The chart-topping, vocal-clobbering Le’Andria Johnson releases her second project, The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson, on February 14, 2012.
It’s another EP– 7 tracks including “Leap Into My Destiny.” Production credits go to Grammy-winning Raphael Saadiq and Eric Dawkins. Check out the album cover and track listing below!
Word has it that Latice Crawford, runner-up of Season 2 of BET’s Sunday Best, has signed a recording contract with Verity.
I’m glad she found a label home. Her Sunday Best-mates, winner Y’Anna Crawley and runner-up Jessica Reedy, have done quite well for themselves. Latice’s voice was always dope, too… I’m excited to hear the tunes.
This Christmas season, gospel artists are dropping Christmas singles left and right.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the must-have Christmas singles that you can download for just $.99. That makes for a happy holiday.
1. “Christmas Worship Medley” by Janice Gaines This one is particularly dear to my heart, so it goes first. She’s my wife, but she’s also an incredible vocalist. This tune highlights her awesome range and heart for worship. I promise you’ll love it.
2. “Silent Night” by Crystal Aikin Been missing her? Us too. She doesn’t disappoint on this tastefully acoustic-vibed classic holiday song. It’ll tide us over for now.
3. “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen” by Le’Andria Johnson
The raspy, powerhouse voice of this Sunday Best winner is well supported by this jazzy arrangement. She owns it.
4. “Donnie’s Christmas Songs” by Donnie McClurkin This is a medley of some of his favorite holiday tunes. It’s upbeat and soaring, and makes you feel like you’ve had a good ol’ Christmas in just over 3 minutes.
5. “God Bless Us, Every One” by Crystal City, Inc.
This Nashville-based production team is comprised of brother duo Dwan Hill and Marcus Hill. They’ve released a FREE Christmas EP to demonstrate their gifts and to wish you a happy holiday. Great musicianship– get it!
6. “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Melinda Watts
We’ve been eager to hear more from this dynamic vocalist and she doesn’t disappoint. Sale proceeds will benefit at-risk girls through her nonprofit org, the Dream Girlz Gathering Foundation.
7. “Angels We Have Heard On High” by Committed
The a capella winners of last season’s The Sing-Off on NBC are precisely the type of artist you want Christmas music from. And this tracks proves why.
Which ones do you have? Which ones are you grabbing?
Amber Bullock, the most recent winner of BET’s Sunday Best, will release her debut album, an EP titled Thank You, on December 6, 2011.
The project, produced by Eric Dawkins, will feature studio recordings of the songs that she performed on Sunday Best.
The first single is the title track, her remake of the Walter Hawkins classic “Thank You.” Also, expect to see Kurt Carr’s “For Every Mountain,” J. Moss’ “We Must Praise,” Dorinda Clark Cole’s “If It Had Not Been For the Lord,” Chris Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God,” the Negro spiritual “A City Called Heaven,” and Karen Clark Sheard’s “Secret Place.”
Don’t forget– Amber is also joining Kirk Franklin’s Fearless Tour as special guest artist. She’ll have her own 15-minute set and be featured with Kirk. Click here for more info on the tour.
*switching from reporting to blogging*
An EP of the Sunday Best songs?!
I want some new music from Amber.
But, I cannot lie– it makes great business sense. Music World Gospel has got a Sunday Best business model going. Cookie-cutter? Yes. Successful? Double yes. Just look at Le’Andria Johnson’s sales…
After announcing recently that it had signed Le’AndriaJohnson to an exclusive management deal, Music World Gospel announced plans to release another EP from the powerhouse vocalist. This one– her first holiday project, Christmas Best. Check out the album cover–
The album will receive an exclusive release at Best Buy on November 21, 2011, followed by an unlimited release on December 6th.
The final track listing has not been released yet, but Christmas Best is said to feature a duet with BET Sunday Best Season 4 winner Amber Bullock on “Silent Night,” as well as Le’Andria’s own renditions of “Noel,” “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “Oh Holy Night.”
That’s enough tracks for an EP right there, so that may be your track listing.
I’m not mad at a Christmas album from Le’Andria. I will say, however, that I’m ready for a full album. I fear that, once it finally comes around, consumers will feel like they’ve given plenty of money in a short amount of time and they’re not about to shell out more.
But, if the LP is incredible, I guess it won’t matter much, now will it?
Associate Editor Troy Lilly chats with Micah Stampley, whose new album, One Voice, hit stores on October 18th…
Troy: Thanks for joining me man. How are you?
Micah: I’m well, Troy.
Troy: Great, great. Shall we jump right in?
Micah: Sure.
Troy: What makes the “Micah Stampley sound” different from others in gospel?
Micah: I have many peers who grew up like I did – in the church – and we had other influences outside of the church. I tend to embrace those influences differently than some of my peers. I spend a lot of time in prayer asking God for something different. My heart is always to have music that is not one-time wonder material, but music that will last forever.
When I first heard the song “Take My Life” (which people call “Holiness”), it was originally a Christian rock song, very grungy with distorted guitars screaming. And the lyrics and the notes just hit me in a different way, so I went home and started playing it on my keyboard and what I came out with was more intimate, more worshipful. It sounded like a prayer to me. Then my interpretation hit like crazy. That just let me know that God was honoring my prayer that he would give me a staple sound.
Troy: Awesome. So, if you could only describe your new album, One Voice, in one word, what it would it be?
Micah: Multicultural.
Troy: Ok, now feel free to expound…
Micah: You told me “one word!” (laughter)
Troy: I know, I know … but I knew you’d have a lot more to share. (laughter)
Micah: Well I did one cover song on from a CCM band called Desperation Band. The song is called “Overcome” and it’s a big song in the CCM world. At our church in Houston, the congregation looked like a bag of Skittles, and I just feel that’s what heaven looks like. My sound has really emerged into this oneness.
I grew up in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC)…
Troy: Me too!
Micah: Everything was a sin. I used to ride my school bus in junior high and I would hear all these songs and chord progressions that I never heard before… you know Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors…”
Troy: Yeah.
Micah: I would hear all that stuff– Michael Jackson, and Prince singing “Purple Rain.” I would be like “oh, I like this stuff.” (laughter) I developed a different ear. So, I think that One Voice represents my interpretations of the different sounds I’ve heard since I was a kid.
I have this one pop tune, “Call of Love,” that kind of puts you in the mindset of the Black Eyed Peas joint, “I Got a Feeling.” It has that same vibe to it man. When Matthew Knowles heard it, he said “this sounds like a theme song for some big humanitarian movement.”
We have a few songs on this record like that, like the title cut, “One Voice,” and it’s just that whole global sound. When we sing that song live, people in the audience grab each other’s hand and swing back and forth like it’s “We Are the World.” It’s crazy, but really cool to see it happen.
And you know I gotta have my praise and worship stuff on there…
Troy: Of course!
Micah: …Stuff where I’m at a level 10. I’ve gotta have that “War Cry” and “Holy Visitation,” but that type of song on this record is the one called “Hosanna.” And, man, I promise you that song is probably the next “War Cry.” This may even be stronger!
Troy: Wow, even with the three reprises on “War Cry?” Because I remember you kept coming back each time we thought it was done.
Micah: Yeah, the people wouldn’t let “War Cry” go. This time, we don’t have any reprises, but what’s happening when I sing “Hosanna” live… the audience hijacks my song every time! But that’s a good sign. It’s a strong record.
Troy: Great. So tell me about the lead single, “Heaven on Earth,” since that’s the first thing people are hearing from this new project.
Micah: Not sure if you’re familiar with David and Nicole Binion…
Troy: Yes, I am…
Micah: Well, David wrote that song with some of his colleagues and I heard it when he visited our church in Houston. And I was just done! I was just weeping, and I said, “I have to record this song.” Then, I heard that Israel [Houghton] was going to record it. But when he put out his album, I didn’t see it on there. So I said “Uh, it’s mine!” (laughter)
David and Nicole told me to please record it. And that song has really been a blessing to me. Because if you think about the message of that song – heaven on earth – it’s a declaration, literally giving God permission to duplicate himself in us on the earth, because he created us from the earth.
Troy: You’ve mentioned before that you wife, Heidi, frequently writes with you on your projects…
Micah: My wife and I write most of my projects together. We have a couple songs on each record that we write individually, but the best songs are the ones we write together. God has just given us this ability to merge all these different influences and sounds together, and this is what we present to you guys, which comes from a place of pain, of victory and defeat, ups and downs.
Troy: How much did she contribute to One Voice?
Micah: Oh my God! Heidi wrote her butt off on this record!
Troy: (Laughter)
Micah: On most of the songs that we wrote together, I wrote the music and she penned the lyrics. There are a few songs on there where we switched places. But God really used her lyrically on this album.
There’s one song I did at the AIM Convention this summer, called “Desperate People.” And if you grew in church like me, you’re sick of the ritualistic mumbo-jumbo.
Troy: Yes.
Micah: The song says (singing), “I’ve seen the God of wonders work miracles in me, those with gifts and talents who spoke prophetically. I want the mantles of Elijah, Paul and Timothy; I want to see that power at work inside of me. I’m tired of the status quo, gotta be more than this. Gotta be more, gotta be more, gotta be more than this.”
Troy: Wow.
Micah: The lyrics of this song really pull at people’s heart and people are running to us saying ”this is what I’ve been trying to say forever.” I ministered that song in Nigeria and they literally cried out to God on the floor. It’s really refreshing.
Troy: Do you feel like this new album is your most defining work so far?
Micah: To be honest, Troy, I do think this is my best work to date from a musical and lyrical standpoint.
Troy: So to go back to your early career, you won the Stellar Awards Star Search in 2004. What happened after you won that competition? Was it a positive experience, average or other?
Micah: It was definitely a huge, positive experience for me. It was my introduction to the industry as an artist. After that, I got a call from Marcus Dawson, Bishop T.D. Jakes’s road musician, who had heard me prior to the Stellar event. He had been telling Bishop Jakes about me and Bishop finally told Marcus, “Ok, let’s invite him, but he if he messes up, it’s off with your head!” (laughter)
Troy: (Laughter)
Micah: So they called me in ’04 and I was invited that February to the Potter’s House. The power of God hit that place so hard during the second service that Bishop [Jakes] couldn’t even preach. That’s how heavy it was! And he offered me a recording contract on the spot.
Troy: Just like that?
Micah: Yes. Ever since then it has been nonstop. I’ve traveled with him across the world… to Africa, Australia, you name it. He provided the platform for my ministry and pushed me out there. I’m so grateful to Bishop, and he and I still text and talk. We still have a great relationship.
Troy: Well, the reason I asked you that is because we have more mainstream gospel competitions now. And most singers aren’t fortunate enough to have a “Bishop Jakes” as a friend and mentor – or business partner.
Micah: Right.
Troy: Do you feel authentic artists can be launched through shows or competitions like Sunday Best, where contestants have to sign contracts and agreements often before they sing a single note?
Micah: I don’t! I’m so glad you asked me that because I’ve never had an opportunity to answer a question like that or even speak of it. I don’t think that’s a wise thing to do. Now, I believe in the platform, yes, but I do not believe that artists should be forced to sign agreements when they don’t even have legal representation.
Troy: Ok.
Micah: I’m a minister and I’m a worshipper – people get that from my music – but I know how to handle business. I was negotiating one contract for an entire year before I signed it. I don’t take any of that lightly.
I think they need to understand what they’re signing and not just be gifted, because you can be a household name… and poor, broke and hungry. That’s not God’s will. But artists can easily be taken advantage of because they’re so caught up in the hype that they neglect the business side. My wife and I talk to a lot of artists who ask us for guidance and counsel. They wonder how we’re prospering in spite of vying against the major companies for airplay on the radio, and shelf space in the retail store.
God has blessed us because we made an effort to understand that side of the business. And even beyond that, you have to know where you’re going as an artist whether you are traditional, contemporary, praise or worship and any other style.
Troy: I’m glad you finally got a chance to express that.
Micah: Yes.
Troy: With that being said, tell me about your partnership with Music World Gospel. Frankly, are you in charge or is Matthew Knowles in charge?
Micah: It’s my record company that has entered into a joint venture with Music World. I never signed a deal with Music World as an artist. It’s not necessarily a distribution deal, but we use their channels to distribute. However, we still have the option to go through other channels as we are our own label.
Troy: So basically, you’re in charge? (Laughter)
Micah: (Laughter) I own my work, we own the masters together, but it’s a good thing for us. I want to be that example to show other artists that, ‘hey, you can do this.’ Sit down and read, ask questions and understand before you sign that dotted line.
Troy: Good, good advice. Do you plan to introduce any new artists on your Interface label? Is there anyone we should be looking out for?
Micah: Be on the lookout for Joey Oscar. He’s a drummer and he’s got this global sound. But if I told you it was a drum album, you wouldn’t listen. It’s an instrumental record. But he’s also my drummer and a phenomenal producer. And… he’s married to my wife’s sister, so he is also my brother-in-law.
Troy: Oh! Awesome, keeping it in the family…
Micah: Yeah, but he is incredible.
Troy: I’m excited to hear it. I want to thank you for sharing with me today, from the One Voice record – which I love – to some of the great advice you gave for folks trying to break navigate wisely through the industry. It’s appreciated.
Micah: You’re welcome, and thanks to you as well man.
* * *
Check out our full album review of Micah Stampley’sOne Voiceright here.
And be sure to listen to snippets/buy it right here–
Mark your calendars and save your pennies– Kirk Franklin has announced a Fall tour, which will run during the month of November.
Titled the “Fearless Tour,” the shows will feature Franklin and his singers, plus special guests Isaac Carree, Sunday Best’s Amber Bullock, Jason Nelson and Deon Kipping.
Check out the dates, cities and venues (subject to change)–
Nov. 1, 2011 | Little Rock, AR | Venue TBA
Nov. 3, 2011 | Tulsa, OK | Mabee Center
Nov. 4, 2011 | Houston, TX | Arena Theatre
Nov. 5, 2011 | San Antonio, TX | NCCF
Nov. 6, 2011 | Oklahoma City, OK | Venue TBA
Nov. 9, 2011 | Birmingham, AL | Bill Harris Arena
Nov. 10, 2011| Montgomery, AL | Venue TBA
Nov. 11, 2011 | Atlanta, GA | Fox Theater
Nov. 12, 2011 | Greensboro, NC | War Memorial Auditorium
Nov. 13, 2011 | Columbia, SC | Venue TBA
Nov. 15, 2011 | Akron, OH | Civic Theatre
Nov. 17, 2011 | St. Louis, MO | Fox Theatre
Nov. 18, 2011 | Chicago, IL | House of Hope
Nov. 19, 2011 | Indianapolis, IN | The Venue
Nov. 20, 2011 | Pittsburgh, PA | Soldier Memorial Hall
Nov. 23, 2011 | Detroit, MI | Greater Grace
Nov. 25, 2011 | Philadelphia, PA | Keswick Theatre
Nov. 26, 2011 | Baltimore, MD | Lyric Theatre
Nov. 27, 2011 | New York, NY | Best Buy Theatre
Tickets for some venues have gone on sale already– others, not yet. I’d check with the venues above and, if that doesn’t work, get to Googlin’!
From the Heart, the debut album from Jessica Reedy seems to have been long-awaited since before she was actually working on it. The season two Sunday Best runner-up collaborated with some of gospel music’s finest writers and producers (Warryn Campbell, Big Jim Wright, Daniel Moore and more) to create the 13-track project that Reedy says is truly an outpouring of what God gave her to do.
At first listen, I was a bit taken aback. While I wasn’t expecting a churchy traditional gospel album, I also wasn’t expecting the progressive, soul-laden music that Reedy has delivered. Once I got past my own expectations, though, I could listen to the songs for what they are– testaments of love and gratitude, straight from Jessica Reedy’s heart to God’s ears. And I can’t deny that the impressive vocals, creative songwriting and tight production now have me returning for more.
The album is mellow for sure–a bit cozier than I would want on a road trip– with only a few up-tempo tunes. Among them is the project’s latest single, the bouncy ”Put It On the Altar,” and “Doctor Love,” the clever remake of the 70′s classic dance club tune, featuring Faith Evans.
Musically, From the Heart is jam-packed with soulful sounds, at times even featuring Motown-styled production and doo-wop backrounds vocals. Tunes like “Marching On,” which is reminiscent of an Otis Redding groove, and the tight harmonies of “Always,” resonate with my old school heart and take me back a musical era or two.
Jessica also dabbles in urban flair, though, as heard on songs like “So In Love With You (Amazing),” which is first driven by a thunderous bass before it reaches an ethereal chant of “so amazing,” with Jessica ad libbing in worshipful gratitude. Or, just listen to “Something Out of Nothing,” an R&B-styled ballad that showcases greater vocal range than we’ve typically heard from her.
Lyrically, the album’s messages are often couched in more abstract prose than this industry gets on a regular basis. The Mali Music-penned “Blue God,” for example, is a knock against our selfishly skewed relationships with God, demonstrated through wittily placed punctuations of “my” this and “my” that. Listen closely and the sarcasm screams loud and clear– it’s not about us.
Though progressive, the rich heritage of gospel music is foundationally present in gems like “I’m Still Here,” an excellent collaboration between Jessica Reedy and The Soul Seekers, blending Jessica’s rich tone with the group’s quartet-style background vocals, and lead singer Teddy Campbell’s classic crooning. It’s also heard in “God Has Smiled On Me,” the full arrangement of the mellow groove that placed Jessica as a frontrunner on Sunday Best in 2009.
Throughout From the Heart, Jessica’s passion is felt in her pulsing vibrato and colored tone. She intensely delivers each note as if it counts the most. For her, it does.
I won’t deny it– making this album was risky. At first listen, it’s not what the fans are expecting. But, as she shared in a recent interview with me, Jessica knows that and isn’t really phased by it. It’s clear that she is most interested in expressing herself musically than impressing people.
But, with From the Heart, I believe she’ll do both. It’s good music… from-the-heart music. And in an industry increasingly dominated by numbers games and PR gimmicks, it’s a relief to know that an artist decided to simply be herself, express herself, and leave the rest out of the equation.
Listen and buy it on Amazon, iTunes, or right here–
Word has it that Latice Crawford, runner-up of Season 2 of BET’s Sunday Best, has signed a recording contract with Verity.
by Crystal Aikin
by Le’Andria Johnson
by Donnie McClurkin
by Melinda Watts
by Committed
