Sunday, April 30, 2006

Tony Terry: Kodak Moment



There are some artists that seriously need no introduction at all. Their music speaks for themselves. Anyone that had an ear for good R&B during the early 90s can easily recall the prized favorites of that time. Artists like PM Dawn, Al B Sure, Johnny Gill, Mary J. Blige, SWV, Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men, TLC and Envouge may come to mind. But did you forget to think of Tony Terry; the radiant and charming voice of young love whom stormed the airwaves with hits like "With You" and "Lovey Dovey". Of course you didn't. And also, he doesn't need an intro either.

But let it go on record that while his resume' has grown since then, you may want to rejoice over his most recent run-in with gospel music on his latest project, "Changed!". While Terry has mentioned he is not forsaking his musical career in R&B, he wanted to express his faith on record and render to the masses a project reflecting his gratitude to God for His many blessings.

In a recent interview on Miss Jones in the Morning (HOT 97, NEW YORK) Terry told listeners, “I am grateful to God for all I’ve been able to achieve, but I’m not finished yet!”

Inside his latest project is a nice photo spread, using impressive lighting and a very sensual side of the R&B crooner. We felt led to share those images with you...definitely proving that homeboy still has the looks. And after a good listen of the album, he also proves he has those incredible vocals as well.








[TERRY SPOTLIGHTS]
Tony Terry Official Website
Buy "Changed!" for $12.99 (Super Duper Club)

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Jerry Mannery Steps Down

Malaco Records is going through major changes. This week, it was announced that Jerry Mannery, longtime Executive Director of the Gospel Division at the Malaco Music Group, will be stepping down from his longtime position and will be working with OwenMorris Communications, based in Chicago, as Client Service Director and Entertainment Marketing Director. As for the Malaco void, D.A. Johnson was promoted to the vacancy and will oversee the gospel divisions of Malaco Records which include: Savoy Records, Malaco Records, Muscle Shoals Gospel Records, and Atlanta International Records. Mannery was instrumental in helping to start the Mississippi Mass Choir with the late Frank Williams and for many years remained their Executive Director. He also was responsible for the new birth of gospel music from 1989-1995 which placed Malaco Records on the map; dominating Billboard and Cashbox charts with successful releases from the Mississippi Mass Choir, LaShun Pace, Rev. Clay Evans, Ricky Dillard & the New Generation Chorale, Dorothy Norwood and Rev. James Moore.

They usually say change is good...we hope that this is for the best. We wish Jerry Mannery much success as he moves on with his career and pray God's Blessings upon Malaco Records during this mode of important transition.


[MORE ON MANNERY AND MALACO]
DA Johnson Appointed Executive Director (Gospelcity.com)
Malaco Music Group (Official Website)

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

[ph blogcast] Limited Time Only!



Ready. Set. Click. Download.
In just seven days the new PRAYZEHYMN Blogcast will be temporarily removed. And only 25 PRAYZEHYMN-fanatics can download the exclusive file. So check it out.

This time around, we heat things up with 30-minutes of glorious running time - covering various topics and neat conversational pieces related to gospel music - our "You've Got Mail!" addition - 2 neat songs - addressing da "haterade" and a whole lotta' more. Download your version on your computer, mp3 player or ipod today. Just make sure you are using a hi-speed connection. The file is pretty large.

Oh, and there's much more to come.

[DOWNLOAD & LISTEN]
PRAYZEHYMN Blogcast
(Apr. 18)
-temporarily down-

Monday, April 17, 2006

Preaching Out Of Season

Um, not sure if you got a hold of this sound clip, but this one is worth hearing. To some, this is not worth hearing it. It all depends on if you can take it. My commentary on this: Everyone ain't called to preach. This sound clip literally proves that.

Hope you enjoy. Just one piece of advice: If you are at work, please wear earphones for this one. We don't want sensational laughter to invade the workplace and to get the supervisor's attention.

[DOWNLOAD & LISTEN]

Friday, April 07, 2006

Dr. Charles Fold Passes




During the time period of 1968-1974, Rev. James Cleveland began to perfect his style and craft; reshaping the models of traditional gospel music as it relates to choirs. He had an inner lust for perfected harmonies and desired to instill that on his recordings - predominately used in a live recording setting. He hit it big with the Angelic Choir of Nutley, a church choir based in New Jersey, during this time period and began to search for other choirs to release his newfound, effective formula with. In 1975, Cleveland decided to record with a new group based in Cincinnati, Ohio called the Charles Fold Singers and history was made as the album, "Jesus Is The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me", went gold the following year and the title cut, a rendition of the Gladys Knight hit, was nominated for a Grammy. He later reduplicated that success with "Touch Me" in 1976 which featured the hits "May The Lord God Bless You Real Good", "Say You Love Me" and the title cut.

Fold became instrumental for helping to develop the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA); serving as active president over the GMWA Chapter Representatives. He, along with the Charles Fold Singers, went on to record over twelve albums and won a Grammy in 1981. He was best known for his powerful vocal abilities, directing skills, and for accompanying many artists during the 1970s and 80s on piano. He passed away Friday, April 7, 2006, after "a period of failing health" (quote taken from Gospelflava.com). He will be missed and will be celebrated for his active ministry and contributions towards the gospel music industry.

Funeral and tribute arrangements are as follows:


Friday, April 21, 2006

Visitation:
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church
9991 Wayne Avenue
Lincoln Heights (Cincinnati), OH 45215
(513) 772-5422

Musical:
7 p.m.
Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church

Saturday, April 22, 2006
Calling:
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Service:
10 a.m.
Crossroad Community Church
3500 Madison Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45209
(513) 731-7400


The photo below was scanned from the photo spread on the James Cleveland and the Charles Fold Singers Volume 2- Recorded Live "Touch Me" album.


[FOLD DEPARTS]

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Bright Road and Career For Mandisa



What do we know about Mandisa Hundley, now that she reach the Top 10 this season on reality-TV show hit American Idol and shockingly departed the competition with the lowest amount of votes this Wednesday (April 5)?

Well, we know that the Antioch, TN native was rated by all three of the judges (Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson) to be a sure favorite and final contender towards the end of the competition. We know that she has the belting voice of angels and has proven so on her renditions of Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman", Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" and "Cry". She even did the unthinkable in performing "Shackles (Wanna Praise You)", a familar gospel selection from the archives of Mary Mary. It was a public display of her faith and allowed the world to see Jesus Christ on a pop stage. How incredible was that. Her voice is a silky powerhouse vocal that easily conjures comparisons to incredible giants such as the legendary Chaka Khan and gospel/R&B/disco diva Loletta Holloway. But her voice was one of a kind, unlike any of the American Idol finalists, in this season's edition of American Idol. She will surely be missed on the AI screen from this day forward, but we are sure that "a bright road and career" awaits her. Whether she does gospel or R&B or even a pop-flavored record, we are sure her vocals will not be watered down and are sure that good music will come from her future footsteps.

If anyone in Memphis or Nashville knows how to get in touch with her, let a brotha know. I've been a big MANDIVA fan and still am. We know that contracts will be coming her way.

While the show moves on, R&B influenced Elliot Yamin and the soulful Paris Bennett, whom has been compared to previous AI winner Fantasia Barrino, are still hopefuls to funkier ratings for FOX's big show. Ace Young, whom I cited as one of my favorites, is slowly taking a dive into the bottom due to his unenergetic performances and lifeless song choice. Maybe he will improve. But it is probably very evident that Chris Daughtery will easily sail to the top and win this year.

In the meantime: Keep your eyes out for Mandisa. She's blessed.

[MAN-DIVA-LICIOUS]
American Idol: Mandisa Page
Mandisa Makes Her Faith Known (Christian Examiner)
Mandisa Fan Club (Yahoo! Group)
[Previously on the PRAYZE Report]
Off The Subject: Idol Chatter

Monday, April 03, 2006

NuthinbutMOREgospel



Seems like the webmaster at Nuthinbutgospel.com decided to take things up a notch. The site now features new extensions and more appealing graphics for the eyes. It almost feels like there is hours of content to look at. For years, besides the reposted press kit bios from the music labels, the format at Nuthinbutgospel.com mostly surrounded RealAudio from mainstream and independent artists, album reviews from the NBG gang and an extensive album releases page which also features album covers and release dates. Now, the site boasts more content and cool pages to view including the irresistible blog page (which looks complicated compared to most blogger's layouts) and the much-more-personal Outro Page. Regardless of where you go on the site, you are sure to find good gospel and good coverage. Nuthinbutgospel.com continues to be one of the most popular websites for traditional and contemporary gospel music, and remains one of our favorites. You can also spot NBG at MySpace.com; joining the hundreds of gospel groupies and hippies already hooked to the new interactivity community.

5 THINGS WE LIKE ABOUT NUTHINBUTGOSPEL:
1. The latest indies are covered.

2. Almost two songs from each album can be heard in the Music Center.
3. Webmaster reviews have improved with more truth and less "butt-kissing".
4. Layouts and color schemes are graphically impressive.
5. Tries to be original and authentic with new changes each month.

5 THINGS WE DON'T LIKE ABOUT NUTHINBUTGOSPEL:
1. Choice of songs sometimes don't reflect the best of the artist in the Music Room.
2. Death threats we get each month about stealing their graphics. Yeesh!
3. What happened to the rare Ol' Skool throwbacks?
4. The webmaster reviews may have gotten better, but some of those guest reviewers think each album is 'perfect'. What's up with that?
5. The Top 20 hot gospel singles are not all singles...more like personal album favorites. And they are not always hot. Ouch!

[NUTHIN' BUT MORE TO READ]
Nuthinbutgospel.com (Official Website)
Interview with Louis Williams (prayzehymnonline.com)