Artist: Muyiwa & Riversongz
Album: Declaring His Name All Around The World
Release Date: August 29th, 2011
Style: Praise & Worship/ Afro-Beats / Gospel
Label: Riversongz
Location: London, England

About:

As a singer and broadcaster Muyiwa’s deep rich voice has reached millions in Europe, Africa and the USA. In 2009 he was the first international artist to appear on the American BET channel at the annual ”Celebration of Gospel”. Earlier this year he presented the ”Turning Point” program to an estimated global audience of 70 million. Now with his fusion of soul, RnB and Afro-beat, featuring collaborations from Gospel favourites Darwin Hobbs and Mary Alessi as well as the multi-talented Riversongz and produced by the Grammy Award winning Kevin Bond, ”Declaring His Name all around the World” is a natural progression to his previous 4 CD/ DVD releases. The sheer power and poignancy of Muyiwa’s unique sound is simply too strong to stay a purely gospel secret. Yet, his music that brings so much joy is the product of early personal suffering.

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Since his last album, which reached Number One on the HMV blues and soul chart and stayed there for five months, Muyiwa has successfully toured the UK for the second time and sold out Indigo 2 at O2, a feat never achieved by a UK gospel act previously, although it follows another personal success of a sold out Ocean in Hackney. He was also appointed Station director of Premier Gospel that has had a remarkably successful impact in uniting black churches nationwide.

Muyiwa and Riversongz travel extensively, which gave rise to the theme of the new album, having visited Canada, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, USA, Slovakia, Poland, Ireland, Ukraine and the Republic of Benin in the past 12 months. Drawing in different cultures and sounds bring together a joyful sensation of hands reaching out across the continents; whilst some songs have a very intimate feel such as “My Heritage” (Apata) a lullaby from his childhood. Speaking about the inspiration for the new album, Muyiwa replied: “We traveled so much and experienced so many people, cultures and sounds, it made perfect sense to explore some of these. This album is a journey of the World’s music as seen through our kaleidoscope.”

Track Listing:

1.The Name Of The Lord
2. Jehovah Jireh
3. Only You Be God
4. Holy Holy Holy Prelude
5. Holy Holy Holy
6. King Of Kings
7. Come Lord Jesus
8. This Is Our God
9. I Will Call On Him
10. Glory To God
11. The Lord’s Prayer
12. I Praise Your Name
13. My Heritage (APATA)
14. I Love You Lord

Album Preview:

Interview:

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Artist: forever JONES
Album: Get Ready [Deluxe Edition] (CD/DVD)
Release Date: August 23rd, 2011
Style: Gospel / Pop
Label: EMI Gospel
Location: Shreveport, LA

About:

“In 20 years of being in professional music I’ve never heard ANYTHING like this!” When praise like that comes from renowned producer Tommy Sims who has worked with some of the greatest artists in Christian & mainstream music alike, you take notice. “forever JONES,” a family band from Shreveport, Louisiana on heels of their number one single, “He Wants It All” release the Deluxe Edition of their debut album “Get Ready.” The deluxe edition consists of the Grammy, Stellar, and Dove award nominated album Get Ready in addition to a full-length concert DVD. Packed with exclusive interview footage and bonus content, forever JONES, ‘The Family Band,’ now has everyone anxiously awaiting the visual accompaniment to Get Ready!

Watch forever JONES perform live at TBN:

Review:

“From a purely musical standpoint the album is great.However as a Christian, the doctrine is unsound. Take for example the song “He wants it all”… God is not looking for desperate hearts. God does not need anything from us, he is perfect with or without human beings. The song should instead have said “He wants us to believe in the finished work of Christ… or something like that… This whole being desperate for God thing has no biblical basis after the resurrection. Once we believe, then WE have it all… here’s a couple of verses from 2 Peter addressed to Christians (believers) showing that we have been given everything and therefore WE have it all!

2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” – Jonathan

Watch “He Wants It All” Live at TBN:

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About:

It is significant that Sojourn has released their new indie Christian album The Water and The Blood: The Hymns of Isaac Watts two days after Easter. Their seventh recording is timed perfectly to appreciate, reflect, and find more meaning in the sacred holiday.

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The Water and The Blood: The Hymns of Isaac Watts takes you through hymns that have a distinct Roots/Americana feel to them while communicating a universal message to their audience. Musicians with backgrounds in jazz, country, pop, and punk rock came together for a common cause while seeking to serve the Church with meaningful contemporary music.

Since launching in 2000, Sojourn Music has recorded 7 albums of original music, including the critically-acclaimed album Before the Throne. Sojourn’s music is very powerful. The members of the band come from a church with three campuses in Louisville, with 2500+ people gathering on Sundays for worship.

The musicianship on The Water and The Blood: The Hymns of Isaac Watts is exceptional, which gives their message more of a universal touch point for those that have not been exposed to their unique brand of Christian artistry. Every word is felt on the recording because the vocals are on par with the music, making for a touching blend of spirit compelled with the belief that a positive message simply cannot be ignored.

The Water and The Blood: The Hymns of Isaac Watts is available on CD, Digital format and vinyl LP. “We’re excited to release this new collection of hymns. It’s music that comes from a real sense of community and faith, connecting emerging generations from the 300-year-old work of the father of the English hymn. We can’t wait to introduce you to Isaac Watts,” states Michael Cosper, Pastor of Worship and Arts for Sojourn Community Church.

Sojourn “Water And The Blood” album trailer:

Track Listing:
1. Absent From Flesh
2. The Water And The Blood
3. From Deep Distress
4. Compel My Heart To Sing
5. Let The Seventh Angel Sound
6. O God Our Help In Ages Past
7. Deep In Our Hearts
8. Bless Be The Lamb
9. Death Has Lost Its Sting
10. Early My God Without Delay
11. Let Your Blood Plead For Me
12. The World Will Know

Let Your Blood Plead For Me (LIVE):

Listen to the album below:

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Artist: T.D. Jakes / Various Artists
Album: Sacred Love Songs 2
Release Date: May 31st, 2011
Style: Gospel / Choir
Label: Universal MCG / Dexterity Sounds
Location: Dallas, Texas

About:

Grammy® Award Winner T.D. Jakes is back with Sacred Love Songs 2, the highly anticipated second installment of the hit brand, Sacred Love Songs! The first Sacred Love Songs project was inspired by the Song of Solomon and focused on encouraging couples to love each other in God’s way. The album was very successful in Mainstream and Christian circles, selling over 400k copies!

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This new collection of poetic and romantic songs, inspired by the celebrated comedy film “Jumping The Broom”, features an incredible line up of multiple award-winning Gospel and R&B/Pop recording artists including; Joe, Ledisi, Micah Stampley, Crystal Aikin, Karen Clark Sheard & Kirk Whalum, Fred Hammond, El DeBarge, Anaysha Figueroa, Terry Thomas and Bishop Paul S. Morton.

Serving as Executive Producer for BOTH the Sacred Love Songs 1 and 2 compilations AND as Executive Producer of “Jumping The Broom”, T.D Jakes has delivered two incredible projects that will help plant the seed in the notion that “our homes lives are just as important, if not more so as our church lives, and together when BOTH are stable, we have something to Praise the Lord for!”

Track Listing:

1. The Vow – Bishop T. D. Jakes
2. Let’s Stay Together – Ledisi
3. Back At One – Micah Stampley
4. Take My Heart – Crystal Aikin
5. Closer – Joe
6. The Homily – Bishop T. D. Jakes
7. Inseparable – Karen Clark-Sheard
8. My Lady And Myself – Fred Hammond
9. Love – Bishop T. D. Jakes
10. Finally – Bishop Paul S. Morton
11. How Can You Love Me – El DeBarge
12. Don’t Go To Bed Mad – Terry Thomas

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Artist: Trin-I-Tee 5:7
Album: Angel & Chanelle
Release Date: May 31st, 2011
Style: Inspirational / R & B / Gospel
Label: Music World Gospel
Location: New Orleans

About:

GRAMMY Award nominated, Gospel Music Association’s Dove Award and Stellar Award winner Trin-i-tee 5:7 has been the Best Selling Female Gospel Trio in music history. After more than a decade on the music scene, the New Orleans natives and original group members, Chanelle Haynes and Angel Taylor have transitioned Trin-i-tee 5:7 from a trio to a duo. They will debut their new sound on their 7th studio album entitled, Angel and Chanelle scheduled for release May 31, 2011

Listen to the single “Over and Over”:

Highly Acclaimed and Award winning producers such as Rockwilder, PJ Morton (India Arie), Stan Jones (Marvin Sapp, Brian Courtney Wilson), David Mullen (Nicole C. Mullen), Fred Jerkins & Darkchild (Brandy) and Sure Fire (Ne-Yo) contributed to making an astounding album .

Track Listing:
1. Over And Over (featuring PJ Morton)
2. Heaven Hear My Heart
3. God’s Grace (remix)
4. I Need You Now
5. I Don’t Need A Reason
6. Let It Go
7. Some Kind Of Amazing
8. I Worship Your Name
9. I’m Still Holdin’ On
10. Bring Your Praise
11. Blessing Me
12. Just Remember

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Artist: Donald Lawrence & Co.
Album: YRM Your Righteous Mind
Release Date: May 3rd, 2011
Style: Gospel
Label:Verity Records / Sony Music Ent. / Provident-Integrity

Location: Charlotte, NC/Chicago, IL

About:

Grammy-winning producer, composer and recording artist Donald Lawrence is one of the most influential figures in modern gospel music. After a stint as music director for soul legend Stephanie Mills, Lawrence made a splash in the gospel world by reshaping the regional Tri-City Singers in the 1990s and transforming them into an internationally acclaimed choir. As a producer, Lawrence has collaborated with artists as diverse as Mary J. Blige and jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis, Hezekiah Walker and the legendary Clark Sisters. Now, Lawrence is producing himself again (along with Daniel Weatherspoon) for his sophomore solo CD The Law of Confession Part 1 (Quiet Water/ Zomba Gospel).

Listen to the single below:

Inspired by the forthcoming book “The Law of Confession” by Bill Winston (Lawrence’s pastor at Chicago’s Living Word Christian Center), Lawrence has crafted an epic recording that features a ten-plus member backing ensemble, The Co. (which backed him on his Grammy-nominated 2004 I Speak Life solo CD debut).

The Charlotte native was raised by a church-going aunt in Gastonia where he sang in the Mills Chapel Fire Baptized Holiness Church’s choir. He grew up on the music of gospel icons like Thomas Whitfield. He taught himself to play piano and organ while beginning to write songs at the age of sixteen. He put himself through the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and was staging plays such as “Sing Hallelujah” (which opened at New York’s storied Village Gate) when R&B star Stephanie Mils tapped him as her music director circa 1989. Aside from his duties with Mills, he was a member of an inspirational R&B group, The Company. Their single “Angel” was an R&B hit in 1993, the same year that Lawrence produced the first Tri-City Singers album, From A Songwriter’s Point of View.

Lawrence had been feeding his songs to the Tri-City Singers (comprised of singers from the Carolina cities of Charlotte, Gastonia and Spartanburg) through his pal Richard Odom, who was a member of the choir. The choir’s members enjoyed the songs so much that Lawrence was eventually asked to shepherd the group. Over the next fifteen years, Lawrence guided the choir into superstar status in the gospel world with hits such as “The Best is Yet to Come”, “Encourage Yourself” and “The Blessing of Abraham” which was #1 on the Radio & Records for a then-record breaking 18 weeks in 2005. After a very successful Finale CD/DVD release and farewell concert tour with the Tri-City Singers, Lawrence retired from the group in 2007 to focus on personal and solo pursuits such as hosting Verizon Wireless’ successful “How Sweet the Sound” choir competition in 2008.

Track Listing:

1. YRM (Your Righteous Mind) Featuring Dorinda Clark Cole      
2. Not Making Sense, Making Faith      
3. Spiritual      
4. Through The Fire      
5. Big Dreams, Big Faith      
6. The Grass Withereth Featuring Karen Clark Sheard      
7. We Agree      
8. Assigned      
9. II Chronicles      
10. Walter Hawkins Medley (In Case You Missed It)      
11. The Law Of Confession      
12. The Blessing Is On You

Listen to “YRM Your Righteous Mind” Donald Lawrence feat. Dorinda Clark Cole

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Artist: Tonya Baker
Album: The Live Encounter
Release Date: May 3rd, 2011
Style: Gospel / Praise & Worship
Label: Kingdom Records / Universal Music
Location: Dayton, OH

About:

As a songwriter, Tonya has written songs that have been recorded by such national recording artists as the phenomenal Tonex, and the legendary Helen Baylor with others yet to be released. As a background vocalist, she has traveled with Byron Cage,Percy Bady,and Lisa McClendon among others. She has shared the stage and opened for such artists as Shirley Caesar,CeCe Winans,Fred Hammond,Isreal Houghton,Dorinda Clark-Cole,Mary Mary and Tye Tribbett to name a few.

Listen to “Miracles” below:

As a vocalist, Tonya Baker is a much sought after psalmist who ministers the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ across the country. As President of her own independent production company Bakehouse Music Group, LLC, Tonya has previously released two recordings – “Life in Him” and “Since He Came In”. She has appeared on tapings of The Bobby Jones Show, local broadcasts of TBN, The Gospel SuperFest, The Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship Conference Women’s Choir; numerous gospel music showcases such as The Stellar Awards Music Showcase, I Hear Music in the Air Conference, The Gospel Music Workshop of America and the Gospel Heritage Foundation New Artist Showcase.

Track Listing:

1. I Came To Praise
2. Shine Forth
3. Nothing Compares
4. Nothing Compares (Reprise)
5. Miracles
6. Miracles (Reprise)
7. Let Your Glory Fill This House
8. Let Your Glory Fill This House (Reprise)
9. Bless Your Name (Tonya’s Psalm)
10. This Is How We Love
11. I’ll Sing Forever
12. I’ll Sing Forever (Reprise)
13. Give Thanks
14. I Won’t Forget
15. Shout To God
16. Kingdom Advancement

Watch “Miracles” by Tonya Baker from “The Live Encounter” album:

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Artist: Ricky Dillard & New G
Album: Keep Living
Release Date: April 26th, 2011
Style: Gospel
Label: Intersound / Light Records
Location: Chicago, IL

Reviews:

“Ricky Dillard never let’s me down. It took me a while to listen to the Cd to determine which songs ministered to me and I determined I have found myself playing “Speak A Word” over and over again. I waited for the day to come when this CD came out. I have every CD he has made and each one seems to be as good as the others. Also take note and listen to “He’s been Just That Good” I await the next project! Maybe the best Of Ricky Dillard and the New G” – A. Wise

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“This is a wonderful gospel album. The arrangements are all great and well composed. “Strange” is an awesome track it really takes you from jazz to contemporary gospel. “My Soul Says Yes” is similar to “One More Chance” so be careful when you’re driving. lol! His choir came to my church (Greater Traveler’s Rest B.C.) for a Wednesday night service and sang “Because of the Blood” which is a wonderful song that reminds you why you’re saved and the ultimate price Jesus paid for it. Well, I’m outta here. Enjoy the album. It’ll bless you.” – Joseph B.

“Its refreshing to finally get some good choir music to rotate with the rest of my CD. For the life of me I dont understand why this generation is rejecting what the African American church was founded on, GOOD CHOIR MUSIC! That being said, I love the CD. My top picks are Destined for Greatness, Keep Living, God Is Great, My Soul Says Yes and He Reigns Forever. Again, Ricky and New G never disappoint, and for this good ole choir boy, I beg you to keep producing great albums such as Keep Living! Now where is my choir robe so I can march down the aisle to “He Turned It” this Sunday morning (lol).” - J. Pearson

Track Listing:

1. God Is Great
2. Keep Living
3. Destined For Greatness
4. Speak A Word
5. He Turned It
6. The Sweetest Name
7. He’s Been Just That Good
8. I Am Saved
9. Strange
10. Because Of The Blood
11. My Soul Says Yes
12. He Reigns Forever
13. God Is Great (Radio Version)

Preview Songs:

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Artist: Mandisa
Album: What if We Were Real
Release Date: April 5th, 2011
Style: Contemporary / Pop / Gospel
Label: Sparrow Records
Location: Nashville, TN

Review:

Mandisa continues to be a voice of encouragement and truth to women facing life’s challenges. She returns with her new album What If We Were Real. Featuring the new single “Stronger”, the album’s theme centers around the masks that each of us wear every day. Mandisa shares that her new record is “all about taking the masks off, and really letting the world see that we as Christians, It doesn’t mean we don’t go through difficult times, doesn’t mean that things are always great in our lives. It simply means we have a relationship with the Savior who is able to bring us joy and peace in the middle of our difficult times.”

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The opening songs, “Stronger” and “What If We Were Real” are very upbeat and catchy songs and Mandisa is a surefire GMA Dove Award nominee for female vocalist. I can’t get enough of the worshipful chorus of “Stronger,” “When the waves are taking you under, Hold on just a little bit longer, He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger, The pain ain’t gonna last forever, And things can only get better.” “The Truth About Me” and “Say Goodbye” are both very vulnerable songs about accepting God’s grace and forgiveness in the face of self-doubt.

Perhaps the stand-out moment of this very solid album happens next with the ultra-catchy song, “Good Morning,” which features TobyMac. This is a surefire hit song in any music format. I don’t listen to much R&B-style music, as I’m more of a rock, contemporary and worship music listener, however the beats on this album are so engaging, this album is already in heavy rotation for me. “Good Morning” is so hook-filled and fun, I could literally daily listen to the fun chorus, “It’s a good morning, wake up to a brand new day…You give me the strength that’s just what I need, I can feel the hope that’s rising up in me.” The end of the song is just brilliant with Toby singing, “top of the morning to you, `disa” over the top of Mandisa’s hooky chorus. If you’re looking for a new faith-based work-out song, look no further than this gem.

“Waiting For Tomorrow” is another fun and worshipful song, with Mandisa belting out, “thank You Jesus…I can’t live my whole life wasting the grace that You’ve given, everyday’s a day to start over, why am I waiting for tomorrow?” “Temporary Fills” is another highlight with the dance rock beat, and the inspiring chorus, “No more temporary fills, I want a love that’s real, take everything I have and fill me up inside, I’m done looking for the quick fix, Jesus You are all I need.” That theme continues with the gorgeous closing song, “Lifeline.” The album ends like it starts with another personal declaration and prayer, “You are my lifeline, You are my rescue, The strength in my weakness, the light in my darkness, You are my safety, lifter of my head…You are my lifeline.”

Mandisa is a great role model for girls struggling with identity issues and has a great platform from her success on American Idol and GRAMMY and GMA Dove Award nominations. This album is loaded with positive grace-filled messages of hope from someone who has struggled with the pressures of life and understands that true happiness only comes from her relationship with God. Don’t miss out on one of the most upbeat and fun albums of the year. You’ll won’t be able to help but dance and sing along with the stand-out songs, “Stronger,” “The Truth About Me,” “Waiting For Tomorrow,” “Temporary Fills” and the ultra-catchy, “Good Morning,” which features TobyMac.

Track Listing:

1. Stronger

2. What If We Were Real

3. These Days

4. The Truth About Me

5. Say Goodbye

6. Good Morning (feat. TobyMac)

7. Waiting For Tomorrow

8. Just Cry

9. Temporary Fills

10. Free

11. Lifeline

AVAILABLE NOW!

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Artist: David Phelps
Album: The Best Of David Phelps
Release Date: March 22nd, 2011
Style: Pop / Gospel / Southern
Label: Gaither Studios / EMI CMG
Location: Nashville, TN

About:

David Phelps is among the most extraordinary tenors alive and has wowed audiences all over the world since joining the Gaither Vocal Band in 1997. But David is more than just a voice… he is a devoted husband and father of four, an inventive artist, a friend, a craftsman, and much more. The Best of David Phelps brings together David’s most awe-inspiring moments from the Gaither Homecoming stage.

Watch DVD Preview below:

Track Listing:
1. I’ll Fly Away
2. God Is Good All The Time
3. At The Cross
4. End Of The Beginning
5. Searchin’
6. Nessun Dorma
7. Let Freedom Ring
8. My Child Is Coming Home
9. Hide Thou Me
10. It Is Well With My Soul
11. Let The Glory Come Down
12. O Holy Night
13. Clean
14. These Are They
15. I Love The Lord
16. Jesus Saves
17. When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
18. No More Night
19. His Eye Is On The Sparrow (Bonus Song)

Watch “The Best Of David Phelps” DVD Preview:

PRE-ORDER:

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