I will never forget my first real introduction to LaShun Pace’s solo artistry. I was watching the 1999 Stellar Awards and she won an award for her album, Just Because God Said It.

The music they played from her album as she walked to the stage was the album’s opener, “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder),” a clever Christian remake of Maxwell’s mainstream tune.

I was so captivated by the tone and harmonies on it that I went and purchased it from my favorite Chicago music store, Dr. Wax. And I wore that CD out.

Tunes like the title track, her remake of Walter Hawkins’ “Be Grateful,” and the “Prophetic Medley,” showcased a soprano so soaring that she can reach the rafters, and vocals so strong that they can shake them once she gets up there.

My absolute favorite tune on the project is “Where I Am,” a heartfelt believer’s declaration of the joys of being saved and sanctified: “I can’t remember how it felt to be anywhere but where I am.”

Take a listen to snippets of it here:

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…

You buying it???

In the penultimate episode of gospel music’s most popular TV competition, finalists Andrea Helms and Amber Bullock squared off for the title of Sunday Best.

Before they did, though, the show opened with James Fortune & FIYA singing their hit single “I Believe,” with Shawn McLemore and Zacardi Cortez. It was a rousing performance showcasing ranges, agility and skill, and the audience went straight to the cross on this one.

Kirk Franklin said the show would feature the finalists singing classic tunes from the incomparable Walter Hawkins. And so they began…

Andrea Helms – “Changed”
This is the best I’ve heard her all season– it was tasteful and controlled, backed by her signature passion. I agree with Donnie on this one– glad Andrea didn’t try to recreate a Tramaine Hawkins moment. I wanted a bit more vocal styling at the end (it got a bit wordy with ad libs that, while passionate, were a lot to follow at times), but it was a solid performance.

Amber Bullock – “Thank You”
At first, I heard the acoustic vibe and I thought “nooooo,” but when I heard the beat come in, I thought “yeaaaaah!” I do agree with the judges that she added a bit too much riffing and movement, and didn’t stay true to the simple complexity of the song, BUT the woman just flat out sang it.

It appears that the Walter Hawkins theme was just for a time, because they moved on to Richard Smallwood and Kurt Carr for round two… I’ll allow it.

Andrea Helms – “I Love The Lord”
I really wanted a fast song from her, but her voice seems to do better on ballads. I echo my season-long issue– passion and purity does not overshadow the need for precision on pitch, a controlled tone and the execution of the runs an artist attempts. Now, I DID enjoy her impromptu worship flow at the end– I think that’s what has sustained her in this competition– but from a technical standpoint, this wasn’t her best.

Amber Bullock – “For Every Mountain”
Kirk was right when he introduced her– “she’s gonna have to sing from the heart” if she wants to win. It began as pensive and trained as she’s been all season, but mid-way through it, the game was OVER. Amber lost herself in every note and word, and we saw a part of her that we haven’t seen all season– passion, conviction, connection with God, then us. I’ve never seen a finalist send the judges IN to wrap up your song.

Richard Smallwood followed with his latest single “Trust Me.” He consistently writes classic tunes– they just come out “classic.” It’s always great to see and hear from him.

Coulda sworn Kierra Sheard was gonna be on the show– they even did a teaser about it– but I guess not. *shrugs*

And that was it, folks!

Check my earlier post for all the details on how to vote for Amber or Andrea. You have until this Saturday at noon Eastern Time, and can vote up to 10 times per voting method.

I pick Amber. What about you???

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 can count on one hand the number of video tributes I’ve written at GospelPundit.com after an artist has passed.  In fact, only Bishop Walter Hawkins and Rev. Timothy Wright come to mind.

But when I heard that gospel pioneer Delois Barrett Campbell, of the Barrett Sisters, passed to Heaven at the age of 85 yesterday, I knew that I would need to do some kind of special feature.

Having grown up in Chicago, I’d always known of the Barrett Sisters and was familiar with their music. I enjoyed Rodessa Barrett Porter’s energy, was put at ease by Billie Barrett Greenbey’s smile and smooth tone and, of course, was blown away by the sheer power of Delois Barrett Campbell’s voice and presence.

Over the years, I came to appreciate Delois’ kind and genuine demeanor off-stage as well.  I can recall seeing in Chicago several times.  On one occasion, when I was a teenager, I saw her backstage at a gospel event after she had performed. She was heading home, clearly exhausted. As fans passed her in the hallway and waved, however, her eyes lit up and and her smile beamed, as if to say “I’ve still got enough energy for YOU.”

I’ve always been proud of Delois Barrett Campbell, which is funny considering that I’m much younger and wasn’t even alive for much of her battle to be all that she became in gospel music. But I’ve admired her presence, her tenacity, her ministry.

My favorite glimpse into her life came through a scene in the incredible documentary, Say Amen Somebody (if you enjoy gospel music, you MUST see this film… own it, even!). Delois is in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for her husband, who is the pastor of their local church. While talking about her upcoming European tour, he makes a comment that would had to have stung a bit, urging her to come off the road with her sisters and handle music for their local assembly. Full of grace and humility, but certain of her calling, she reminds him that traveling the world to minister the gospel through music has always been her dream– and that it’s happening.  It’s a compelling moment!

She will be missed on Earth, but I’ll be glad to see her in Heaven. Let’s pray for her family during this time, as we thank God for her.

Below are some of my favorite performances by Delois Barrett Campbell with the Barrett Sisters.

Check them out and enjoy the incredible gift that God gave us in the incomparable Delois Barrett Campbell…

Barrett Sisters – “No Ways Tired” from Say Amen Somebody documentary

Barrett Sisters – “He Brought Us” from Say Amen Somebody documentary

Barrett Sisters – “I’ll Fly Away” from Going Home To Gospel w/ Patti LaBelle on PBS

God bless!

Pioneer… consistent… mainstay… teacher… classical… foundational…

Those are just a few words that sum up “the maestro” Richard Smallwood, one of gospel music greatest living treasures.  And on his new album, Promises, (in stores today, July 19, 2011), Smallwood continues to demonstrate these qualities like few can.

Spurred along by the lead single, “Trust Me,” Richard Smallwood’s 15th album is a 15-track collection of music that is consistent with the Smallwood brand, but welcoming of new styles and approaches to “classic Smallwood.”

My immediate favorites on this project include:

– “Facts Are, Truth Is,” written by Donald Lawrence.  The collabo was such a no-brainer that I’m slightly hoping for a full album of Lawrence and Smallwood-written, arranged and produced tunes– can you IMAGINE?!  The sheer bliss of the track is further secured by Vision vocalist Charisse Nelson-McIntosh, known for her now-famous leads on earlier tunes like “Anthem of Praise” and “Thank You.”

– ”Mender,” which is an instant classic to me. It’s what you WANT Richard Smallwood & Vision to sing, and it goes JUST like you want it to go.

– “Sow In Tears,” another classic that just sounds RIGHT.  The chords and vocal performance from Vision remind us why they’re one of gospel’s most respected ensembles.

Other notable tunes include the jazzy “Praying for Peace,” which features Lalah Hathaway (whose father, the late Donny Hathaway, was a classmate of Smallwood’s at Howard University) and “Unchangeable,” which feels like a well-done homage to a 90′s urban choir cut.

Fans of Smallwood’s classical side will enjoy tunes like the single, “Trust Me,” and “God of Promises,” all of which are woven with rich orchestration and arrangements, as well as his signature piano.  You will also enjoy the feel-good rousing chorus “I’m Forgiven,” and the remake of the Hawkins-classic “Is There Any Way?”

Perhaps what I like most about this album is that, though Promises is Smallwood’s first musical offering since his beloved mother passed in 2005, he’s not out of touch or in any way “too late.”  On the contrary, Richard Smallwood has sculpted contemporary gospel music for decades and, as such, any visit from the Maestro is a welcome one.  He picks up where he left off– with solid tunes that are familiar enough to catch on to, but challenging enough to embarrass your church choir if you’re not careful.

Check out snippets and purchase this album right here–

Last night, gospel sister duo Mary Mary won the BET Award for Best Gospel Artist.  Congrats, ladies!

They were presented the award immediately following their participation (along with Donnie McClurkin and Deitrick Haddon) in a gospel tribute performance to the late Bishop Walter Hawkins and Malaco Records, whose headquarters were recently damaged in the southeastern tornado disaster.  They sang “Thank You” and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Other performances by gospel artists last night included Shirley Caesar’s performance of “You Are My Friend” in tribute to Patti LaBelle and Mali Music’s spotlight performance on the Music Matters stage.

Kudos to BET for giving gospel so many looks last night– that’s not something that happens every year.  Thank ya kindly!

If you’re like me, you’re eager to hear the new album from the “maestro” himself– Richard Smallwood.  Well, the wait is almost over, with his new album, Promises, finally to be released on July 19th.

The project, Smallwood’s 15th album, was recorded in a small live setting in the DC area last fall.  Perhaps most significantly, Promises is the first album since the passing of Richard Smallwood’s mother in 2005.  He cites that he hadn’t even written a song since then, thinking that “the gift had dried up.”

The album’s lead single, “Trust Me,” is already available on iTunes.  Featuring the award-winning ensemble, Vision, the single carries the signature Smallwood sound.  Other highlights include the Walter Hawkins classic-turned-tribute “Is There Any Way,” “Praying for Peace” featuring Lalah Hathaway, and the Donald Lawrence-penned “Facts Are, Truth Is.”

Can’t wait!!!

It’s no secret that Ricky Dillard, along with the late O’landa Draper, practically wrote the book on how to be choral frontmen with dynamic expression, over-the-top energy and catchy choreography.

With his 8th project, Keep Living, Ricky Dillard again demonstrates that he is THE choir director of today’s gospel industry.

After opening with the project’s banging lead single, “God Is Great,” Chrystal Rucker lends her guest vocals to the title track, “Keep Living.”  This track is a choir tune at its best– it’s the type of tune that “midnight musicals” and “special programs” are made of– and Rucker’s soprano vocal soars to unparalleled heights.

The album moves seamlessly to “Destined for Greatness,” a mellow choir groove with a driving vamp, then to “Speak A Word,” before launching into the progressive, rock-laden “He Turned It.”

Without looking at liner notes, I skipped through tracks to figure out which would feature Lillian Lloyd. Within seconds of hearing the Hammond B3 swell on “My Soul Says Yes,” I knew I had found it. And Lloyd delivers exactly what her supporters wait for– a dynamic punctuated lead and inimitable ad libs that force you to pay close attention.

There are other standout moments on the project as well, like the killer lead vocal from acclaimed vocalist Nikki Ross on “He’s Been Just That Good”, and Karen Clark Sheard’s guest appearance on the vamp of ”The Sweetest Name.”  Perhaps one of my favorite cuts on the album is the well-executed cover of the classic Hawkins tune “Strange” (featuring jazzy scats and riffs from Nikki Ross). The big-band vibe of this tune made it a perfect candidate for New G to remake it, and the newly-added shouting vamp seals the deal.

Throughout Keep Living, the now-famous wobble vibrato that New G brings to the table is consistent and well-placed, but songs like “Speak A Word” demonstrate a welcomed vocal maturity akin to Donald Lawrence’s Tri-City Singers.

Ricky Dillard & New G’s Keep Living is full of singable songs for any Sunday morning, expressed by an untouchable choir with polished lead vocals, and led by gospel music’s master of the choir.

The album drops tomorrow (April 26), but you can listen to snippets and pre-order right here, right now!

According to an LA Times report last month, YouTube has noticed a growing keyword trend in searches for music videos– “gospel.”

Over the past month, YouTube has seen search spikes in the genre, and searches for “gospel music” has doubled since 2008.

Specifically, the report notes, Kirk Franklin videos see a spike on Sundays.  Geographically, southern states have the greatest regional interest in those searches, and South Africa has the most interest of any nation.

Just thought you’d be interested.

Here’s my contribution to the trend (and cuz I miss Walter Hawkins this week)–