Saturday, October 18, 2008

Gospel Jazz Podcast

I just wanted to let you know about another podcast for Gospel Lovers around the world. This one is called Gospel Jazz Podcast, and the website is http://gospeljazzsite.com. The creator, Norvell A. Molex Jr., created the podcast in November 2005, and it presents gospel music as played by jazz artists, both Christian and secular. It's a very nice way to experience smooth grooves of familiar hymns as well as new songs by up and coming artists. Enjoy!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Something Old, Something New

Good evening, everyone!

I just went to the "How Sweet the Sound" gospel choir competition in Oakland this past week, and saw some of the best choirs in the SF/Oakland/San Jose Bay Area. Too bad there weren't more choirs to listen to, but when you get a chance to hear Marvin Sapp, Hezekiah Walker & Donald Lawrence singing some of their best songs, you don't complain too much! I hope they telecast the finale in Atlanta next month - go Jubilee!!

In the meantime, I'm posting two songs tonight. One is "I Never Lost My Praise" by Tramaine Hawkins. Our Celebration Choir at our church sung this one this weekend, and it was a blessing!!!


The other is an old favorite, "Call Him Up". This is the original by Keith Pringle and Pentecostal CC. I'm assuming that means Church Choir [or maybe Celebration Choir?]. Hope these make you want to get your praise on!



NOTE:These are recordings of the songs, not live performances. But the message is what counts - right?

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Gospel Urban Soul Podcast

Good evening, everyone!

One thing that I enjoy doing is finding podcasts and websites that let me listen to good gospel music online or on my iPod when I'm out and about! I'll be sharing podcasts that feature good grooves with a message.

The first Gospel podcast I came across on Apple's iTunes is Gospel Urban Soul. It's hosted by Herman "Kodah" Albany outta Jacksonville, Florida and has been running since 2007. Here's a little bit on the mission of the podcast:

"The Gospel Music Network plays blazin' hot music from God's gifted and talented recording artists spreading the good news. God's word will nourish your spirit and the music inspired by God will satisfy your soul. You will surely be entertained, encouraged and uplifted. Get ready to experience the next movement in gospel music!"

As I'm typing this, I'm listening to the latest podcast with the theme "Who You Are In Christ". One thing I love about GUS is that the emphasis is on giving exposure to independent Gospel artists that might not have the big recording contract but are passionate about their faith and sharing it with a nice groove behind it. If you download the podcast directly from his website [http://gospelurbansoul.mypodcast.com/], Herman also has a scripture reference for each song he plays. VERY nice!!

So if you want to get your sanctified groove on, go to Gospel Urban Soul and download some good music for your soul. Peace!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Vickie Winans - More Than Enough

This artist is one of the most innovative, risk-taking yet genuine music ministers in the Gospel music industry. Vickie Winans has been in the ministry for many years now, but this clip is one of her classics. From 1998's Live in Detroit concert, here's Vickie at her best with "More Than Enough".


Now I hear that she's learning how to play piano...check this out...

Friday, September 19, 2008

Change in Format

Hi there!

I'm really starting to enjoy bringing folks up to date with some artists that I've enjoyed over the years. I've noticed that it seems that most of the artists I've featured here are in the genre of Gospel music. Taking note of that, plus the fact that I'm involved in the music ministry at my church [Hello, ALCFers!], I've decided to make the focus of this blog more geared towards showcasing all kinds of Gospel music.

Most people associate Gospel music with large choirs with a soloist singing their hearts out. While that's one type of Gospel music, there are others available. Did you know there was a style called holy hip-hop? How about gospel jazz?? And there's both traditional and contemporary Gospel, also. There's even Gospel house music!

All of these styles are different, but they carry the same message of the "good news". I hope that you'll enjoy learning about these artists & styles of music as much as I do. God bless!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Welcome Back, Monique Walker!

It was a few months back when I read with sadness about the divorce of one of gospel music's first couples, Hezekiah & Monique Walker. Since then it seemed that Monique had dropped from sight, with only the memory of songs like "Second Chance" and "Let The Glory" to keep her in my thoughts & prayers.

But it was with great excitement that I found out that she's produced a new album called My Genesisthat was released in July. Here's a video of her new single "Crazy Praise". Praise God that this wonderful voice is back. Welcome back, Monique!

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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

One More Chance = WOW!

My husband & I were watching a program last month that featured gospel music videos. All of a sudden this group came on and literally took over the show! The group is Ricky Dillard and New Generation, and they've been singing and ministering in Chicago for many years. This particular song is called "One More Chance", and it's on the 7th Episode: Live in Torontoproject. If you just see the video & listen to the singer giving a mini-sermon, you might think you've been at church! Enjoy!


Monday, August 11, 2008

Nicole C Mullen - Redeemer

One of my favorite songs. Enjoy!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Men of Abundance - Abundant Praise!

I just had to put another quick post up on another CD I have. The CD is No Ordinary Man by Men of Abundance. It came out in 2004, but the songs have a contemporary beat to them that would be nice to listen to on a morning or afternoon commute. From the upbeat title song and "Walk By Faith" to the more mellow sounds of "Thank You" and "Heaven" [which are also featured as instrumental tracks], there will be something for everyone on this CD. Take a listen-you won't be sorry.

For Fans of World Music....this is Omega!

Good afternoon, all. I just came across this outstanding world music artist hailing from the country of Uganda. Her name is Omega Bugembe Okello, and she just released a new CD called Kiwomera Emmeeme. She wrote around 8 of the songs herself, and sings most of them in her native language of Luganda, but there are a couple of songs in English. She was part of the African Children's Choir when she was younger, and that has helped shape her style today. If you like world music with a touch of gospel, jazz & R&B, check this CD out.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Go Ahead...Chill Out!

Good evening! Right now I'm getting ready for the work week to come [and not feeling too thrilled about it], and I'm planning out what I'm going to be doing tomorrow. I'm a little stressed out, so I'm doing what I do a lot on Sunday evenings - listening to what's called chill out music on the Chill Out Lounge on iTunes radio. The music itself is a combination of musical loops & synthesizer music that's played at a slower tempo than most electronic music. It lends itself to simply kicking back with a nice glass of wine, a significant other [if you have one, that is], and just relax and let the music take you away. It's similar in some ways to ambient music, but with a more R&B/jazz groove to it. It's used in clubs to let the party crowd cool off after grooving on the dance floor for a while. Some artists to check out would include Groove Armada [the first ones I listened to], Thievery Corporation and Banco de Gaia. Now I'm off to relax with DJ Gregory. Groove on!

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Welcome to the Groove!

Welcome to Groove to This!

This is the spot where we'll be talking about various artists from different genres of music. You'll hear about everything from smooth jazz to downtempo jams, with a bit of rock, new wave and Gospel thrown in for good measure. I enjoy all kinds of music, and I want to introduce you to some of it. In other words - expect the unexpected!