Kirk Franklin | Losing My Religion
FO YO SOUL RECORDINGS/RCA RECORDS
by Peggy Oliver
If there is one specific that separates Kirk Franklin from the rest of the gospel pack, it is about crafting the perfect theater scenario for his mini motivational platform. There is almost no way anyone who has followed Franklin’s magnetic career would deny that his musical passion and production fully accent the intended messages.
Kim Burrell | A Different Place
Shanachie Records
by Brent Faulkner
Some of the best vocalists across all of music hail from gospel music. Gospel singers tend to have madd pipes that are clearly anointed by the spirit. Sure, not everyone is a believer and gospel music appeals to particular a niche, but what’s indisputable is the skill set of that the gospel musician possesses. Veteran, Grammy award-nominated gospel vocalist Kim Burrell exemplifies the prodigiously talented musician, period.
Jonathan McReynolds | Life Music: Stage Two
by Peggy Oliver
For those whose gospel music election is sure, their journeys carry them through ever changing life scenarios. When Jonathan McReynolds recorded his debut album in 2011, Life Music, he was a college student who was breaking into his own artistry zone.
The Walls Group | Fast Forward
By Peggy Oliver
When it comes to family affairs, gospel music has witnessed a great share yesterday and today. From the longevity of The WInans and The Clark Sisters to families who have recently made strides, including Forever Jones, nominated for two Dove Awards in 2011 and sister duo Mary Mary, who have carried the millennium on all Contemporary Gospel avenue, the industry can add a young quartet in the mix.
Erica Campbell | Help
Entertainment One
by Peggy Oliver
When fans catch wind a member of their beloved duet or group recording a solo project, their natural tendency is to rev up the rumor mill about a potential breakup. But the realities between the industry demands and the demands weighing upon one’s personal lives, even within a time-tested act, are constantly taken into account. Now facing this scenario are the sister duo of Mary Mary, Tina and Erica Atkins-Campbell.
James Fortune & F.I.Y.A. | Live Through It
Light Records
By Peggy Oliver
While music evangelists are driven by proudly proclaiming God’s goodness and dropping testimonials of being delivered through storms, they also face life’s brutal realities racked with occasional questioning of faith and doubting their relationship with God. Never minimizing the importance of praise and worship, it is sometimes those definitive make or break character development moments that hits the mark with those who avoid weekly church services.
Various Artists | BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music 2013
By Peggy Oliver
In the past thirteen years, BMI has honored those whose contributions to the gospel industry raised the artistic and spiritual bar for generations to come. The class of 2013 of the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music spotlights the works of Tramaine Hawkins, Edwin Hawkins and Kurt Carr with interpretations by their many peers. For the first time in the BMI Trailblazers’ history, the star and soon to be star-studded 14th Annual festivities are being released to the public.
Tasha Cobbs | Grace
EMI Gospel
By Peggy Oliver
When someone declares, “you were born to sing,” sometimes those compliments would ring true or it might be a bunch of hype. Unquestionably, Tasha Cobbs was born to sing. But Cobbs was born to accomplish even bigger things than just her obvious vocal skills. That critical gift is leading the masses into the presence of God that many gospel fans and industry cohorts have gravitated to.
Grace and Mercy
Jonathan Butler
(Rendezvous)
by Darnell Meyers-Johnson
Jonathan Butler signed his first recording contract at twelve years old. By the time he was fifteen, he was already an established recording artist in his native South Africa. By his own admission, he was also a drug addict whose soul was seeking salvation. Guidance would come through a friendship with a fan who introduced him to the Christian faith. That fan would later become his brother in law.
Anita Wilson | Worship Soul
(EMI Gospel)
By Peggy Oliver
On most live gospel recordings, it is customary for the church’s pastor or gospel music luminary to introduce the artist to the congregation. During the introduction for Worship Soul by Anita Wilson, her mentor Donald Lawrence pays this worship leader and singer/songwriter a significant compliment: “With a style all her own and a tone all her own.”