by Mia Paylor

The Very Unofficial EP of Jonathan McReynolds
Release Date: August 2010
Website: www.jonathanmcreynolds.com

Must-Have Tracks: “No Gray”, “Why (feat. Corey Barksdale)”, “Living Your Life”, “Loving Me”

One of the most annoyingly pleasurable moments you can have as a songwriter is when you listen to a great song that you wish YOU wrote. Well, I had three of those moments while listening to The Very Unofficial EP of Jonathan McReynolds.

In the single, “No Gray,” Jonathan sings:

And if it’s You that I’m after/Then I can’t serve two masters/And before something happens/I have to turn it all around because I know you can’t just have your cake and eat it too/Cause it’s real easy to stay on the fence and still do you/And it’d be cool if we could love the Lord and still go do our thing/But see it doesn’t work like that/You gotta be white or black

Clear? Yes. Convicted? Yup, me too. Ministry happens every time you hear it. I also love the fact that the title of the song isn’t mentioned until about 10-15 seconds before the song ends so that the message resonates more than the catch phrase, so to speak.

“Why (feat. Corey Barksdale)” has an attractive simplicity. The light piano arrangement forces you to listen to what’s being said. By the time the song builds to the churchy drive at the end, you’re at a spiritual high point with Jonathan and Corey thanking Jesus for His underserved love. Jonathan and Corey have different sounds but their ad-libs are very complimentary of each other and well placed. (Note to Corey: Submit your project for a review as soon as it’s ready. Thank you. )

“Loving Me” builds like a gospel song but flows like an introspective pop-tune. The balance between the two is perfect. This EP is one of the best introductions to a new artist I’ve heard in a very long time.

Jonathan McReynolds was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Illinois. In addition to being the bandleader and organist for his church, he’s also a senior earning his bachelor’s degree in music at Columbia College Chicago. His single, “No Gray”, was featured on Bonnerfide Radio…and he was named one of Bonnerfide Radio’s top new artists of 2010.

Folks, we’re over a year late getting hip to the ministry and stellar artistry of Jonathan McReynolds. Let’s catch up together.

Download The Very Unofficial EP of Jonathan McReynolds today!

In this edition of In With The New, Mia Paylor introduces us to three new artists and the singles they current have available. Check it out!

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Lawrence Haynes
Current Single: “I Will Say Yes”
Website: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lawrencehaynes
Album Release Date: TBA

My peoples, my peoples…let me tell y’all ‘bout this young J. Moss that goes by the name of Lawrence Haynes! Hailing from New Jersey (by way of East St. Louis, Illinois), Lawrence is his own lyricist, background vocalist, arranger, producer, and engineer. “What do you don’t do?!” Lol.

After singing background vocals for folks such as Melonie Daniels and Chaz Shepherd…and working in the studio with Meaghan Williams on Bless You God, Lawrence has stepped out on his own. He’s currently recording his first solo project. But, in the meantime, Lawrence released this delightful “teaser” to keep us saying “YES” to God and “YES” to the idea of buying his CD when it’s finally available.

“I Will Say Yes” starts out traditional and churchy and then evolves into this crisp, modern groove with several transitions that keep you spiritually and musically engaged! The production is clean, the vocals are PAJAM-crisp, and the arrangement moves. The band was awesome. The music was churchy, funky, jazzy, and contemporary while remaining seamless.

Keep your eyes peeled for Lawrence Haynes…and download “I Will Say Yes” TADAY!

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Bam Travis
Current Single: “Seasons”
Website: http://bamtravis.viinyl.com
Album Release Date: TBA

“Seasons” is a contemporary reflection of God’s unchanging and unfailing love in contrast to our ever-changing circumstances. Bam Travis’ passionate, tenor timbre fit this arrangement perfectly. The song flows in the vein of an introspective Fred Hammond tune with tasteful lead guitar riffs and accurately placed vocal runs. You’ll love it.

So, who is Bam Travis?

Well, aside from being a vocalist and songwriter, this Detroit native is a graduate of World Harvest Bible College and an accomplished drummer. Bam served as a drummer at Bishop Wayne T. Jackson’s Great Faith Ministries International (who happens to be the father of actor/comedian Brandon T. Jackson). Bam also recently toured with Charlie Wilson as his drummer. And, most importantly, Bam Travis is a worshipper who’s committed himself to sharing God’s love everywhere.

Support this brutha by downloading “Seasons”…and be on the lookout for more to come from the ministry of Bam Travis.

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Teleah
Current Single: “Champion”
Website: http://teleah.weebly.com
Album Release Date: December 26, 2011 (EP/Mixtape)

Now, admittedly, I’m only a fan of exceptional Holy Hip-Hop. Nothing agitates me more than folks who sound like they’re trying to be down…trying to be cool. My “Clown” meter is very sensitive.

But, Teleah Hollingsworth has a flow that is tight, melodic, decodable, and sanctified. Her single, “Champion” shows that she has a mean pen, spits fire (Holy Ghost fire, of course), and sangs! Teleah’s vocal style is gritty, expressive, and dainty. She switches from raspy phrases to crisp, gentle ad-libs effortlessly. The title of the song pretty much explains the lyrical message within the song. And, uh, I had to be told that the track was jacked from an Ace Hood song, lol. I have no clue who that guy is. *shrugs*

Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Teleah honed her skills in local competitions and Praise & Worship teams. However, while living in Washington, DC, Teleah was afforded the opportunity to perform, travel, and record with Isaiah Thomas and Elements of Praise from 2007-2009 as a vocalist.

I enjoyed “Champion”. Download the free single at http://www.reverbnation.com/teleah). I also sincerely pray Teleah links up with hot producers to churn out some completely original gems for the Kingdom. If that happens, I truly believe Teleah’s ministry will go far.

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New, developing and indie artists, keep sending in your submissions for features HERE, on GospelPundit.com!

All you have to do is email Mia Paylor at InWithTheNew.MP@gmail.com for consideration!

On the heels of the successful new feature, In With The New, contributing writer Mia Paylor is taking submissions from new, developing and indie artists for features HERE, on GospelPundit.com!

All you have to do is email her at InWithTheNew.MP@gmail.com for consideration!

In case you missed her first installment of the series, click here.  Mia featured Preashea Hilliard, Daniel Johnson, and Utrecht Music.

Hope to see you on here!

Just a quick post to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Contributing Writer Mia Paylor!!!

Around here, she’s best known for her honest and informative album reviews, but she’s also a single mom and songwriter putting her best foot forward each day!

Join me in showing her some birthday love, folks.  Leave a quick note in the comment section!

Happy Birthday!

Mia Paylor weighs in on the Wanna Be Winans mixtape from Claude Deuce…

I really do love music. And, like many of you, several different songs and artists appear on the soundtrack of my life…reminding me of times past and affirming the lessons I’ve learned along my (almost) 30 year journey. Growing up, I attended church with strict Seventh-Day Adventist relatives who allowed very little worldly gospel music to play in their house. But, praise Jesus, The Winans were allowed! That Winans’ tape carried us through many a Sabbaths. So, I was tickled when I stumbled upon a free mixtape called, Wanna Be Winans, by Claude Deuce. It immediately brought EJ’s editorial, “I’m An Alternate Background Vocalist For Kirk Franklin”, to mind. Clearly, the GospelPundit family is not the only group of wanna be’s out there.

Unbeknownst to me, I was already familiar with Claude Deuce’s work. Born Claude Harris, Jr., this Augusta, GA native has written and produced songs for Deitrick Haddon, the artist formerly known as Tonex, Canton Jones, and other well-known artists. Claude is also a part of the PJ Morton Band and played for PJ Morton’s Walk Alone Tour (*cough* and I actually attended one of the concerts *cough*). He apparently released a slept-on debut project back in 2009, The Young Elder, which features another slept-on singer, Josiah “JoJo” Martin [to check out the album review of The Young Elder, click here]. And, to top that all off, Claude has the BEST birthday in the world, June 15th! We are exactly one year apart!

Wanna Be Winans is a collection of all The Winans’ best hits revived and refreshed for 2011. This fun journey begins as you simply look at the album cover. It’s strangely reminiscent of The Winans’ Long Time Comin’ cover, lol. Claude wisely decided against tampering with the integrity of the music or the lyrics. The feel and spirit that you’d expect to hear and tap into as you listen to each song is present and intact. In addition to that, Claude’s tenor vocals are very complimentary to the Winans’ sound.

As you listen and sing along to “Restoration”, “Uphold Me”, “Question Is”, “Wherever I Go”, “Everything You Touch (Interlude)”, “Trust In God”, “Song of Consecration”, “Millions”, “Ain’t No Need to Worry” feat. Danielle Harris (lemme go ‘head and give his sister the nickname, Anita Baker, Jr.), and “Just Don’t Wanna Know/Over It Now”, you are reminded of the impact The Winans’ ministry has had on gospel music lovers and how timeless, as well as scripturally accurate, their music is…which reminds me of another EJ editorial, “Is It Just Me: Great Theology In Winans Music”.

Based on the passion and conviction that exudes from this project, it’s safe to assume that The Winans’ music is on the soundtrack of Claude’s life. It’s on the soundtrack of my life as well. And, I’m sure we’re not alone. So, go on…grab that mouse, click the link below, and take a spirit-filled trip down memory lane with Claude Deuce and the Wanna Be Winans mixtape. Then, thank me for encouraging you to do so in the comments section below.

Check out the Wanna Be Winans mixtape from Claude Deuce right here– http://claudedeuce.bandcamp.com/album/wanna-be-winans.  And download it for FREE!

Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, pastored by Archbishop Alfred A. Owens and First Lady Susie Owens, has a gifted music ministry. Their Greater Mount Calvary Men of Valor Choir won the overall regional choir award for Washington, DC in last year’s How Sweet the Sound competition.

But on the church’s newly released debut CD, you’ll hear all their singers ministering as one body, the Greater Mount Calvary Recording Choir. Here’s a track-by-track review of Greater Mount Calvary LIVE As Told By The Music Ministry…as told by yours truly!

“Intro” – Bishop and Co-Pastor Owens give a 40 second introduction. And, now that I’ve heard it once, I’ll never need to be re-introduced again!

“He’s Worthy/Reprise” – Though this energetic song fits nicely as the opening number, something did throw me a bit. The tone of the sopranos differed from the other sections. But, I still found myself swaying and singing along.

“The Battle Belongs to God” – Get ready to break down that mug and shrug those shoulders! We’re having CHUUUCH! Great track, though the song could’ve been whittled down in the middle a bit.

“We Worship Your Name” – This is a beautiful song. The lyrics, “Forever and ever/Through the ages, You reign/Jehovah, our maker/We worship Your name,” pulled me into worship. Worshippers will love this…

“Daily I Shall Worship Thee/Reprise/Exhortation” – …and this! I especially loved hearing AUTHENTIC WORSHIP from the audience! There weren’t any fake clap/praise/worship tracks on this LIVE CD!

“War Cry” – You all know this one. “Oh, oh, oh, OOOOH!” I do wish “War Cry” faded out at the end instead of being cut off so abruptly.

“God is Worthy to be Praised” – With simply a piano (and a drummer towards the end), the soloist painted the picture of God’s goodness. The congregation couldn’t let it go…and neither could I.

“Christ Did It All/Praise Break” – The lead vocalist was WOW! This is a nice worship song with an AWESOME lead vocalist.

“He Could Have Let Me Drown” – Age Christopher Brinson’s “What if God” by a few years and you’ll get this song. A kick drum, light cymbals, and tight vocals make this a nice treat. Grab this for your Heritage services this February!

“Create in Me A Clean Heart” – Lyrically, this is straight from the scriptures. Musically, this is the most creative song on the CD. The syncopation and bongos are a nice touch.

“Nobody Like Him” – We’re back to our handclaps and shoulder shrugs! Good ol’church!

“Morning Praise” – The lead vocalist lovingly sings of Christ’s name being worthy of praise for 3 minutes. Then, the choir joins her for another 5 minutes or so. Lovely…but long.

“Jesus is Worthy” – This is the closest you’ll get to a youthful praise jam on this project. Simple and repetitive, you’ll catch on quickly. It’s definitely catchy.

Overall, I think this traditional choir CD is cohesive with some very POWERFUL worship moments. If you like your gospel music super churchy, this is definitely for you!

Mia Paylor weighs in on whether you should Purchase or Pass on the new album from Wess Morgan…

Armed with a powerful testimony (he’s a former addict), the gift to preach, an awesome backing choir (The Celebration of Life Choir), fresh material, and a soulful (cough…black…cough) delivery…even a penchant for bow ties, Wess Morgan is ready to usher you out of your flesh and into the spirit realm!

Released on October 19th, Wess Morgan’s Under an Open Heaven is a must-have for Praise & Worship music lovers who enjoy singing songs full of soul and substance.

“Oh, Great One” opens the project. The music has a big, full sound fitting for an opening number. You hear horns, strings, hits…all of that. The joyful lyrics make it very clear who the “Great One” is (Oh, Great One/Messiah/We bless You). Wess leads the song with skill and vigor, switching seamlessly from singing to speaking. And, the drive at the end makes you want to leap!

“I Will Sing of Your Great Love” is another big song that could’ve also served as the CD opener. The song includes surprising twists with the melody that I really love. I was a little disappointed in the ending. The words, “I don’t know what you’ve come to do/But I’ve come to praise the Lord”, detracted from the songs originality. In fact, let’s all agree to retire that statement right now!

“I Choose to Worship” is the worship ballad posted here at GospelPundit.com. Many agreed that this song was full of power and passion. It’s a testimony, a declaration, and a directive all in one moving song. The build of the song evokes emotion. This is definitely one of my favorites from this collection.

Wess teaches folks how to shine up an old standard with the inclusion of “Welcome Into This Place.” This is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE VERSION OF THIS SONG! Who knew this song had verses?! It’s so perfect that I don’t know how to describe it other than to say…it’s perfect!

Simple and elegant, “More of You”, with its pleading string arrangement, effectively brings the lyrics, “Lord, I want more/More of You/Less of me/Increase”, to life. Wess leads this song with an artist who sounds like Lakewood’s Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff. Both provide all the adlibs and exhortations one can stand. I do wish the song didn’t end so rapidly.

The title track, “Under an Open Heaven”, is a fresh spin on self-encouraging songs. It explains that we have to do a bit more than believe in order to receive. “The favor of God is reigning on me” after “I’ve prayed” and “I’ve fasted.” Now, “I’m in my season of blessing!” Hallelujah! Somebody gets it! Thanks, Wess, lol.

Wess also includes a few surprising styles on this release: Latin Jazz (“Sing Unto the Lord”), Jazz (“I Cannot Fail the Lord”), and R&B (“You Gave Me Hope”).  And, if anyone questions whether or not Wess can really squall, take one listen to the “Something About that Name Medley” or the “Praise Medley (We Enter In)” to get your answer. *snickering*

Woo… I love this project! Purchase!

Mia Paylor weighs-in on SMILE, the debut release from Tasha Cobbs…

Now, let’s call out the elephant in the room as it relates to independent releases. Regardless of how anointed, gifted, and sincere the artist might be, most independent projects will:

• lack the polish and clarity you hear on CDs backed by major label money and veteran producers
• have a few songs that are full of potential…falling just short of being stellar
• sound like a really good recording of a really great church service in some spots (if it’s a live recording)

But, in the case of Smile, the debut release of new artist Tasha Cobbs’, I say, “So what?! Buy it anyway!”

Here’s why…

I stumbled upon the single, “Happy,” on a day when I wasn’t feeling so happy. This simple, upbeat song with its base-heavy, churchy drive and awesome message (You make me happy/ You make me whole/You take my pain away/I’m so in love with You) turned my focus from my unhappy feelings to my capable and sufficient God! I made a mental note of Tasha’s name and pulled up Amazon.com to listen to the song clips from Smile, which was released by Tasha Cobbs Music Group on July 7th.

And, thanks to TashaCobbs.org, I also discovered that Tasha Cobbs is the Worship Pastor at dReam Center church of Atlanta, where William Murphy III and his wife, Danielle, are the Pastors. She has also performed background and lead vocalist duties for Pastor Murphy and other artists. Pastor Murphy even mentored Tasha…helping to cultivate her gifts.

After considering what I read, the impressive song clips, and the conviction by which she delivered “Happy”, I felt confident that her CD would bless me. And I was soo right!

Smile is a strong start to a long and prosperous future in music ministry. Tasha, an alto, works her range and builds each song with precision. Delivering every song with a conviction that defies her age, it’s also apparent that Tasha is a sincere worshipper and a gifted exhorter. Tasha filled Smile with moving, personally penned declarations that can help you along your journey with the Lord.

When you question what God is doing in your life, declare, “You are accountable/You are dependable/And I Trust You, Lord” with the song, “I Trust You”. And when you desire to pour your love on God, declare, “If You’re deep in the ocean/Or high on the mountain/Lord, my worship will chase You/My one desire is to never be to far away/Draw me close enough to touch You” with the song, “Heart of Worship”. Or, tell God, “Here’s my worship/Take joy in it/Make it your dwelling place/I wanna put a smile on your face” with the song that the Jonathan Nelson deemed worthy to be included on his latest project, “Smile”.

Yeah…some indie issues are present on Smile. However, none of those issues outweigh what Smile has to offer you, such as, great singing, heartfelt lyrics, and sincere worship. New artists must start somewhere. And Tasha’s start, Smile, has earned our attention and our support.

We’re back with another album review in the Purchase Or Pass series, from contributing writer Mia Paylor.

This time, Mia’s helping you make an informed decision about buying Triumphant, the new album from VaShawn Mitchell, which hit stores TODAY.  And what I love most about her review is that she gets some help from one of the most unlikely of interns– her 6-year old son, Jordan.

Hear what Mia (and Jordan) have to say about VaShawn’s new project in this installment of Purchase Or Pass, titled “Jordan Says…”

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Based on the many positive conversations I’ve had with folks about it, I believe that the first single alone, “Nobody Greater” (produced by VaShawn Mitchell and Daniel Weatherspoon), has placed VaShawn Mitchell’s EMI Gospel debut, Triumphant, on plenty “must buy CD” lists…including mine!

So, I was especially excited when I received my copy. And, like many of you, I prefer to listen to new music in the car first.  However, during this particular car ride and CD listening experience, my music loving, 6-year-old son, Jordan, was in the car too. Jordan’s comments about Triumphant were not only funny, but dead-on in my opinion. So much so, that I had to share them with my GospelPundit.com family!

Here’s how it went down…

“Mom,” Jordan says, “can we listen to the iPod?”

“No. We have a new CD. We’re gonna listen to it now.”

“Who is it?”

“VaShawn Mitchell.”

“Who’s that?!”

“You don’t know him, Son.”

About halfway through the first song, the Rocky-esque “Conqueror”, Jordan says…

“Mom, can we listen to something else?”

“Why? You don’t like it?”

“It’s okay, but I still wanna hear something else.”

“Wow. I actually feel you on that, Jordan. But, we have to listen to the whole CD.”

Once he recognizes the musical intro to “Nobody Greater”, Jordan says…

“Hey!” He’s smiling.

“Yup, it’s what you think it is. You love this song, huh?”

“Yeah, I do!” He sang his little heart out…stumbling all over the words! LOL!

After recognizing the musical intro to the recent hit, “Chasing After You”, Jordan says…

“Ooh, Mom!”

Then, after hearing VaShawn singing the lead on it, Jordan shouts…

“MOM!” He looks confused and offended.

“What, Jay?”

“This is the fake one! Where’s the lady?!”

“This is VaShawn Mitchell’s version of the song, Jordan. You won’t hear the lady on this one.”

“Well, it’s still the fake one.” He reluctantly sang along anyway.

While listening to the church-funky cut, “His Blood Still Works” (featuring Lisa Page-Brooks), I start yelling at the radio…

“Sang it, Lisa! SAAANG!”

“MOM! Mo–”

“Quiet, Jordan! “ I continued to SHOUT at the radio. I have no clue what Jordan said about the song. “His Blood Still Works” is too hot! I repeated the song more than once.

We finished the CD in the car over the next few days. I absolutely loved the reprise to “Nobody Greater” (featuring William Murphy). It’s a “must-hear” and a welcomed idea for worship teams already singing the single.

Triumphant has a familiar sound. It has pleasant vocals, church-friendly arrangements, and uplifting lyrics to raise the spirit of any downtrodden believer. I will say that I expected a bit more triumph…more hard-hitting, “gotta get my dance on” songs on a CD titled Triumphant. Was I wrong for that?!

Overall, I think our final exchange sums up what Jordan and I think about the CD:

“That’s it, Jordan. What’d you think of the CD?”

“It was nice,” Jordan says passively. “Can we listen to something else now?”

“Absolutely.”

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Okay, first of all– Jordan is HILARIOUS to me.  Thanks for the review, Mia!  And please tell Jordan that his GospelPundit fam appreciates him!

I hope that helps, folks.  Anybody already grab it?  Anyone planning to?  Anyone thinking they’ll wait a while???

As a heads-up, you can listen to snippets AND buy it right now– the digital version is just $7.99 at Amazon.com.

Talk to me!

Lemme tell you somethin’… this here Mia Paylor… she can write a meeeaaaan review (and by that, I mean “great”).  She’s cranks ‘em out before I can even get ‘em published good (pardon my grammar), but I don’t mind it.

And I know you don’t either!

No delays… Mia’s back to tell you about her experience with Champion, the new album from Darwin Hobbs…

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Sometimes, extreme situations are both good and bad. For instance, if I win an extremely high amount of money, it’ll be ALL GOOD to me! However, I may have difficulty planning the best way to spend it. It’s not a bad problem to have… but, it’s a nerve-wrecking issue nevertheless.

Well, I declare and decree that the new Darwin Hobbs CD, Champion, is one of those extreme situations, creating both good and bad circumstances. Good circumstances for Darwin and bad circumstances for me. Let me explain…

First of all, Champion was released on June 22nd, the Tuesday before Payday Friday. Needless to say, my plan was to wait ’til payday to download it. But, my budget was almost destroyed by the buzz of those who were able to purchase the CD before my payday– “Get it NOW!”… “The very Spirit of ‘Godt’ will creep out of your speakers and send you to the floor in worship!”

Good for Darwin because I wanted the CD… Bad for me because I had to wait.

So, I downloaded it after the stroke of midnight on payday (praise God for direct deposit) and listened to it at work. As I listened, it began to usher me right into the very presence of God. But, I couldn’t enter into worship like I wanted to in my cubicle! WARNING: DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS AT WORK OR WHILE OPERATING HEAVY MACHINERY.

Good for Darwin because the CD blessed me… Bad for me and others who ran lights (or worse) while listening, worshipping, and driving.

Champion, with production headed by Daniel Weatherspoon, is EXTREMELY GOOD! It’s jam-packed with church-friendly praise & worship tunes. There is a wonderful balance of songs that influence vertical worship and songs that serve as pep talks for believers. The lyrics are simple enough for congregations to pick up quickly, as well as thoughtful enough for mature worshippers to connect with them.

This CD is not stylistically confused. The instrumentation and arrangements flow seamlessly from song to song. Darwin sounds confident and comfortable during this live praise & worship experience… like he’s found his stride. Plus, those background singers are singing the glory cloud DOWN!

More than anything, every song is relevant to some segment of a worship service, which is the cause of my final problem– which song do I teach first?!

Should I teach the party starter, “Power in Praise”? Maybe I should teach “He is God,” since folks are always complaining about modern churches not singing hymns anymore. Should I teach “God Restores” (featuring Sheri  Jones-Moffett)? It’s perfect to be sung during the Call to Discipleship. Or, do I teach “Champion” first? We all need to be reminded that God, our Champion, lives within believers… and “To the Lamb” is already on the list for Resurrection Sunday 2011.

Good for Darwin because many of these songs will be favorites in church…Bad for me because I can’t decide which song to teach first.

Then again, I’ve got lots of new material to teach now. Maybe this isn’t so bad for me after all.

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Love this review and love the new Darwin album!

Who else has it and what do you think of it?  And what do you think of Mia’s review?  I’m thinking she’s pretty dead-on?

Talk to us!