Sunday Best Live Auditions

Hello again! I just came across this information for the live auditions for the BET show "Sunday Best", and I had to share them with you in case you'd like to audition to be a part of this show. This is the second season, and if you missed it then you DON'T want to miss it this year. I'll have some posts on last year's winner Crystal Aiken and the runner up Sherri Addison later this week. For now, here's the audition information.

Live auditions for season two of "Sunday Best" begin in January '09. They're open for one and all. So, if you have the chops to sing with the angels, prove it!

Find your way to one of the locations below to audition for the show.

Jan 10, Atlanta
Georgia World Congress Cntr.
285 Andrew Young International Blvd., NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30313-1591
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jan 25, Chicago
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
2233 South Martin L. King Drive,
Chicago, Illinois, USA 60616-9985
7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Jan 31, Washington, D.C.
BET Studio 2
1235 W. St. NE
Washington, D.C. 20018-1211
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more info, call the "Sunday Best" hotline at: 1-866-405-BEST (2378).

You could be the Sunday Best. Good luck!

Just a quick note: Last year they had auditions in Los Angeles and Dallas, but this year they're just doing three cities. I hope that doesn't leave anyone with a true desire to be part of the show with no way to audition.

Vanessa Bell Armstrong & Friends

Good morning, everyone! Just a quick video to share with you from Vanessa Bell Armstrong, with a little bit of help from Vickie Winans & Twinkie Clark. It's her song "Never Alone" from her live album "Desire of My Heart". It's from a recording back in 1998 at the Spring Conference of the Great Lakes Jurisdiction of Michigan, Church of God in Christ. A lot of the best traditional Gospel artists seem to come from this Christian denomination.


Have a blessed day!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2009, everyone! It's been a little while since my last update. There's been a few things happening on the health front, but God has seen fit to let me see another year, and for that I'm thankful. It's the same for everyone, no matter what situation you're in - if you made it to January 2009, God's given you another chance, and for that we can give Him thanks!

With that in mind, I'm sharing a video from my archives, "Another Chance" by the Dallas-Fort Worth Mass Choir, featuring the song writer - a VERY young Kirk Franklin. Enjoy, and I'll see you with another video [or two] tomorrow. - JC

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!

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?

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!

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...