Thursday, February 22, 2007

Am I Ashamed...



The Tyra Banks Show is a fierce, edgy talk show that targets young women and those looking for beauty tips and success strategies from the bona-fide diva of runway. It shouldn't be a question of doubt in observing Tyra Banks' acclaim to fame and how she is proclaiming her place in this world. But every now and then, Banks calms down her talk show with serious issues and topics that affect us all. Yes, she has her Oprah moments - you can tell she has been really influenced by the real Queen of Talk.

But today, she opened the door for another conversation piece. Everyone is talking about the Thursday, February 22th episode, "Promiscuous Girls". The topic is racy enough, but hearing the guests proclaim their personal passion for sex and to flaunt their obsession across television like they did is a different story. It even set the show's host on edge.

But Tyra brings her personal life coach, renowned teleevangelist Co-Pastor Paula White, on board to also investigate and dissect the guests' issues and problems. Only problem here is it was almost if we were looking at another person. No mention of Jesus Christ, God, El Shaddai, Jehovah, Holy Spirit, the Word or anything associated with deliverance was brought up. You only wonder if we just put on an act in front of church-bound people, then get up in front of a different and larger audience to proclaim that we must find our "inner spirit". White mentioned her victory over sexual abuse as a child, the fear of failure and the loss of her father from committing suicide, but she never brought up her relationship to Christ - the very things she gladly pronounce in her pulpit or on her own show. Feels like even the biggest teleevangelists in the country, the ones we pay Sunday after Sunday, just may be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Still we do see the good of the show...the girls really needed help. Maybe Paula White may give them all a free book for a love gift of fifty dollars. But all is not lost. On Tyra Banks' message board, the responses ring with praise and adoration for Paula White's advice. Good going there.

[TAKE THAT TO THE BANKS]
Tyra Show
(Official Website)
Paula White (Official Website)

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Sisters In The Spirit Cancelled



After generating a big buzz on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) with a mega-concert featuring their headlining artists, the Sisters In The Spirit looked like it was going to be a major success. No word on why, but it seems that the ALW Entertainment’s Sisters In The Spirit tour has been cancelled. The only real reasons behind the shutdown of this R&B/CCM/gospel tour is there was a lack of sales (posted on GospelCity.com). For Birmingham's date, we felt that it was a bigger problem brewing behind the scenes since the original Birmingham date was moved a week after. No word hit the press as to why the date was changed, but it was evident that there was some turbulence on board. Come to find out: the sales of the concerts weren’t moving swiftly enough. Part of the problem may have been on the tardiness of getting the word out into the community. You got to get on the radio faster than that. Plus, even though there a number of big names on the bill and major drawing cards (Angie Stone, Shirley Caesar, Kelly Price, Dorinda Clark-Cole), you got to remember everyone isn’t a fan of every artist. And with artists coming from all kinds of directions, you would think that their respected fans would have supported them on this tour. Unfortunately, dates in Atlanta, New York City, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, D.C. and across the globe have been yanked from under their fans’ feet. Ticket-holders who paid by check or cash must return the tickets to the building of purchase to receive their refund. Those who paid by credit card will receive an automatic refund. At this present moment, ALW Entertainment has not released a press release regarding the matter nor have they updated their website about the tour cancellation.

[GET IN THE SPIRIT]
ALW Entertainment

Monday, February 12, 2007

Proper Grammer

The 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards proved to be something else. It’s one of those shows you just have to watch to get all of your tastebuds worked. There’s a little bit for everybody presented. This year, there was a lack of gospel artists...a humongous lack...but all of the soul and glorious belting from R&B’s finest during some amazing performances made it possible for those who were looking for the presence of a more sanctified, churchy image.

The talk of the town circulated The Police - which also featured renowned lead vocalist Sting. The group opened up the show with their stunning reggae-influenced “Roxanne” from 1978. Jamie Foxx then approaches the stage, attempting to pull off his comedic skills. Instead, it seemed as if the brother seemed distress for himself or black people. Thank God he’s not our Dr. King.

Beyonce Knowles delivered a moving performance of “Listen”; her original piece taken from the “Dreamgirls Motion Picture Soundtrack”. With big strings and a horn section, the song felt very glossy and over-the-top. Still, Knowles delivered the goods and showcased her amazing arsenal of vocal aerobics.

Mary J. Blige was one of the first stars to win a trophy; taken home three Awards in all. But no moment was as moving and magical than her first one - as she delivered a moving acceptance speech and a list of names showcasing the girl can speed-read like crazy. The names was so long and went so quick that the audience leaped on their feet towards the end. Years for not being recognized for her musical worth may have been the leaping factor for this particular moment in GRAMMY history, but it’s one that proves that the last shall become first.

John Legend graced the stage with a performance of “I’ll Be Coming Home” while fresh newcomer Corinne Bailey Rae (from Britain) and John Mayer each sung a selection from their new albums. The songs were pieced together perfectly by moving lighting sequences and mood changes. The medley concluded with Mayer’s soulful “Gravity” from the Continuum album. He easily channeled the spirit of Al Green through his music with a relaxed pop posture. All three artists proved love songs still exist. And they also remained on the stage together to sing on each other song - making a musical marriage of smooth R&B music that deeply penetrates the soul.

Mary J. Blige also sung her 1996 anthem “Be Without You” with a classical opener and speaking a piece of her testimony of love and triumph. Beautiful lighting of blue and white lights, along with her gorgeous dress, made her performance even more magical. And she held one particular note and belted it with so much soul on the attached song of "Stay With Me Baby" that would make you wonder if she’s the next Aretha Franklin.

Luadcris took home the Rap Album of the Year, but he may have taken home something else. More bad blood with Oprah Winfrey. He gave a shout-out of thanks to her in his acceptance speech - sending a lot of his fans into a jubilant, yet surprised response. Of course, the controversy still looms in the air for these two. But we respect Oprah for her position and understand that there’s just too much P-poppin’ in Hip-hop music and is affecting a good part of our culture. But enough of the commentary...

Smokey Robinson, Lionel Richie and Chris Brown delivered their tribute to R&B - each delivering a performance of one of their classics. Robinson, looking stiff yet still sounding good with his falsetto and a touch of vibrato, sung “Tracks Of My Tears”. Lionel Richie sung a serenading “Hello” in all black and at a baby grand piano in the middle of the audience floor. After his performance, attention then focused on Chris Brown with his ode to “Stomp The Yard” using fraternity stepping and breaking into his chart-breaking “Run It” - of course - lip synching and continuing to show us that he’s probably a better dancer than a singer. After this medley (which viewers thought was over after seeing all three gentlemen hug each other), a large picture of the late James Brown flies upon the background monitor and Christina Aguilera approaches the microphone wearing all white with her rendition of "It’s A Man’s, Man’s World”. The spirit of the Godfather of Soul emerged from Aguilera as she belted the song to perfection. Probably the greatest tribute to this legend to date.

Another tearful moment came when the screen fluttered with the images of music’s legends that have recently passed away. In the number was Gerald Levert, Arif Mardin, Billy Preston, Ruth Brown and closing the PowerPoint presentation was James Brown. As the film broke into a rare performance of “Night Train” from the 1960s, Chris Brown walked across the stage and danced alongside Brown. Reminding viewers of the Nat King Cole/Natalie Cole performance of “Unforgettable”. The audience then applauded - but the tribute was not over. A member of Brown’s band walked on the stage as Chris Brown departed with a glittered-up cape, usually used in Brown’s shows, and he then placed the cape upon the microphone stand. This indeed reminded us once again that James Brown’s last performance and appearance in spirit had already took place.

The big winners of the night was the Dixie Chicks - whom are very well known for their opinionated remarks towards politics and President Bush. The victory should sent an alarm to the White House that even the music world is now fed up. T.I. and Mary J. Blige also won big in hip-hop, R&B and rap categories, while the Red Hot Chilli Peppers took home an impressive number of wins as well along with American Idol winner Carrie Underwood in the country categories. Shut-outs included James Blunt and Corinne Bailey Rae and even India.Arie. Her recent album received a number of nominations, but once again was shut out for big win.

In the Gospel categories (that wasn’t televised), Kirk Franklin took home the most awards with two wins, even though Israel Houghton and New Breed led in nominations. Franklin took home Best Gospel Song and Best Contemporary R&B Album. Yolanda Adams won Best Gospel Performance for “Victory”. Sad to know, the Best Album for a Gospel Choir or Chorus or Group had been yanked from everyone’s feet. Guess there’s no such thing as choirs anymore.


Posted below are some of the memorable images of the night's celebration.







[ALL ABOUT THE GRAMS]
Grammy.com
Gospel 101: Golden Grams (PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com)
Complete List of Winners (MSN.com)
Chicks Make Nice, Blige Win Big (MSN.com)