Artist: Grandad Turner
Album: My Friends, My Fam
Release Date: August 23rd, 2011
Style: Jazz
Label: Universal Music Christian Group
Location: Dallas, TX
Members: Fred Hammond, Calvin Rodgers, Phillip Feaster, & Derrick Horne

About:

GRAMMY, Dove, and Stellar Award winner Fred Hammond has been in the forefront of gospel music for over three amazing decades. The Detroit native began his journey as the bassist for legendary gospel group The Winans, founded the trendsetting sextet Commissioned as well as renowned group Radical for Christ and established himself as one of the industry’s premier solo artists and producers.

Continue Reading + review below:

At this point in Hammond’s musical evolution this visionary has assembled a stellar cast of musicians to form the creatively soulful jazz group Grandad Turner, which is scheduled to release their debut project on July 26, 2011.

In memory of Hammond’s grandfather who introduced him to and inspired his love of playing guitar, the group Grandad Turner consists of Hammond at the helm on bass, along with drummer Calvin Rodgers, keyboardist Phillip Feaster, guitarist Derek Horne and saxophonist Keith Anderson.

The highly anticipated studio project “My Friends, My Fam” boasts of several songs dedicated to Hammond’s friends as well as jazz giants such as Wayman Tisdale “Wayman, My Friend”, Marcus Miller “Marcus My Dude” and George Duke “I Remember George” along with a vocal appearance by Frank McComb on “My Love Is For Real”. “It’s All About the Crusade”, the first single from the forthcoming CD gives listeners a glimpse into the unmistakable musical creativity of Fred Hommond and is sure to capture the avid jazz enthusiast.

Review:

“This cd is amazing! I played it for my jazz loving husband and he was so impressed! Fred Hammond is a premier gospel artist and has been for decades. This is his first jazz album and I was not disappointed! wow!” - Michelle

“What a pleasant surprise from just browsing the jazz section! I have no idea who the musicans are on this album but it is wonderful music. Swinging and soulful, wish the site had more about them.” - Gubs

Track Listing:

1. Hey Jeff
2. Marcus My Dude
3. I Remember George
4. My Love Is For Real
5. It’s All About The Crusade
6. Wayman, My Friend
7. Anything Your Heart
8. Desires
9. Fred’s Yellow Jacket
10. Herbie’s Love Bug
11. Joe’s Moonlight
12. It’s All About Love
13. Smiling Face
14. Spanky’s Cookout

Preview Album:

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Artist: The Ball Brothers

(Andrew, Daniel, Stephen, Joshua & Gibson)
Album: Snowball
Release Date: November 9th, 2010
Style: Blues / Acapella / Quartet
Label: Song Garden Music Group
Location: Chickamauga, GA

About:

Anyone who thinks a Christian young person is “missing out” on something, has obviously never met the Ball Brothers. These brothers, Andrew, Daniel, Stephen and Josh are young, exciting and love to have a good time doing what God has called them to do. “We like to have fun!”, says Daniel. “No one told us siblings couldn’t be best friends.” The bond these brothers have is an integral part of their unique musical blend. Their youthful energy is apparent to all who meet them and enjoy their exciting live performances. The Ball Brothers showcase a creative confidence and intuitive grasp of harmony that would be rare in artists twice their age.

Listen to 3 songs below:

Central Illinois, where the guys grew up, is more known for flat farm land, than singers. Yet at an early age, The Ball Brothers began practicing the beautiful harmonies that would catapult them into the spotlight. When they began singing with their family, these young men entered into a strong tradition of family harmony groups in gospel music. However, The Ball Brothers bring their own youthful energy to these traditions, creating a style that encompasses all that is great about the family groups of the past with their own unique sensibilities.

With their mix of new and old, The Ball Brothers have great potential to appeal to a broad audience. They will surely attract young people with their exciting performances and older audiences will enjoy gospel harmony at its finest. No matter the age or musical preference, the Ball Brothers have a fresh sound that will appeal to everyone.

In 2006 the Ball Brothers were introduced to thousands of Gospel music fan’s at sold out events all across America on the Ernie Haase and Signature Sound Summer Tour. They performed numbers off their debut self-titled CD. In addition to the great success of the summer tour, in 2007 the Ball Brothers made a special guest appearance on EHSS certified gold selling DVD “Get Away Jordan” plus guest appearances on the extremely popular Gaither Homecoming Video Series.

Despite the rapid climb towards success, the Ball Brothers remain focused on their goal of reaching people through music. Andrew states, “When we started off a couple years ago, we had dreams and goals and it’s amazing to see how God has helped us meet them. Right now we’re focusing on the future… “The future includes an expansion of their popular Christmas tour and more touring dates for 2011.

In addition to wowing listeners with their music and expanding their musical horizons, the Ball Brothers take pride in living their lives practicing what they sing. They have a calling from God to see souls saved and people encouraged through their music. With their talent, energy, and the Lord behind them, the Ball Brothers can look forward to even greater recognition for their incredible talents. One can expect that the Ball Brothers will be a fixture in Christian music for many years to come.

“Winter Wonderland”:

“O Holy Night”:

“Angels We Have Heard On High”:

Track Listing:

1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
2. O Holy Night
3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
4. Tiny Little Christmas
5. Little Saint Nick
6. Angels We Have Heard On High
7. Winter Wonderland
8. Silent Night
9. Let It Snow
10. Bless This House

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Artist: Goss, Matt & the Tom Pontz Trio
Album: Merry Christmas
Release Date: November 9th, 2010
Style: Jazz / Blues / Acoustic
Label: 1CN records / Provident-Integrity
Location: Lancaster, PA

About:

Merry Christmas represents a creative twist of jazz to holiday favorites. The Tom Pontz trio consists of piano, drums and upright bass along with Matt Goss’ smooth vocals. A relaxing and festive blend to brighten your Christmas season.

Track Listing:

1. Winter Wonderland
2. Silent Night
3. The Christmas Song
4. Joy To The World
5. White Christmas
6. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
7. Angels We Have Heard On High
8. Christmas Time Is Here (Instrumental)

Preview “Winter Wonderland”:

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Artist: Kirk Whalum
Album: The Gospel According To Jazz Chapter III

Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Language: English
Run Time: 2:05:08

About:

Soulful, passionate, stirring…these are the words most often used to describe Kirk’s music. Forged from his Memphis, (TN) gospel roots and his 1980‘s initiation into the thriving Houston, TX nightclub scene, Kirk’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. The 80’s were highlighted by Kirk’s stepping out of his blossoming sideman role and forming his own band. Kirk soon became “the” opening act for national artists touring in Houston. That’s where jazz pianist Bob James “discovered” him and brought him on tour, which led to five successful albums with Columbia Records, including Cache, Kirk’s first #1 album. As well, Kirk and Bob received a Grammy nomination for their collaboration album, Joined at the Hip. After moving to Los Angeles, Kirk became an in demand session player for top artists like, Barbara Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Quincy Jones and most notably, Whitney Houston, amongst many others. It’s his sax heard on the mega-hit, “I Will Always Love You.” Kirk soon followed that career high point with his phenomenal hit album released on Warner Bros. Records, For You, perhaps the most successful of over 25 solo recordings to date; others include his eclectic Gospel According to Jazz series,(Chapters 1, 2 and 3).

An ordained minister, Kirk recently earned his Masters of Art in Religion. It’s in this spirit that he serves his community, frequently performing at nursing homes and schools. In addition to music and ministry, Kirk has a passion to educate young, aspiring musicians and as such he currently serves as CEO/President of the STAX Music Academy and the STAX Museum of American Soul Music in his hometown of Memphis, TN.

Kirk has received numerous awards and acknowledgements for his musical excellence including eight Grammy nominations and two Dove Award nominations and has won two Stellar Awards, Gospel music’s highest honor. His most current releases (on Mack Ave. Records) are-The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter 3 (double CD & DVD) and Everything is Everything-the Music of Donny Hathaway.

In a career spanning decades, Kirk has a sound that is uniquely his; it is a sound that leaves an indelible imprint on the listener.

Track Listing:

1. Call To Worship
2. Fit To Battle
3. Ananias & Sapphira
4. Rev
5. Because You Loved Me
6. Make Me A Believer
7. He’s Been Just That Good
8. If You Ever Need Me
9. Africa Jesus Africa
10. You Are Everything
11. Smile Medley (Smile & God Has Smiled On Me)
12. It’s What I Do
13. Running Away

Caps – Click for see full Size

Artist: Take 6
Album: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Release Date: October 5th, 2010
Style: Acappella / Jazz / Vocal
Label: Heads Up / Concord Music Group Inc.
Location: Nashville TN, Los Angeles CA

About:

It might be the parties. Or maybe it’s the roasting of chestnuts. Or the caroling out in the snow. Whatever the reason, most people consider the holiday season to be the most wonderful time of the year. That’s certainly the case among the members of Take 6, the a cappella group that has been mixing elements of jazz, gospel, R&B and vintage doo-wop for nearly 25 years. Winners of 10 GRAMMY® Awards, 10 Dove Awards, one Soul Train Award and two NAACP Image Awards, the group has made an indelible musical and cultural mark in the past quarter century whatever the season.

Every member of this brilliant vocal team Claude McKnight III, Mark Kibble, Joel Kibble, David Thomas, Dr. Cedric Dent and Alvin Chea has held onto fond childhood memories of the holidays and made them a part of their adult lives. The timeless magic is very much a part of the their new holiday CD, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, a collection of seasonal favorites that are as heartwarming as a crackling fire and a festooned evergreen.

The primary objective in the making of the album was to create a sense of familiarity, says McKnight, who founded Take 6 in the ‘80s with some classmates from Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. “We wanted all the songs on this album to be the kind that people would hear and say, ‘Oh, yeah, I sing that at Christmas time,’” he says. “We each picked songs that we sing with our families every year at the holidays… We just wanted to make a record that would, for most people, just put out a really cool, all-around Christmas vibe.”

Mark Kibble, who arranged six of the album’s ten tracks, focused on keeping things simple, yet incorporating some of the harmonic spin that has become the Take 6 trademark. “The basic idea was to just let the Christmas melody ring through, and present it in a way that’s interesting but still familiar,” he says. “You shouldn’t have to bend your ear too hard to enjoy a Christmas song. It should take you right back to those early Christmases when you were a child.”

In the end, says Kibble, accessibility was the overriding objective in crafting these holiday tracks. “We wanted to record songs that were simple enough so that anybody listening could follow the melodies and sing along,” he says, “and yet still be ourselves and give a little bit of the harmonic backdrop that Take 6 is known for.”

This holiday season, when there’s much mistloeing and hearts are glowing when loved ones are near, sit back with Take 6 and enjoy The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Reviews & Opinions:

“I got extremely happy when I heard that Take 6 was coming out with a new Christmas album. On the other hand, I was a bit nervous because I wasn’t sure how this one would stand with the previous 2 Holiday albums (which were amazing). Well, now that I have heard the entire album I can honestly sat that I absolutely love it! The harmonies, for a group that have been around for 20 years, are just perfect! I cannot think of anything negative to say about these guys, their music or voices. I have yet to hear a group (acapella or not) on the same level as these guys. You will not be disappointed by this album. It can be played with family, friends, at parties, etc. Each song still has its classical sound with a spin to it.” - TexasGurl

“I’m a pretty big Take 6 fan, as I have all but I think 2 of their albums. So when I heard that they were dropping a project, I HAD to order…and they didn’t disappoint. For their 3rd project, it’s very much similar to some of the arrangements on “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” It’s full of many familiar Christmas songs that are all altered with their their signature acapella sound.

I wouldn’t say that they stretch that much on this project, but that doesn’t mean that the songs lack that stylistic complexity that we always see from the group. The bass exchanges on “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” are simply amazing, and it almost displays the amazing personality that they bring to their live performances. Shelea Frazier joins the group (same singer on their last album who was featured on the song “Someone To Watch Over Me”) and she provides a great contrast to the warmness of the group. Even “The Sugarplum Dance” is fun to listen to. And they had some cool ideas for “White Christmas” and “Jingle Bells”

If you’re a Take 6 fan…or just like hearing some amazing vocal arrangements, I’d say that this is a must have. If you’re not hip to Take 6, I’d still say try it out…especially if you like Glee. (Hate I had to reference that, by the way!) Glad they’re still rolling well and making great music. They’re truly jazz (and good music) ambassadors. ” - Brian

“This is a very good album! Every song on it is very well done! And, the harmonies, they are just out of this world! “Christmas Time Is Here” is my favorite song on the album, it is so beautiful, but, again, all the songs are very good. I’ll tell you what, if you’re trying to decide on whether or not you should buy the album, stop thinking about it, go ahead and buy it! You will be so glad you did, trust me:) ” - J.T.

Track Listing:
1. It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
2. White Christmas
3. Grinch Intro / The Grinch
4. Sleigh Ride
5. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
6. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
7. The Sugarplum Dance
8. I Saw Three Ships
9. Jingle Bells
10. Christmas Time Is Here

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Artist: The Reign of Kindo
Album: This is What Happens
Release Date: August 3rd, 2010
Style: Indie/Jazz/Progressive
Label: Candy Rat Records
Location: Buffalo, NY

About:

The sound of this Buffalo, NY band is not jazz, nor is it in-your-face rock. It’s simply the pinnacle in sophisticated pop rock. Pianos with Mehldau-like dissonance swell along colliding guitar lines, rounded out with a rhythm section that grooves and sways like it’s nobody’s business. The Kindo boys have masked innovative genius into a pop façade. RIYL: Dave Brubeck, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Ben Folds, This Day & Age, Brad Mehldau, John Mayer.

Track Listing:

1. Thrill Of The Fall

2. Now We’ve Made Our Ascent

3. Symptom Of A Stumbling

4. Bullets In The Air

5. Flowers By The Moon

6. Nightingale

7. Blistered Hands

8. Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind

9. Comfort In The Orchestration

10. City Lights & Traffic Sounds

11. Battling The Years

12. Soon It Shall Be

13. Psalm

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Artist: Jaimee Paul
Album: Christmas Time Is Here
Release Date: October 5th, 2010
Style: Seasonal / Jazz / Blues
Label: Green Hill Music (a Gaither/Springhill Subsidiary) / SHMG
Location: Marion, IL

About:

Jazz vocal maven, Jaimee Paul, sings, swings and rings in the holiday season on this spectacular collection of Christmas classics. This album covers instrumantations of: vocals, piano, bass, drums, keyboards, orchestra, and big band.

Track Listing:

1. I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
2. The Christmas Song
3. Christmas Time Is Here
4. Jingle Bells/Jolly Old St. Nicholas (Medley)
5. The Man With The Bag
6. That’s What I Want For Christmas
7. Silent Night
8. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
9. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
10. I’d Like You For Christmas
11. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
12. Santa Baby
13. White Christmas

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Artist: Jonathan Butler
Album: So Strong
Release Date: May 11th, 2010
Style: Jazz / Urban / Tropical
Label: Rendezvous Entertainment

About:

Amidst a new album bursting with hope, joy, romance and inspiration, including eleven songs penned or co-penned by the artist, it’s the Johnny Nash cover “I Can See Clearly Now” that Jonathan Butler elected to record on the So Strong album, his 15th solo collection, that speaks volumes about his outlook after a tumultuous year wrought with immense personal loss, pain and suffering. Butler’s tenacious, indomitable spirit and effervescent view of silver-lined clouds infuses his music like a heaven-sent harbinger of healing.

“Music is spiritual and it heals. It soothes the heart and mind,” states Butler, who was born in Cape Town, South Africa. In the past year, his mother passed away, he lost one of his closest friends (Wayman Tisdale), and he supported his wife (Barenese) in her battle against cancer. “Sometimes it’s better not to tell people what you’re going through (while you’re going through it), but tell them after you’ve come through.”

Thus So Strong was born. For the singer-guitarist-songwriter-producer known for achieving chart-topping success, Grammy nominations and other accolades for his R&B, contemporary jazz, adult pop and gospel recordings, it’s his first urban record in quite some time. Rather than wallow in despair, as per usual the album finds Butler celebrating life and serving as a brilliant beacon of divine light.

“You can’t keep your head down all the time. You have to celebrate. With all that’s presently going on in the world, I felt the need to give something to the fans, to offer hope. I had to get to that fun place again. The album is a departure; it’s optimistic and positive. It’s get up-and-dance, and feel good. It’s all about just letting go. It’s about fun with flavor and a lot of feeling. I call it the three Fs: fun, flavor and feeling,” Butler chuckles. “I come from the urban world and this home-brewed album showcases my freedom to do what comes naturally (to me). It’s easy to listen to. The songs reflect my romantic side, my passionate side and my fun side.”

Butler, who produced and arranged the album, played most of the instruments, including guitars, bass and keyboards. He brought in a few noted horn men – Rick Braun, Dave Koz and Michael Lington – to add heat and drummer Gordon Campbell to lay down beats to a number of tracks. Butler’s daughters Randy and Jodie sing background vocals.

Opening with a high-energy, syncopated disco beat the vocal cut “So Strong” is an unabashed throwback textured with vibrant strings and jazzy electric guitar riffs. It’s the first Urban Adult Contemporary radio single.

In the spirit of a Bill Withers tune, “You’ve Got To Believe In Something” finds Butler crooning from the pulpit on this inspirational affirmation. Adding reassurance is a gospel choir on the chorus and a warmly enveloping horn section comprised of trumpeter Braun and saxophonist Lington. “This song came to me while reading scriptures. We’re often lost in our struggles, but you’ve got to keep going and think about the positive side,” conveys Butler.

Saxman Koz named and played on the instrumental “Make Room For Me,” the first single at smooth jazz radio. The percussion-filled Latin rhythm sets the stage for Butler to “solo like I’ve never soloed before” on an electric jazz guitar.

One of Butler’s favorite songs on the album, the mid-tempo “Factual” is a bit mysterious, a little romantic and a hint of sexy. He explains the Urban Adult Contemporary groove as being “me expressing my freedom and liberty. As with anything I do, it’s got a spiritual thread woven throughout. It wouldn’t be me if that (spiritual thread) wasn’t present.”

According to Butler, “Feels So Good” is a pure, happy love song. While Butler plays an electric jazz guitar, Braun blows a muted trumpet that creates a nighttime vibe. “It’s a song of optimism. It’s a prime example of the record being about letting go and letting God lead the way,” reveals Butler. “The recession has people all over the world hurting and struggling, but we shouldn’t get bogged down by the negativity. If we pray, God will answer. Think about it. After you’ve seen God come through a million times, you then have to just surrender and let go.”

An urban slow jam, “Be Here With You” is a duet between Butler and Angie Stone that has the timeless, retro feel of a classic R&B record. The chorus shimmers with bells reminiscent of Burt Bacharach’s work and Lington pours on the amour with a pleading sax solo. About the song lyrically, Butler says, “Perspective takes on greater meaning with age and wisdom.”

Aiming to capture the sounds of the early 1980’s when artists like George Benson set the standard, Butler used an electric guitar for the instrumental “Avia/For My Baby,” which has a Brazilian cha-cha feel. “It felt so different using a (electric) jazz guitar on an instrumental. I’ve become known for using nylon or acoustic guitars on these type of songs, but I wanted to go back to the era that has influenced my music so strongly. The compositions then were romantic and had great instrumentation.

“The song is about my granddaughter, Avia. She is the love of my life. I am in such awe (of her). She is such a blessing in our lives. No matter what else maybe going on, she just keeps us going,” says the first-time grandfather who is still in his 40s.

“I’m Right Here” is one of six songs Butler wrote and recorded with Kurt Lykes. “Kurt is like a member of the family. We met through church and he’s like another son. He’s always here with us. He’s a really close friend and a very talented writer and musician.” The ballad is a confirmation, a pledge of love and security. “It’s another one of those old school R&B songs that you used to play in your basement when you were begging,” Butler explains with a laugh.

The chill verse explodes into a soul-stirring chorus on “Color Green.” On the track, Butler’s electric guitar shadows his voice. “Jill Scott inspired this song. It follows the neo soul way of flipping your thoughts and feelings,” describes Butler. “Green is my favorite color, but it’s not about money. It’s about God. Green is earthy and natural.”

“Good Times” is another early 1980’s-influenced slick and sophisticated instrumental on which “I let the guitar do the talking.” On the laid back groove animated by Braun’s horns, Butler scats note for note while noodling on an elegant electric jazz guitar.

Butler opts for a slower, deliberate tempo on his version of “I Can See Clearly Now.” He turns the vintage song into a sunny spiritual with the help of a gospel choir chorus. “This track is what I’m all about musically. It’s gospel meets jazz meets R&B. It’s spirituality meets the soul,” Butler reflects. “The song is a confirmation that seasons will change. We need to stand together in faith and prayer in spite of the numerous challenges we face.”

The album closes with “I Pay Respect,” which is as gentle as the setting sun. Koz reappears on sax and Butler’s emotive acoustic fretwork vividly conveys a poetic homage to his homeland. Butler declares, “This song is reminiscent of Nelson Mandela. It’s reminiscent of Desmond Tutu. It’s reminiscent of Miriam Makeba. It’s J.B. going home to my African roots. I’m paying respect to my country, to the people who influenced me, and to my faith.

“Take the lyric in Bob Marley’s ‘No Woman, No Cry’: ‘In this great future, you can not forget your past.’ You go back to your roots. I’m South African first. I need to make that connection and take people on that journey. It wouldn’t be fair to do it otherwise; it wouldn’t have the same meaning either.”

Butler grew up in the townships of South Africa, the youngest of 12 children. He started singing and playing guitar at age seven. Even before he reached age ten, he traveled cross-country performing in villages with a 100-member troupe making money to help support his family. The audiences would vary from poverty-ravaged black townships to opulent halls open only to whites. Traveling accommodations were dismal and atrocious. In his travels, the young entertainer could neither comprehend the extreme destitute nor the harsh treatment he endured and bared witness to under the reign of Apartheid. Afrikaans was his native tongue, but he learned English in his travels.

After signing his first record deal as a teenager with British record producer Clive Caulder’s Jive Records, Butler’s premier single became the first by a black artist to be played on white radio stations in South Africa. The single won a Sarie Award, which is the South African equivalent to a Grammy award. Butler called England home for 17 years. His self-titled debut album put him on the map internationally and garnered two Grammy nominations: one for the R&B-pop vocal statement “Lies” and the other for a poignant instrumental, “Going Home.”

Butler’s albums and worldwide concert tours have afforded him fame and a lifestyle far from what he ever could have imagined as a child performer, but more importantly, it brought him the freedom to follow his passion – music – on his own terms. Residing with his family in the verdant hills of Southern California for more than a decade, an area that he says reminds him of his homeland, Butler remains humble and grateful.

“Our struggles shape and define us. Growing up under Apartheid helped fashion me into the man I am today. I’m here to serve; I’m willing to serve at a moment’s notice. I feel blessed to be in the (music) business this long and to able to use my gifts beyond the church to entertain, to uplift, and to inspire,” he says.

“You take a step in faith on each record and you try to be a voice. You put your heart in it and you put your life story out there for people to tap into. So Strong is who I am and where I am this season. This album is about this season. You can’t tell the whole story in one book so you do it in little doses. Each individual song tells who I am and where I am at the moment. Each album is a chapter in the story.”

Referring back to So Strong, Butler concludes, “It’s been a tough year. It’s been trying and challenging, but we’re still standing.” And he’s standing with a thankful heart, the sparkle of optimism in his eyes and a glorious smile upon his face.

Track Listing:

01. So Strong
02. You Got To Believe In Something
03. Make Room For Me
04. Factual
05. Feels So Good
06. Be Here With You
07. Avia/For My Baby
08. I’m Right Here
09. Color Green
10. Good Times
11. I Can See Clearly Now
12. I Pay Respect
13. So Strong (Steppers Mix)
14. So Strong (Urban Ac Mix)

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Artist: David Baroni
Album: A Quiet Place: Instrumental Songs of Worship Vol. II
Release Date: July 15th, 2010
Style: Instrumental / Ambient / Jazz / R&B
Label: Kingdomsongs

About:

David is a prolific songwriter, recording artist, producer and conference speaker. He lives with his wife Rita in Franklin, TN, just south of Nashville. A Grammy award winning songwriter, David has a passion to know Christ and make Him known. David’s songs have been recorded by Michael W. Smith,Selah, Don Moen, Ron Kenoly, Debby Boone, Nick Coetzee, Natalie Grant, Phil Driscoll, Alvin Slaughter, Kent Henry, Morris Chapman and many others. Davids own CDs are loved for the depth of lyric, fresh musicality, and what can only be described as the touch of God, Who breathes His inspiration through this gifted modern day psalmist. David and Rita are not afraid to speak of the pain and struggles that they, (like most of us,) have gone through in their marriage, finances, family dynamics, etc., yet they always point to the grace and love of God Who is the Redeemer.

Album Description:

After the wonderful success of Volume I, David has recorded another collection of these timeless favorite hymns and songs of worship. David draws from the deep musical well of his decades of experience as a traveling musician, songwriter, producer and arranger and music lover to give the listener a sense of taking a different journey with every song.

From the unearthly peace of “Sweet Hour of Prayer” to the unique and stirring arrangement of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” from the liliting “As We Behold You” to the tender “He is Strong;” this is music well worth hearing. “An oasis of peace in the desert of noise.”.

From David’s listeners:

“Great CDs- They will really encourage you as you meditate, pray, relax or just listen…lots of peace.”

“David has done a great job packaging familiar songs in a fresh new way. Not only was I really blessed by how tenderly these songs touched my heart, I also found myself thinking: “Wow, this guy can really play!”

You can order the “A Quiet Place: Instrumental Hymns Volume II!” and “A Quiet Place: Songs of Worship Volume II” CDs as a package for only $25! Or you can download the mp3′s.

Track Listing:
1. Fill This Place With Praise
2. I Will Worship
3. Bow Down
4. Liquid Love
5. He Is Strong
6. As We Behold You
7. Come To You
8. To The Lamb!
9. He’s Been Good
10. Glorify The Lord
11. Blessed Be The Lord God Almighty
12. No Ways Tired

Purchasable at Amazon here.

Artist: Mavis Staples
Album: You Are Not Alone
Release Date: September 14th, 2010
Style: Gospel / Soul / Blues
Label: Anti
Location: Chicago, IL

White Note: First 500 copies will be autographed. Pre-sale orders will ship out no later than 9/13.

About:

The 70-year-old soul legend teamed up with Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy for this collection of gospel standards, covers and two originals. Produced by fellow Chicagoan Jeff Tweedy at Wilco s studio The Loft, You Are Not Alone showcases the iconic singer at her most powerful and fervent. The album mixes traditional gospel numbers with two new songs written for Mavis by Tweedy, plus her unique interpretations of songs by Pops Staples, Randy Newman, Allen Toussaint, John Fogerty, Rev. Gary Davis and Little Milton.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and soul/gospel legend Mavis Staples delivers more wall-to-wall joy on her triumphant new ANTI- album, You Are Not Alone (September 14), than any other release you’re likely to hear this year.

Produced by fellow Chicagoan Jeff Tweedy at Wilco’s studio The Loft, the intimate and textured production showcases the iconic singer at her most powerful and fervent. You Are Not Alone mixes traditional gospel numbers with two new songs written for Mavis by Tweedy, plus her unique interpretations of songs by Pops Staples, Randy Newman, Allen Toussaint, John Fogerty, Rev. Gary Davis and Little Milton.

The album features Mavis’s touring band of the last three years: Rick Holmstrom, guitar, vocals; Jeff Turmes, bass, vocals; Stephn Hodges, drums; Donny Gerrard, background vocals; plus special guests Jeff Tweedy on guitars, bass, and vocals; Wilco’s Patrick Sansone, keys, vibes; Mark Greenberg, vibes, keys; with additional background vocals by frequent Neko Case collaborators Kelly Hogan and Nora O’Connor, and Richard Parenti.

Track Listing:
1. Don t Knock
2. You Are Not Alone
3. Downward Road
4. In Christ There Is No East Or West
5. Creep Along Moses
6. Losing You
7. I Belong To The Band Hallelujah
8. Last Train
9. Only The Lord Knows
10. Wrote A Song For Everyone
11. We re Gonna Make It
12. Wonderful Savior
13. Too Close To Heaven

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