until you’ve had the Pastor Jason Nelson experience! He’s a multi-talented triple threat: a singer, songwriter and guitarist – plus he can preach.
I first witnessed his amazing gift and unyielding anointing five years ago at the live recording for his I Shall Live project. Needless to say, it wasn’t simply a recording.
The same was true on April 23rd as Nelson recorded his latest project, Shifting the Atmosphere, at his home church, Greater Bethlehem Temple in Baltimore. After being introduced by his twin brother, super-producer and writer Jonathan Nelson, Pastor Nelson quickly set an expectation for corporate praise and worship saying, “I can’t do recordings. This thing is participatory!”
And with that, the experience began. Upbeat opening numbers “Year of Jubilee” and “Favor” got the entire house on our feet and kept us there, incorporating Jason’s signature progressive sound with lyrics pulled straight from scripture.
But the trademark of Jason’s ministry is unadulterated worship. For the aptly-titled duet “No Words,” he welcomed fellow guitarist and vocalist Leon Timbo, who Jason said he admires for his ability to “come in and change the atmosphere.” Together, they did just that. Jason and Leon’s voices blended as harmoniously as their instruments, moving us through the first of many “shifts” that night.
During this segment, Jason guided us through several more moments of intimate worship with songs like “Don’t Count Me Out,” “I’m Nothing Without You” and “Shifting the Atmosphere.” This is when the pastor gift in Jason came forth. He delayed moving on to the next songs to minister.
“Whenever we encounter the presence of God we realize how insignificant we are without him,” he said, refusing to rush the flow of the Spirit.
With the final set of songs, the atmosphere naturaly shifted to flat-out praise. “There Is Power in His Name,” brought out the old-fashioned foot-stomping, because like Jason said, “you can’t have a recording without church!”
By the end of “There Is Power…” another shift had taken place and before we knew it Pastor Nelson’s father, Bishop James Nelson, was handed the microphone. Bishop Nelson exhorted us until the fire came down!
For just a few moments, I had to excuse my assignment as writer and photographer for GP so I could join in.
From that point we moved to a place of declaration. “You No Longer Have Dominion over Me” spoke directly to the strongholds we face in life, while the final song, “I Survived,” proclaimed victory over life itself.
I spotted and spoke with a number of special guests including Antoine Spence, Pastor L. Spenser Smith, Amos Saint Jean, Lil’ Mo and Jessica Greene, each of whom have a high regard for Jason.
Pastor Jason Nelson is one of the most humble and selfless ministers in gospel music. It doesn’t hurt that he can sing pretty much anyone under a pew, and preach. With his latest forthcoming release, Shifting the Atmosphere, he is sure to do a little of both.
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Okay, first of all– I think Troy did an excellent job recapping that recording, so PLEASE let him know what you thought of that write-up. And if you’re on Twitter, follow him at http://www.twitter.com/UrbanSophistic.
Second of all, I’m DEEPLY annoyed that I missed it cuz it sounds like it was incredible. It’s no secret that Jason Nelson is one of my favorite vocalists… *kickin’ myself with a hard shoe on*
Talk to me, folks– you looking forward to the new album? Anyone else attend that can echo Troy’s sentiments?
I wanna take a quick moment to feature a cool new artist, Josiah “Jojo” Martin. He’s actually been writing and doing background vocals behind the scenes for quite some time, but he’s just now stepping out on his own as a solo artist.
In addition to offering BGV’s for PJ Morton and Fred Hammond, Jojo is currently producing an album for Stephanie Mills, as well as writing and providing vocals for the long-awaited album from Dalon Collins (former member of Kirk Franklin & The Family). You’ll also find his work on the latest releases from James Fortune & FIYA and, soon, on the newest album from VaShawn Mitchell.
At age 25, Jojo’s voice is incredibly reminiscent of the great crooners from the old skool. He’s got a gritty tone that reminds me of someone like David Ruffin or Jason Nelson, but a vocal delivery that definitely has some modern, urban flavor to it.
He’s anticipating a full album release later this year. In the meantime, I’ve just added his first single, “Always,” to the PunditPlayer. I’m REALLY diggin’ it.
Click here to take a listen and lemme know what you think!!!
