Gospel Music Bites » Album Of The Month

Leah Smith, Former Member of New Breed Has Released Her First Solo Project: Beautifully Made the EP,

gospel — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 05:00:18 +0000

The highly anticipated solo release from singer/songwriter Leah Smith will soon be available to all. The 20 year old songstress has wowed audiences and industry executives alike by her songwriting capabilities, vocal control, musicianship, and performance style. In the words of Grammy award winner Israel Houghton, “Leah Smith is already a legend at 18 years old.” Upon the release of this EP, the world will soon know why the industry is so excited about Leah Smith.

The Philadelphia native holds nothing back on the BEAUTIFULLY MADE EP. When asked what genre Smith’s music reflects she answers by saying that her music is a fusion of gospel, soul, pop, and folk music. In this five-track EP, each tune reflects a different side of Smith. The gritty track “Dreamworld” instantly grabs the attention of the listener with its unmistakable base line, enticing guitar riffs, high energy horns, and funk heavy drum patterns. Beckoning the listener to take another look at the world we live in, Smith proclaims “we keep on burying each other/carrying on like its routine/waiting for someone to stop and shout this is crazy/wake us up out of our dreamworld.” The song “Monster” is a musical treat to the ears. The ragtime influenced track relies heavily on piano and drums as the driving force in the song but yet still leaves room for musical exploration as the track builds to a high energy ending. “Monster” is a highly relevant song to the times that we are currently living in. Even in this failing economy, the lyrics encourage the listener to keep going even when “all the things you thought would bring you happiness keep you up at night.”

The title track to the BEAUTIFULLY MADE EP is an acoustic melodic declaration to anyone who has ever struggled with their self image. Smith explores this highly sensitive topic with ease. The soul infused track is laced with Smith’s smooth vocals which float on top of a musical arrangement that is a purely dulcet amalgam of tender melodies and skillfully resonant instrumentation. A personal favorite of Smith’s is the track “Shields and Swords.” Smith displays her vocal range as she sings in an upper register for the majority of the song and pledges through the lyrics to resolve to fight for the relationships that are closest to her before it is too late. The Intro entitled “By Land By Sea, feeds into the last track called “Untitled” featuring Smith on the piano and on vocals without additional accompaniment. The song listens in on a melodic conversation between Smith and God where she requests God to restore to her all that she has lost, forgive her of all she has done wrong, and make her whole.

The BEAUTIFULLY MADE EP is a project that speaks to every aspect of a person. In the words of Smith, the message that she wishes to convey through her music is that “real, living hope is accessible to all.” Smith is an artist to watch. The BEAUTIFULLY MADE EP is sure to be deemed a classic that audiences all over the world will enjoy.

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God’s Chosen Is The Gospel Industries New Kids On The Block: Latest Project “Love Ever After”

gospel — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 23:15:57 +0000

God’s Chosen is one of the most exciting groups, we at Gospel Music Bites have heard in a long time. There has been many enquiries about one of their song “Love Medley“, which is in our Gospel Jukebox. This is one of the best productions we have heard in a long while.

If you haven’t heard on God’s Chosen and heard their album “Love Ever After“, you are missing out on a true blessing. “Love Ever After” is an album you need to add to your collection immediately. The message, vocals, musicianship and production are of the highest level.

God’s Chosen is made up of three beautiful young ladies, Zebrina Anderson, Nikiesha Whittier, and Sarah Stephens, all from St. Louis, Missouri. These three young ladies have been singing together for the past five years. They’ve captured the hearts of many and have taken the City of St. Louis by storm with their unforgettable blend of harmony.

In 2001, they met while singing in their high school gospel choir. During their high school years, they represented their school in many singing competitions and successfully won first place. From then on, they traveled to various cities throughout the country ministering in conferences, musicals, and conventions. These ladies are not just talented but they are highly anointed and appointed by God. Their first demo project was released in 2004, and is still in high demand.

Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived: the release of their new full CD project, “Love Ever After“. It is their sincere desire to touch every heart, inspire the mind and stir the soul of every listener, and to encourage men, women, young and old, to look to God for the joy, peace, and of course “Love Ever After“.

More… To get more information about God’s Chosen “Love Ever After” God’s Chosen Myspace

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Jimmy Fisher & Contagious Praise Debut Album Self Titled “Jimmy Fisher & Contagious Praise”

gospel — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:00:25 +0000

Jimmy Fisher, serves as the Pastor of Worship for the Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood CA. For the past 14 years, Jimmy Fisher has led the 12,000 member congregation in praise and worship at the Great Western Forum.

Contagious Praise is an ensemble of not only committed worship leaders, psalmist and musicians, it is a contingent of believers who’s purpose is to lift up the name of Jesus and exhort others to do the same.

Jimmy Fisher & Contagious Praise have released their debut album self titled “Jimmy Fisher & Contagious Praise“.. This is truly one of the best Praise and Worship albums I’ve heard this year. Jimmy Fisher & Contagious Praise have captured the true essence of worship on the project and the album is topped of by a Word from Bishop Kenneth C Ulmer, who is the Senior Pastor of Faithful Central Bible Church. If you love Praise and Worship, Jimmy Fisher & Contagious Praise debut album is one for you to add to your collection.

Some of the songs that will truly bless you are “Come On Everybody,” “Contagious Praise” and “Every Breathe,” these are great praise songs, other songs are “Why Am I Here“, “My Purpose” and “He Is Exalted“. After listen to these songs, you will be able to face whatever life thows at you. So go out right now and purchase your copy of “Jimmy Fisher and Contagious Praise.”

More… To get more information about Jimmy Fisher & Contagious Praise (click here)

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Israel Houghton New Solo Album “The Power of One”:

gospel — Thu, 21 May 2009 04:00:47 +0000

Award-winning worship leader and artist Israel Houghton has released his debut solo album “The Power Of One” on Integrity Music. Which features guest vocals from leading Christian artists including TobyMac, Martin Smith of (delirious), Mary Mary and Chevelle Franklin.

Israel Houghton “The Power Of One” features the youthful and musically masterful energy that has made Israel among the most highly influential musician and producer across a variety of musical genres.

If your fans of Israel and New Breed, you won’t be disappointed. After listening to the album from beginning to end, you will be refreshed and reminded of Israel Houghton’s spiritual convictions and vision for the world.

Former dancehall queen, turned gospel reggae artist Chevelle Franklin joins Israel Houghton on “Surely Goodness,” bringing a more authentic island vibe to his work than we’ve heard on previous Caribbean-inspired tracks.

“The Power of One (Change the World), where Israel Houghton encapsulates the message of his album, has a haunting melody and lyrics that challenge listeners to examine their true mission as a Christian; “What if it all depended on me to change the world / What if my only responsibility was to change the world / Let me be the one to start a revolution / Let me sing my song to the people of the world / It all begins with one / The Power of One.

Make sure you go out now and get your copy of Israel Houghton’s “The Power Of One“ today. So you can be blessed.

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Trent Cory “Freedom Is (Live)” CD/DVD Combo Released On Prayzhouse Records: Gospel Music’s New Praise and Worship Sensation

gospel — Sun, 17 May 2009 23:00:34 +0000

Trent Cory is a cross cultural worship leader/artist/songwriter that is bursting onto the gospel music scene. He’s got a great voice, great songs, and a heart for praise and worship.

The New album from is Produced by grammy award winning producer Aaron Lindsey (Israel & New Breed, Martha Munizzi, Marvin Sapp) and released on Prayzhouse Records. The album captures the true essence of Praise & Worship and is a must have for your gospel music collection. This is one of the best Praise and Worship Albums i have heard this year. With all that is happening around the world today, this is truely a album for this season.

Trent Cory’s “Freedom Is (Live) has a great mix of songs for all worshipers. Songs include the smash praise hit “Every Chance I Get”, worship anthem “Awesome Wonder”, and popular new cover song “Healer”, which comes with Bonus DVD of full live performance included!

More… For more information about Trent Cory’s “Freedom Is (Live)” , Stop by www.trentcory.com or itunes.com this week to pick up Trent Cory’s “Freedom Is (Live)”.

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MCLURKIN’S ‘WE ALL ARE ONE (LIVE IN DETROIT)’ COMING OUT: Grammy winning singer-pastor releases CD arch 31.

gospel — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 04:00:39 +0000

One of Gospel music’s top male vocalists, Donnie McClurkin, returns to center stage with new CD, “We All Are One (Live In Detroit),” to reach stores March 31, 2009. Beginning March 9th fans can pre-order the CD at www.verityrecords.com.

Additionally, the CD can be previewed on the site beginning March 23rd. Recorded live in a city that embraces him as its own, the singer felt right at home. McClurkin, a resident of Detroit, MI for 12 years before returning to his home state of New York in 2001, had the wall-to-wall crowd on their feet the whole night.

“Even with Detroit’s transitions and hard situations, the church has always been a mainstay in the city,” says McClurkin. “The church has always been that fulcrum to balance everything together. The mayor’s wife was at the recording, it was a powerful evening. It’s all a part of the healing that goes on in Detroit and I just thought it was the right place to do a recording thematically built around being there for one another.”

“We All Are One (Live in Detroit)” features some of Donnie McClurkin’s longtime friends and heavy-hitters from the gospel music world. He teams up with Mary Mary, CeCe Winans and Yolanda Adams on “When You Love” and it’s all signed, sealed and delivered when Donnie McClurkin’s harmonies sync up with Detroit’s first lady of Gospel, Karen Clarke-Sheard, on the single “Wait on The Lord.”

Donnie McClurkin gives way for his outstanding background vocalists to shine as well. Duawne Starling captures your heart on “Home Someday” and Sherrie McGhee, Andrea Mellini and Nancy Jackson sink their chops into “All We Ask.”

“I want this CD to depict our dependency upon God as well as our dependency on each other and remind the listeners that – despite differing opinions, backgrounds, ethnicities, religious affiliations – we all are one,” says the singer.

McClurkin has already left an indelible mark on the Gospel music industry and can truly be considered a premier talent in the Gospel genre. His singles “Stand” and “We Fall Down” paved the way for visibility outside the church community.

Although “Stand” became an anthem in churches first, McClurkin’s broad television exposure helped to broaden his audience even more. The sophomore release, “Live from London” housed the second smash hit “We Fall Down” which sky rocketed when urban mainstream radio stations around the country started playing the single.

As if a musical career that has spawned a string of hit releases, numerous awards – including two Grammy Awards, 10 Stellar Awards and countless other accolades – is not enough, McClurkin hosts his own syndicated radio show.

“The Donnie McClurkin Show” airs across the country and the internet (www.donnieradio.com) and reaches over 5 million listeners. Donnie McClurkin has also managed to carve out time to do some missions work with the internationally recognized charitable organization, Feed the Children. In between all of that, he is also a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) assisting them in reaching the African American Community. McClurkin’s role is to help educate individuals on the importance of proper diet and early screenings to possibly prevent diabetes and maintain good health.

“I’ve always wanted to be involved in missions and to play a part in helping children around the world, and it’s my privilege to stand with both of these organizations and use the platform God has given me to help people,” says McClurkin.

“We Are All One (Live From Detroit)” is the manifestation of McClurkin’s musical prowess and pastor’s heart, and is sure to be a calming force in the lives of all the loyal fans anticipating this new release

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Bishop Paul S Morton Presents: Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir “Cry Your Last Tear”: On Light Records

gospel — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:00:38 +0000

One of Gospel Music most highly anticipated choir albums has released a new album, “Cry Your Last Tear“. Hit the stores at the end of 2008. With the help of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir, Bishop Paul S. Morton unveils the inspirational release, Cry Your Last Tear on Light Records.

This is one of the best albums of 2008 and 2009 so far. The production on this project is outstanding, lead by Elder William Murphy III, you really feel the presence of God all over this album. Bishop Paul S Morton, William Murphy III and FGBF delivery on this project is so genuine and heartfelt, it is obvious that they believe what they sings about. Bishop Paul S Morton & FGBF can always be relied upon to deliver the word of God in his very special manner.

“Cry Your Last Tear” is really an album for this season of Wars, Natural Disasters and Financial. With all this happening around the world, the Lord is letting us know His soon coming is near and as Christians we better make sure we have done ever thing to win souls for the Kingdom.”Cry Your Last Tear” is the album that will help you prepare yourself for Christ soon return.

If you don’t already have this album i urge you to go out and purchase this album immediatly. “Cry Your Last Tear” will bless your life and is set to bless so many people around the world.

More… For more information on Bishop Paul S Morton & Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir “Cry Your Last Tear” check out www.lightrecords.com

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Kurt Carr’s New Album “Just The Beginning” Debuts At The Top Of Multi-Charts:

gospel — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 04:00:30 +0000

Internationally renowned and celebrated, Kurt Carr is one of the brightest jewels in the crown of Gospel music. His 7th CD, “Just the Beginning,” was released recently and has debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart.

The CD, on Sony/BMG, is also #5 on iTunes’ Christian/Gospel sales chart and appears on Billboard’s Top-100 albums chart, which is a rare fete for a Gospel artist. Additionally, the first single “Peace & Favor Rest Upon Us” is a high performer at radio and this week is #1 most added as well as #3 most increased spins.

“I am really excited,” says Kurt Carr who is currently on the final leg of a major market promotional tour. “I am so grateful that even though I’ve been away a few years, people have not forgotten about me. I have greatly enjoyed producing for other artists, who I really admire, but it is great to be back and making music with the wonderful Kurt Carr Singers and I thank everyone for their support.”

Kurt Carr has penned numerous number one songs, including the ubiquitous “In the Sanctuary” which has been translated into nine different languages, re-recorded by 20 different acts and is a Sunday morning favorite at churches around the globe.

Since his 2005 release “One Church,” Kurt Carr has helmed numerous projects including “I Never Lost My Praise” the critically acclaimed “comeback” CD for the legendary Tramaine Hawkins and Bishop Paul Morton’s powerful “Still Standing.”

Kurt Carr and The Kurt Carr Singers reunited to record “Just the Beginning,” a powerful opus of good ol’ church music with Kurt Carr’s trademark cross-generational, cross-cultural appeal.

“Just the Beginning” is in stores now.

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Baltimore Mega-church Leader Bishop Jerome Stokes Releases CD Produced By GRAMMY, Stellar & Dove Award Winner Steven Ford & Kenneth Shelton

gospel — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 04:00:16 +0000

(Baltimore, MD) – December 1, 2008 – Recordings of young adult choirs are few and far between, but a new gospel choir is about to change that. The Bishop Jerome & Marsha Stokes Young Adult Choir hails from Baltimore’s mega-church Church of the Redeemed of the Lord, headed by Bishop Jerome Stokes. Consisting of 50 teenagers from the ages of 15 – 25, the choir is a group of gifted, inspired and committed young people. Under the direction of Miranda Johnson, Yvonne Savage, Curtis Spencer and Kenneth Shelton, The Bishop Jerome & Marsha Stokes Young Adult Choir have just dropped their first live CD, S. Ford Music recording entitled He Healed Them All.

GRAMMY, Dove and Stellar Award winning producer Steven Ford, known for his work with artists such as Richard Smallwood, Donnie McClurkin, Maurette Brown Clark and Vickie Winans, shares production credits with up-and-coming producer Kenneth Shelton, whose credits include Jonathan Nelson & Purpose and the Choir Boyz. The new release includes 15 fifteen tracks written by the directors and choir members themselves.

The lead single and title tune, “He Healed Them All”, as well as the second single “God Is Great”, showcase the wonderful vocal talents of this exceptional choir. Stellar Award Nominee Jessica Greene lends her voice to “Thy Word” and Stellar Award Winner Jonathan Nelson makes a guest appearance on the uplifting “I Pray Your Faith Won’t Fail”. The singles have been well-received by gospel stations up and down the East Coast.

Steven Ford is excited about the choir and what they have to offer to gospel music. “This CD is a phenomenal entry for a first time project for a youth choir,” says Steven Ford. “Every pastor would want these songs to be introduced into their youth choir’s repertoire,” shares Ford. The CD is distributed by Edmondson Communications, Inc. and is on the S. Ford Music record label. For more information about the choir, go to www.MySpace.com/JMSYouthChoir.

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Kurt Carr and The Kurt Carr Singers Are Back With A New Album “Just The Beginning”: In Stores Now!!

gospel — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 04:00:56 +0000

Internationally renowned and celebrated, Kurt Carr has penned numerous number one songs. One such song – “In the Sanctuary” – has been translated into nine different languages, re-recorded by 20 different acts and is a Sunday morning favorite at churches around the globe.

Since his 2005 release, “One Church,” Kurt Carr has helmed numerous projects including “I Never Lost My Praise” the critically acclaimed “comeback” CD for the legendary Tramaine Hawkins and Bishop Paul Morton’s powerful “Still Standing.”

“The songs on ‘Just The Beginning’ are very singer-friendly, very congregational. This time, I’m going back to my roots,” Carr says.

“Just The Beginning” offers Kurt Carr’s unique brand of Sunday-morning liturgies and soaring choir-friendly melodies. The first single “Peace & Favor Rest On Us” is a clarion call that points listeners to life in Christ. The song is destined to be an enduring classic. Another high energy track is “Don’t Let Your Light Go Out” which is preceded by a musical treat from 89-year-old Narcissus Hinton-Brown, a traditional soloist from Carr’s hometown in Hartford, Connecticut and one of his mentors.

“As a kid, she was a star soloist at my church,” says Carr. “I didn’t start going to church until I was 15 and God used people like Narcissus to inspire me in my musical journey. I just always wanted to do something special for her because she never received great national acclaim, yet she remained steadfast and faithful to her calling.

More… To get your copy of

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Holy Hip-Hop! Canton Jones Is At It Again: Check out Canton’s current single, “My Day”!

gospel — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:00:36 +0000

The lights dim over the standing room only crowd. The room is thick with an air of anticipation. A voice sprinkled with strong vibrato and a touch of old school R&B rings out. The crowd goes wild! The voice rings out again, this time with twice the intensity. The crowd screams as the young, but clearly seasoned artist known as Canton Jones points the microphone toward the audience and another unforgettable musical experience begins…

AUDIO LINK: http://streaming.thinktankmktg.com/audio/canton_jones-my_day.wma

Part singer, songwriter, producer, and vocal arranger, Canton Jones, a Deerfield Beach, Florida native has entertained over 500,000 people this year alone, sold nearly 75,000 units independently; and has several songs including the steppers groove “Love Song”, the cleverly penned “Stay Saved” and the uncompromising street anthem “The Password” in regular rotation internationally. On any given day he can be found sharing the stage with Hip Hop heavyweights like T.I., David Banner, and Ludacris just to name a few. His unlimited repertoire, massive crowd appeal, and fast-growing fan base has set him on a course destined to shake the very chore of the R&B and Hip Hop world.

As quickly as fans have embraced Canton’s lyrical edginess and warmed up to his heart felt ballads, Canton Jones gets down to business with his most creative album to date, CANTON JONES “Kingdom Business“ Available Now Arrow Records. For more information and updates on “Kingdom Business” check out Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/therealcantonjones

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LeJuene Thompson’s CD “The Metamorphosis Project” Release Date:

gospel — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:00:15 +0000

The Wait Is Over: Soul Gospel Diva, LeJuene Thompson, Emerges To Give Gospel What it’s Been Waiting For!

Raleigh, NC – June 27, 2008 Soulful contemporary Gospel singer, LeJuene Thompson is poised and set to release her sophomore project, entitled “The Metamorphosis Project ”. The highly anticipated project will hit stores in July 15, 2008 .

Dubbed as “The Diva in Waiting ” by Billboard , LeJuene Thompson has completed her metamorphosis …The Diva has arrived with her long awaited sophomore recording, appropriately titled, “The Metamorphosis Project ”. This project is a gospel music lover’s dream come true.

LeJuene Thompson is no stranger to the gospel music community. LeJuene Thompson has worked with a variety of the Nation’s premier artists including, Donald Lawrence , John P. Kee , Twinkie Clark , Karen Clark-Sheard , Shirley Caesar , Bishop T.D. Jakes , Micah Stampley and many others.

The release of “Metamorphosis ” will be significantly different from her debut album “Soul Inspiration ”. Although this was LeJuene’s first live recording, it was an extremely uplifting experience that allowed the anointing to flow through her. This recording illustrates the full vocal range of LeJuene’s diverse vocal styling and ability through praise and worship ballads, neo-soul grooves, contemporary Gospel, and Churban music.

LeJuene enlightens listeners of this recording session by featuring a hot new group, “Dennis Reed & G.A.P .” This energetic Charlotte-based group, with its youthful presence and interesting rich sound, is bound to electrify any audience. LeJuene Thompson is well known for her impactful and spirit-stirring debut album, Soul Inspiration , for which she received numerous Dove and Stellar Award nominations. “Metamorphosis ” offers Gospel music lover’s foot-stomping songs like “Gotta Feelin ” and “Wait, ” while music lovers are sure to appreciate “The Praise. ” The track “Ooh La La ” is a feel-good groove, which displays the effects of God’s unconditional love. LeJuene’s release of “Metamorphosis, ” definitely delivers an eclectic blend, “Lost, ” will take you on a soulful journey.

She teamed up with her husband Cedric Thompson , a multiple Stellar Award winning , Grammy & Dove nominated producer . She credits him with the overall theme and direction of this project. “Metamorphosis ” is being released on the newly launched label, Le Ce Entertainment .

More.. For more information on LeJuene Thompson “Metamorphosis ” go to www.lejuenethompson.com , booking@lejuenethompson.com or www.myspace.com/lejuenethompson

Press contact: Michael A. Clark , EmSquared Entertainment Management Group , Telephone: 919-868-8274 , Email: mikenmillie@bellsouth.net

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Youthful Praise Featuring J J Hairston New Album & DVD “Exalted.. Live in Baltimore”

gospel — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:00:11 +0000

Once again “www.youthfulpraise.org or www.myspace.com/youthfulpraise . Also you can contact Kia Jarmon, on 615.277.1855 or kjarmon@lightrecord.com

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