If you need encouragement this week, look for gospel artist Darlene McCoy’s self-titled album. The 2007 release didn’t get the attention it deserves, as it is definitely a gem worth purchasing. Darlene says on her website that her ministry “focuses on bridging the gaps of cultures, religions and society by offering a sound that is relative to every listener“. She does just that with such tracks as I Believe, If There Were No You and I Adore You, which you can hear this week in the Monday Mix player. Visit Darlene’s website to read more about her and preview her music.
Gospel
Darlene McCoy
May 27th, 2010
No Comments »Sunday Best Season 3
May 20th, 2010 No Comments »
As you know, Season 3 of Sunday Best has started. Well, the competition is stiff and only seven contestants remain. This Sunday’s episode should be exciting, as the contestants will likely sing longer selections and Chrisette Michele will be a guest. You can visit the website to read more about the show and catch up on the first few episodes.
Who do you think will win?
Just Jesus by The Boys Choir of Tallahassee
March 17th, 2010 No Comments »
The Boys Choir of Tallahassee, directed by Earle Lee Jr., is a community based outreach program for males ages eight to eighteen and enrolled in Tallahassee area schools. It has a mission of academic excellence, character building and the attainment of life skills. The choir has traveled all over the country and has delivered several noteworthy performances, including their participation in the inaguration ceremonies for President Barack Obama.
Just Jesus is a 2006 live recording that was hosted by Bobby Jones. To say that I like this album might be an understatement. Every morning on my way to work, I listened to the radio with the hope that my favorite song from the choir, This Is My Prayer, would be played. I stayed tuned to the radio because I couldn’t find the song anywhere, as the choir had not released it on cd. Well, as I listened to the radio during one of my usual drives to the office, I heard the dj say “Today we have the director of the Boys Choir of Tallahassee, which just released a new album featuring the popular song This Is My Prayer”. I smiled all the way to the office and as soon as I reached my desk, I called the radio station.
Here’s the conversation:
Radio dj – Good morning and thanks for calling.
Mimi – Good morning, can you tell me where I can purchase the Boys Choir of Tallahassee album?
Radio dj – You’re in luck. You can get it here at the radio station for free.
Mimi – Really? When can I come and pick it up?
Radio dj – Right now, but there’s one catch.
Mimi – What kind of catch?
Radio dj – You have to sing for it.
Needless to say, I wanted the album. And, five minutes after I sang on the radio for it, a friend called to say that she heard me and that I shouldn’t quit my day job for a singing career. Although I still get teased about that embarrassing moment, I play the album often, so often that as I listened to it this morning, I had to mention it to you.
Just Jesus may be hard to find locally but as soon as I find out where you can purchase it online, I’ll let you all know. In the meantime, you can hear two songs from the album below. I guarantee you their version of This Is My Prayer (which you can also hear on the January 11th Monday Mix) is much better than mine.
His Eye Is On The Sparrow
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
This Is My Prayer
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Catching Up With William Soul
February 15th, 2010 7 Comments »
As you know, I recently posted a discussion about whether we really need to use genres to describe music. Well, this week I’m excited to introduce you to Baltimore, Maryland artist William Soul, whose music is a perfect example of how to dispel the myth that genres are necessary. As you listen to his songs, you’ll notice that his sound cannot be put into just one category. His voice has been compared to soul singer Curtis Mayfield while his arrangements have rock, reggae and blues influences. And, if that isn’t enough to spark your interest, William manages to combine all these styles with lyrics that present the good news of the Lord.
William’s biography says that he has picked up the torch left by others to spread love and righteousness in the world. He recently performed with the Baltimore for Yele fundraiser, which raised over $50,000 to support Haiti relief efforts. He also performed at a fundraiser for the Tanzanian Orphans Project, which supports Tanzanian children whose lives have been decimated by AIDS.
William kindly made time to answer a few questions about his music. Here’s our conversation.
Mimi: What would you say inspires your music?
William: My sound is inspired by African influenced music, which started in Africa and was reproduced in the United States. That includes African American spirituals and African American music of all genres including rock and rhythm and blues. My lyrics are always influenced by spiritually uplifting music, spiritual people and thoughts of justice and equality.
Mimi: Your biography says that you’re emboldened by the gospel of Christ. When did you know that you wanted to make music that shares the good news?
William: That’s a great question. I don’t think you can separate my knowledge of wanting to and my knowledge of Him. It’s a walk and I think that part of my gift is not just playing music and performing but it’s listening. Though I’m not a perfect person, He has always guided my steps. For example, I remember while I was in college, I wrote a song about a girl that I fell in love with. It wasn’t designed to be a sensual song but the rhythm and the melody were so sensual that it attracted the wrong type of attention. After a couple times, I pulled the song because I didn’t want people to get lost in the melody or lost in the wrong thought of what I was trying to do with my music. I wanted people to know that my music stands for something. It’s about uplifting people and it’s about struggle and victory. So, it can’t be separated. It’s just who I am and I could never depart from that.
Mimi: How did you decide to not limit yourself to just one style of music?
William: I grew up on soul music but when I started to play the guitar, Bob Marley was a big influence on me. I listened to Bob Marley and I realized that the chords that he was using were really not that complex. So, that’s how I started and alot of my music had a heavy reggae influence. But, I would always incorporate other genres and the music is kinda an extension of me. I’m a very different person so I don’t want to produce the same type of sound. Gospel is the good news; it’s not a sound. It’s the word; it’s not an organ and a church choir. So, for me, the more varying sounds I use, the more audiences I can draw. I don’t ever want to be a stagnant artist who just does one particular type of music. I’ve never been afraid from that standpoint because everything that has been given to me is from the Lord.
Catching Up With Bryan Wilson
February 12th, 2010 2 Comments »
I’m very happy to share my recent interview with gospel artist Bryan Wilson. If any of you are wondering who Bryan Wilson is, I could tell you that he’s a Dove award and Stellar award nominee. I could add that he majored in religion and philosophy at Claflin University and graduated with honors. I could even add that he pursued a Master’s degree at Princeton University Theological Seminary after that. But, to adequately tell you what I know about Bryan Wilson, I’d have to say that perhaps the best detail about this young man is that he truly loves God. He is a licensed and ordained minister and is currently a praise and worship leader at Evangel Cathedral in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Some of you may remember Bryan as the youngster who sang His Eye Is on the Sparrow with the Mississippi Children’s Choir in 1994. His musical roots stem from his childhood experiences, which involve many church services from denominations that include Baptist, Apostolic and Church of God in Christ to name a few. This diverse background led to his creation of the term Bapolstogic, which is a combination of these three influences that he plans to infuse into his music.
After a break from music, Bryan has returned to the studio. He invited me to attend a church service earlier this month and after hearing only a few words from him, I knew that I would have to take special care with the introduction of this interview. Bryan is one of the sincerest people I have ever met. As I watched strangers and friends greet him after the service, I noticed that he spoke to each person as though he had known them for years. His messages offer a relatable perspective and that is definitely what drew me to his music, especially his most recent album A Second Coming, which he released in 2008.
Bryan and I chatted about his album, his experiences as an independent artist and his upcoming plans. Here’s our conversation.
Mimi Soul: What are some of your musical influences?
Bryan: First, I would have to say my family. My grandfather Tommy Davis actually helped the great B.B. King. They would sing together and he had an awesome range. My mother Sheila Wilson picked up that legacy. So, my family was the influence that first told me about singing flats and sharps. They used to say “Get on key! Open your mouth.” and that sort of thing. The Clark Sisters, Pace Sisters and James Moore also influenced me.
Mimi Soul: What are some of the ways that your music reflects your ministry?
Bryan: There are definitely different styles within my music. Some tracks have a jazzy feel, some have a churchy feel and some are praise and worship. I think that’s a reflection of who I am and how the Lord uses me. I grew up in church. Sunday morning we were at a Baptist church, Tuesday we were at Church of God in Christ, Saturday the Seventh Day Holiness Church and Apostolic on Sunday night. So, from those denominations, I’ve developed an understanding of different styles of worship. It reflects in my ministry because I think I’m able to relate to different demographics within the church body.
Mimi Soul: What are some of the ways you’ve grown as an artist?
Bryan: I get to take a little more charge of what I sing, which is very important. And I get to put myself in it. I think a lot of times we can get to the point where if there’s a particular sound out, then that’s the sound that everyone wants to go for. You lose yourself and your identity in that. As I grew up and matured, I developed a greater love for it, including the behind the scenes stuff and the musicality of it. I believe the way that I’ve grown is visible.
In His Name (Live at Wildwood) by Chosen Generation
February 3rd, 2010 No Comments »
Tallahassee, Florida gospel group Chosen Generation released their album In His Name – Live at Wildwood in 2005. I actually attended the album recording and remember having a wonderful time. I like Chosen Generation’s music because it seems to have influences of both traditional and contemporary praise styles. That helps them appeal to a variety of audiences, as the congregation was filled with both young and older believers. You’ll notice the energy of this 12-member group as soon as you listen to the first track. You can check out three of my favorites from the album (Clean Heart, Nothing and Thank You) below and purchase In His Name (Live at Wildwood) at CD Baby.
Clean Heart
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Nothing
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Thank You
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Champion by Jor’Dan Armstrong
December 30th, 2009 No Comments »
Last week I got a suggestion to check out young gospel artist Jor’Dan Armstrong. I was so impressed with the work from this Louisiana native that I’m choosing Jor’Dan’s new album, Champion, for your listening pleasure this week. At 23 years old, Jor’Dan sings about his relationship with God in a way that’s relatable to both young and older believers. From start to finish, you’ll hear the sound of someone who truly loves God. I’m hooked on several of the tracks from the album, including Where You Are, Take It Away and Just for Me. It’s always wonderful to see young people making positive and inspirational music so I urge you to stop by Jor’Dan’s website to listen to Champion. If you like it, and I’m sure you will, you can purchase the album from iTunes.
Kenny DeShields – You Changed Me (Saul’s Song)
December 9th, 2009 No Comments »Kenny DeShields has just released another single entitled You Changed Me (Saul’s Song). As soon as I heard it, I was even more excited about his upcoming album, Mosaic. As we wait for the new album, let’s support him by visiting his website to hear You Changed Me.
Church Girl by Onitsha
December 9th, 2009 No Comments »
Gospel artist Onitsha released her debut album, Church Girl in 2007. I really like this album because it has the feel of listening to someone who truly wants to bring you good news. For instance, in the track Gotta Believe Me, Onitsha says “…wondering what you’re gonna do; having some doubts, this joint’s for you. Believe that I know what I’m talking about. You gotta believe me. You gotta believe me.” My favorites on the album are This One, Come On and God Is On Your Side. Here’s a video of her singing This One. You can visit her link at Hidden Beach to preview the rest of Church Girl and you can purchase the album from Amazon or iTunes.
New Video from Kenny DeShields
November 16th, 2009 3 Comments »Hey eveyone, I have great news! Kenny DeShields has released the first video from his upcoming album Mosaic. The song is called Gotta Be Me and I simply can’t stop listening to it.
