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Gospel Music Reviews and Commentary
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the original "In The GreeneRoom" page.
April 2008
Shirley Caesar
“After 40 Years…Still Sweeping Through The City”
Shu Bel Records/Light Records
Shirley Caesar
returns to the music landscape with her best CD in a decade!
“After 40 Years…Still Sweeping Through The City” is a
gallery of musical artistry that showcases a handful of the
priceless treasures which helped solidify Caesar’s standing
as the undisputed First Lady of Gospel Music. Recorded live
the Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church in Raleigh, North
Carolina, from “Sweeping Through The City” which she
first sang lead as a member of the legendary Caravans in the
60s to “Hold My Mule” (which stayed #1 on the
Billboard charts for 52 weeks), this project displays
Caesar’s consistent and timeless anointing and the sheer
impact of her musical pedigree.
 
Classics that Pastor Caesar revisits include “Jesus, I
Love Calling Your Name”; a foot-stomping, hand-clapping,
old style-Church medley of “Peter, Don’t Be Afraid/
Nobody But You Lord/ Teach Me Master,” and a powerful
presentation of “Choose Ye This Day” which has a
message for America that is as poignant today as it was when
she first recorded it.
Not only is Shirley Caesar “Still Sweeping Through The
City” after 40 years, she is doing so with the same
dynamo and intentionality of ministry that we love. For fans
of Pastor Caesar or traditional Gospel music, this project
is a must have.
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GreeneRoom Note:
I first came to know of Sunny Hawkins when
her mother-in-law, legendary gospel music belter Tramaine
Hawkins, introduced her at the live recording of her CD, I Never Lost My Praise.
Jamie Hawkins, Walter and
Tramaine’s son and Sunny’s husband, was also introduced as a
songwriter of “Excellent Lord."
Because of the attacks on marriages within the body of Christ—as
evidenced by stories of well known ministers which recently made
the news and also of persons we each know and love in our
lives—I find myself praying for marriages often; especially of
those who are in this industry and under 40. As such, one
morning in particular Sunny and Jamie came to my spirit and I
began praying for them. That afternoon I returned home to find
an unsolicited copy of, at the time, Sunny’s upcoming project. I
had no idea she had a project or was a solo artist in her own
right. The moment was God’s not mine. I immediately called the
representative, told them that I believed Jehovah was a God of
synchronicity, and knew I was to review the project for In
The GreeneRoom.
Somehow, in the project being held up for months and interviews
with Sunny being cancelled because of changes in management, I
didn’t move forward. For this I apologize to you. Recently,
Stillwaters sent the project to the owner of
BlackMeninAmerica.com and thus, the project has come to my
life’s palette again. After you read my review, you’ll see why I
felt the need to apologize to each of you).
If you enjoy the flavor of the artists that record label
HiddenBeach signs (Jill Scott, and Kindred to name a few) then
verily, verily, surely, surely I say unto you that you will find
a deep-seated appreciation for the music styling of Sunny
Hawkins, who debuted on Stillwaters, a division of Hidden Beach.
HiddenBeach and now Stillwaters have a knack for choosing
artists in whom the listener can hear the very soul and
experiences of the artist. Each artist has a story that brazenly
becomes apparent in their words (Dr. Cornel West), composition
(Tribal Jazz) and music. On Sunny Hawkins’ “More of You”, you
get her soul and experience but it’s in direct relationship to
the impact of Jesus Christ in her life. And just because her
love for Jesus Christ is added into the musical equation doesn’t
mean that artistically the music is contrived or any less
authentic. In fact, the opposite happens; the project is so
infused with Hawkins’ connectedness to who Jesus Christ has been
to her and this makes her ministry easy because it is real. You
don’t even realize you’re being ministered to because it’s so
nice-and-easy.
Click On Photos To Enlarge
On the guitar intense, funky title cut “More of You,” the hook
alone “Show me more—more more more more more more of You/ I’m
craving You / Show me more—more more more more more more of You”
had me. For all you runway fashion show producers, this track
will prove great for you to add to your show or as a warm up in
rehearsal”. Another CCM styled song is What A Man.
As a 70s kid (73 Baby!) and a lover of most things from the 70s
Where Would I Be immediately became a favorite of mine.
The track starts out with that same muted scratchiness
that greeted you every time you put a 45 or 78 on the turntable
back in the day. It’s like the song goes from black-and-white to
full color. It’s soulful and Christian and easy. The delivery
and harmonies of the background vocals are that Musiq kind of lazy. I could have it on repeat from D.C. to North
Carolina.
It’s Like Air—a
beautifully composed song with a simple message: “(It’s like
air) I need Your love/ (I can’t breathe) Without Your touch /
(It’s like air) I need You every hour / (Your love) I need it
now. Other nice and easy grooves include Jesus The Same and You’re Everything.
If American Band Stand was still
on Love Me Too could have easily have been this
generation’s I Want To Thank You (Alicia Meyers) or You Brought The Sunshine (The Clark Sisters) in that before
you realize it you’re hand dancing to gospel.
The summer’s just about over so I can’t recommend it for family
reunions who want to play gospel to appeal to all generations.
However, when the music ministries of Pastor Shirley Caesar, The
Caravans or the Mississippi Mass Choir are too heavy and Tye or
Juda Camp will be too amped, you can play Sunny Hawkins’ More
of You. On the days when you want to take it “nice and easy”
but still listen to music that edifies your spirit, this is the
project for you!
Click On Photo To Enlarge
So what do you think? If
you would like to respond to this article
click here
and sign our
Guestbook to leave a public or private statement, comment or reaction.
“Darlene McCoy”
EMI Gospel
Reviewed by
Contributing Writer, Jason Minor
Darlene
McCoy,
a new urban inspirational artist on the EMI Gospel label, gives
listeners a nice blending of contemporary praise and worship.
The anointed singer-songwriter’s self-titled debut album has
been described as “refreshing”, “encouraging” and “timely” and
includes music production by super producers Dallas Austin, Fred
Jerkins, Tommy Sims, PAJAM and Antonio Neal. With all of that
power behind her and a gift that truly is Heaven-sent (versus
man made), Darlene McCoy does not disappoint.
The album
starts off with an “ear catcher” in I Believe , an
urban-flavored song which definitely should be a hit single for
the artist. In this and other songs on the project, she gives
examples of how God has played a part in her life. It reminds
the listener to be encouraged in all of life. Fallen In Love
exemplifies her true love for God which can be felt in her
melodic voice. She sings about how pure and untainted God’s love
is and how amazing it is that the One who created everything we
know is reachable by our true love. This leads right to the next
track, Be With You. This track is about the joy of being
with the Lord eternally and the feeling of knowing you have a
true relationship. Be With You is just to put a smile on your
face and a feeling love over your heart.
While the
album focuses on praise and worship, it was interesting to hear
an interlude that concentrated on sisters and their empowerment
in the world. In a time where women are put down and degraded in
songs on a daily basis, it’s nice to hear encouraging words for
the sisters of today.
Amazing
is definitely a song I could throw on at a family cookout! It’s
one of those “get up and dance” type of tracks. I found my head
nodding and feet tapping throughout the song. Even grandma can
grove to this one. She sends up words of thanks and praise in I Adore You. God really shows up in the song and you can’t
help but worship by the time you get to its end. There is
nothing wrong with eating a little carpet on this one. As long
as you’re praising God I don’t think anyone will mind.
I don’t
know about anyone else, but I can’t help but think of Alicia
Meyers when I hear the 80s party classic, I Wanna Thank You;
but God is still glorified on Darlene’s version. I’m telling
you, kick, turn and push—this is a gospel skate song for
sure!
U-N-I-T-Y
is a great ending to the
album. This is the song at the end of a concert that you wish
would never end but like they say always leave them wanting more
and I cant wait to hear more from Darlene McCoy.
While
listening to the CD I found myself just sitting and reflecting
on what my life was like before I had a relationship with God
and how blessed I am now. Her music is an encouragement for
listeners to build even stronger relationships with God and her
style transcends all ages and backgrounds.
http://www.darlenemccoy.com/
http://www.myspace.com/darlenemccoy
HUNT’S
HUNCH with Veronica Hunt
-
Bishop Paul S. Morton
-
“Still Standing”
Bishop Paul S. Morton’s latest CD entitled Still
Standing chronicles the journey of a people who endured an
overwhelming, unimaginable and hopeless situation and yet
emerged triumphantly with praise on their lips. Two years ago,
Hurricane Katrina destroyed lives, families, businesses and
churches in the city of New Orleans, including Bishop Morton’s
church Greater St. Stephen. Many, to this day, still have not
completely recovered from that disaster. Still Standing
demonstrates God’s supernatural power of healing and
restoration. The songs that Bishop Paul S. Morton and Stellar
Award-winning songwriter/producer/artist Kurt Carr have produced
on this project bring encouragement and hope to anyone who may
be facing a storm or enduring the perils of life that come to
make us stronger.
There is so much to say about the first single, I’m
Still Standing. It is a song of victory and recovery; a
demonstration of God’s ability to impart strength to the weak
and deliverance from bondage; and evidence of faith &
trust in God’s amazing power to heal and restore. The track
also samples the chorus of the church hymn, “Standing on the
Promises,” giving the listener a little old school/new skool
mix. I’m Still Standing is an anthem for those who have
taken some pretty hard knock downs in life and having done all
to stand, are yet still standing.
Not Me Lord,
You Initially,
I thought that this personal testimony by Bishop Morton was a
little out of place on this CD, but after listening to the
entire CD, I realized that its placement is perfect to the
overall flow of the project. On the track we hear Bishop Morton
asking God for humility so that people would see God in this
project and not himself. His intention comes across as the
listener clearly will know that this song is about serving and
glorifying God. The lead vocals during the vamp are reminiscent
of Eddie Levert of the O’Jays back in the day.
The Cross and
the Blood Medley / Tribute to Thomas Whitfield” (featuring
Gwendolyn Morton).
Simply soul stirring! With the excellent songwriting
skills of the Maestro Thomas Whitfield and the composing acumen
of award-winning arranger/producer Kurt Carr, this medley will
surely bring many to the altar. The background vocals are beyond
outstanding on this track.
The next
medley combines two familiar worship songs heard across America,
Agnus Dei by songwriter/worship leader Michael W.
Smith and Bow Down (by David Baroni / Tony
Sutherland). These songs are a great place to stop and give
honor to God and the perfect set up for “Holy One” which
features Tramaine Hawkins). This powerful rendition of
the 80’s release written by Walter Hawkins and sung by Tramaine
will surely cause a shout to break out. CAUTION: Do not drive
while listening to this one! You may have to pull over to the
curb, get out of your car and like “Shoutin’ John” find somebody
to “hold your mule!” Once again, excellent background vocals on
this one. The sopranos took it to the rafters!
“If It Wasn’t
For Your Grace” (featuring Bishop James Morton).
This is a
song of God’s amazing grace and mercy and how it brings us
through our difficult times. It takes us back to our gospel
roots again, with a sample of the old hymn “Amazing Grace”
intertwined. Go sopranos! As an alto, I’m simply amazed by
their ability to reach such notes.
“Be Blessed”
(featuring Kurt Carr)
is a song of
encouragement, life and dependence on God. It says that God
will bless us when we bless each other. We bless one another
when we pray for each other and speak life to each other. We
must always stand in unity with our fellow sisters and brothers
in the hope for a better and brighter future.
Kurt Carr
is truly an anointed musician, songwriter and minister. Through
his amazing gifts, he ministers to all people who have
experienced utter destruction and unbearable pain. The songs of
praise and thanksgiving he has produced for Still Standing
bring comfort to the listener. His skill as a composer/arranger
causes the trained musician’s ear to disregard a few of the
vocal flaws heard on a few of the lead vocals because the
overall presentation of ministry is powerful. And the background
vocalists chosen for this project are so awesome that that they
cause you to want to be one of them. (I desire to be a “Kurt
Carr Singer” one day!)
LISTENING/VIEWEING
PARTY
During a
recent listening party, 10 out of 10 listeners said they
would definitely buy this CD/DVD. On a scale of 1-5 (1
being the “Worst”, 5 being the “Best”) 7 of 10 persons rated the
CD/DVD combo a 4. You Restored Me, a song that deftly
paints a picture of restoration, hope for tomorrow, new
beginnings and God’s saving grace and mercy, was the favorite
track for 5 of the 10 listeners.
One listener
indicated that there were no favorite cuts because they all were
“good” (I agree with this listener, all of the songs on this CD
are my favorites for various reasons). Six of the ten listeners
had only positive comments about the CD/DVD. One listener
thought the DVD performance looked “too staged and rehearsed”.
Another did not care for the dancing on “We Made It”.
(This is a song that begins with a more traditional gospel
choir flavor. It includes words of encouragement like hold
on, keep the faith, and trust in the Lord. This one has an old
school mix with a sample of the old hymn “Leaning” and endswith
a “Zydeco” praise party. You definitely need to have
experienced the culture of New Orleans to appreciate “Zydeco”
and to understand this type of praise party. As evidenced by
the excessive perspiration of the singers it was definitely hot
up in there!)
My overall
Hunt’s Hunch: This CD/DVD will be a classic and is
definitely a “must buy.”
So what do you think? If
you would like to respond to this article
click here
and sign our
Guestbook to leave a public or private statement, comment or reaction.
Maurette Brown
Clark is the most underrated female vocalist in gospel
music; but not for much longer. Brown Clark recently returned to
the musical tapestry with The Dream which is “a dream”
CD.
The first single
from the project, One God, is a 21st Century
proclamation of who Jehovah God is. The horns, strings,
trumpets, guitars, trombones and saxophones combined with
Maurette’s lead and the out-of-this-world background vocals all
rise together to momentously pronounce that there is only one
God. The track is written by Darien Dennis who was featured In
The GreeneRoom last month. Has God Done Anything For You? is one for the rockers. The voltage of this already hi-energy
head banger is amped beyond what you thought possible by
Maurette’s lead vocals and the background vocal arrangement. I’ll Praise Him has been my new favorite groove for about a
month. The mid-tempo song has a funky bass line, especially in
the vamp and drive, and a message with determination. “My mind
is focused, hands are lifted/My heart is singing, mouth bringing
forth Your praise/I’ll praise Him/I’ll praise Him.”
Brown Clark
approaches the lyrics of I Have Decided To Follow Jesus and My Heart Has Been Restored as an artist who is
growing into—without apologies—the largeness of her gifting,
talents, and ministry. With I Have Decided To Follow Jesus,
the songstress captures and holds each phrase, each lyric in her
vocal possession until she has caressed it with enough meaning,
understanding and conviction that we know that “she is not
turning back”. Then she releases the lyric to us. Her raspy
adlibs just strengthen her resolve and the listener’s heart
because they are so grounded in her personal convictions. On My Heart Has Been Restored (written by Stellar Award winning
songwriter/artist Jonathan Nelson) she gives those who
have gone through a storm an anthem of renewal and faith. The
song takes the listener from Maurette’s personal place of
introspection to personal affirmation. Perfect.
The title track
The Dream unveils Maurette’s “whole purpose” as God revealed
it to her in a dream. The song will encourage those listeners
who are still struggling with understanding their purpose as
Maurette shares how God confirmed His plan for her life. Other
notable tracks include Sovereign God and its Reprise,
Lord We Praise Your Name (written by Richard Smallwood and
led by Maurette’s brother Maurice) and It Ain’t Over.
You
can visit Maurette's official web site at:
http://www.maurettebrownclark.com.
So what do you think? If
you would like to respond to this article
click here
and sign our
Guestbook to leave a public or private statement, comment or reaction.
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