Gotta Love That Theme Song

Growing up, we all had that show that we had to dive in front of the tube to watch. But have you ever considered how some of those theme songs just seem to stick in your memory bank...and not just because of the show itself, but because of bouncy, infectious melodies.

And have you ever wondered why the Norman Lear shows of the 70s always had that incredible gospel sound attached to it. Shows like "Sanford & Son", "Good Times" and "The Jeffersons" had that spirited feel to it, and even possessed incredible choral harmonies...like a mass choir on the first Sunday of the month. You kinda miss that sound in the theme shows today. Even though shows like "Seinfield" and "Fraizer" are known for their jingles and "The Simpsons" has its dynamic orchestra foundation covering the bulk of the show's score, you still miss that soulful singing that rested on theme songs like "Amen", "Three's Company" and "227".

Everybody has their favorite theme show song...but if you're looking for sum' serious gospel sang'in and soulful melodies, check these out and catch the spirit. The lyrics might not be gospel...but it sho'nuff sounds like Sunday Morning.


The Jeffersons
We're moving on up...Occasional spiritual lyrics lay within a social message of liberation for middle-class African Americans overcoming poverty. Who can forget Janet Du'bois (from Good Times) and that powerful chorus singing this bouncing gospel-styled tune.

Amen
Vanessa Bell Armstrong, one of Gospel's premiere female vocalists, is accredited to singing this stylish, traditional up-tempo number; in which was penned by Andrae' Crouch. It's gospel fever at its best...and the truest of all theme songs that can be called gospel. Don't you wish they had this song on her "greatest hits" compilations?

Good Times
"Anytime you need a payment...good times"...it's another Gospel-styled gem tucked with a social-themed cause. The ending is soulful and unforgettable. It's so amazing that the song speaks of even in the worse of situations (temporary layoffs, easy credit rip-offs, etc), but closes out with the fact that even in those horrible situations, they are good. Reminds me of Romans 8:28!

Sanford & Son
Quincy Jones laid down the score and produced this memorable track...and the rest is history. Probably one of the most popular of the 70s theme songs, the organ grooves and the instrumentation is a great mix of jazz, funk and soul. Wish they had a long version of that tune somewhere.

Family Feud
Tonex' recently recorded this popular game show tune on his "Out The Box" double CD collection, but with lyrics. And his reason...because he felt while growing up that the "Theme Song to Family Feud" was gospel! And how can you not think that...it's filled with all of the wondrous ingredients for a riveting, up-tempo choir rocker. Tambourine are going off and the horns are no match to Mo' Horns on today's gospel projects. Now get out on the aisles on this one...and get yo' shout on.

A Different World (w/ Aretha Franklin)
Aretha is truly the Queen of Soul. And on this modern-aged contemporary track, Re'Re released an incredible vocal on this theme song...it was so good that you wish she released this as a single. It prolly' would have rocketed up the Billboard R&B charts.

Night Court
The bass guitar enters and then a jazzy, up-tempo groove filled with spunky horns and heavy percussion is released. It's a groove that you would think Bob James would put together...but it's a piece that reminds you of a Gospel jam session. If there were lyrics to this thing...

The Price Is Right
This song is delightful from beginning to end. You feel like a winner when you hear those smooth flutes, the moving bass lines and the xylophone action. Reminds you of shopping in a grocery store, it just leave you with a good feeling deep on the inside.

Roseanne
It's a blues fest when you hear this funky, soulful musical joint. But don't disappear, there's enough soul on here to get your fan a-going and your head a-swaying. There's a musical modulation in the middle of the song and that's enough right there to remind you of a good traditional church number.

Now what are you favorite theme show songs. Maybe Family Matters. Golden Girls. Peanuts (Charlie Brown Theme). Or is it Baywatch (lol)? My opinion....I kinda love "The Love Boat" and "Inspector Gadget" the best. :-)

Saturday Night Forever?

Okay, don't get mad at me, but this weekend I finally watched Saturday Night Fever (1977) for the first time.

The familiar dance film featuring Tony Manero, played by a young John Travolta, chases his aspirations for life through his joy of dancing on the night floor at Club Odyseey 2001. Outside the club, he's a nobody working a dead-end job in a local Brooklyn paint store. But inside the club, on the dance floor, Tony is a king and treated like such. Yet the movie shifts into various changes that proves to be relational and possess a strong significance even today, after all these years. And believe it or not, this film, which surrounds the hated genre of disco music, still outshines some of the greatest movies released during the late 70s.

I don't know why I, for the first time, viewed Saturday Night Fever...or desired to see the movie after all these years. The cashier at my local Wal-Mart looked at me with a puzzled and confused stare; as if I was related to Bin Laden when I handed her my copy of Saturday Night Fever for purchase. She immediately thought that I had the "night fever" after viewing the dance/disco show of FOX's American Idol (yeah, that was the same show that caused Anwar Robinson to finally go home). But it wasn't that. I just felt like watching it and owning a piece of music history.

You gotta give it to Robert Stigwood and his Saturday Night creation for what it did to suburban America. Disco was a fad that was part of urban America and was a way of escape from all of the toils and heartache during the difficult 70s (remember the high gas prices, Watergate, Vietnam). This movie helped revolutionize America to dance their pain off their shoulders. And finally, you could hear various music styles ranging from Euro-disco to classical, from jazz to funk, from pop to rock joining together to make music that helped individuals across America smile again.

After watching the dark, yet engaging film of Saturday Night Fever, I pause and wonder if disco, in all of its glory, revisited us today. Yes, we have many alterations of disco music with us; which include house, hi-NRG, techno, garage and other dance/club styles, but what if we had real music with real musicians to return into the studios and put out music like this once again, could be become the "one nation under a groove" that we once used to claim.

This week I sit here listening to "One Nation Under A Groove", performed by George Clinton and Funkadelic. And I remember when everyone jammed to the funk, to the sounds of the early synths and the message that help unite cultures and diversities. Also this week, hundreds of individuals will be engaging their ears to Kurt Carr's "One Church" project. I just hope that Kurt Carr can pull off what he intended to do (unite cultures and make a project appealing to all...while also making money) can do for gospel and Contemporary Christian and Southern Gospel and...the list goes on...what Parliament for secular music.

For those individuals that considered disco music to be a vain lifestyle only full of druggies, homosexuals, sinners, they are misguided and dangerously misdirected.

If they only knew.

Watch out church folkz, I got the FEVER.

The Giants Are Coming!

GospoCentric/Zomba recording artist Kurt Carr at 2004's Stellar Awards.

Technically, spring is usually the season of growth and expectancy. These are just some of those "signs and wonders" that point us to that glorious fact.

• We celebrate Jesus' resurrection during Lent season.
• FOX's American Idol rules the airwaves this time of year.
• March Madness begins a fast-paced journey for anxious college basketball athletes while many of them fix their pupils on the NBA for their "hoop dreams".
• The lawn gardeners returns to their roots and begins beautifying their front yard's landscape while our vehicles are sprayed with strong dosages of yellow pollen.
  

But you may want to beware of the most obvious point of them all. Music companies put out their best, or should I say, their "top crop" during this period. But let it be said that everything that looks good ain't always good (that's what Mama always say).

Take mama's advice.

GospoCentric and Verity Records, the big meatballs in the Gospel music industry, has unleashed a heavy load of projects in the last few weeks that are intended to satisfy your gospel tastebuds until the end of the year, or at least 'til the next batch of Stellar and Grammy Awards are given out. With new material from Kurt Carr and Donnie McClurkin leading the pack from GospoCentric/Zomba/Verity (and so on), and artists including Anointed, LaShun Pace and newcomer Micah Stampley trailing behind, there is no way to escape the hard-hitting album releases for this quarter. They are everywhere. And that's not all...John P. Kee just released a children's project a few weeks ago and now Verity drops a second project from the Prince of Gospel debuting newcomers packaged as being "John P. Kee presents The New Artist Showcase". That's two albums out already...and we haven't even see the middle of the year 2005!

But don't be shocked. Television has its revival session in the fall, while the music industry celebrates their newborns in the spring.

But with all of this said...most of the stuff from the "giants" (as I like to refer them as being) are not always big. Much of the projects are packaged mighty rapidly and are released too soon - meaning some of these big boys need to stay in the incuberator a little longer. Radio isn't even ready to find real singles for most of these "blockbusters", since it's hard to distinguish which song sticks out the greatest. Problems have already generated regarding EMI's LaShun Pace long-awaited album...and barely one song from John P. Kee's projects get a nod on radio and with the public. And even though Donnie McClurkin experienced a breakthrough with his double-cd project, reaching #1 on the Billboard Gospel charts, it was suddenly knocked down by Kurt Carr's single CD project ("One Church") the week after. That may be a success for GospoCentric/Verity on one hand, but it's like the humongus superpower is competition with itself.

By the way, both projects from McClurkin and Carr, according to most valuable and reliable sources, seem to be insipidly mediocre; in comparison to their previous recordings.

The giants are coming...but they are no problem for David.
All he need is a sling-shot and a rock.
That's why I love independents.

"Give Me That Old Time Religion"

"Gimmie that ol' time religion...It's good enough for me." - Traditional, Negro Spiritual

Words of that classic hymn of the church rings with clarity in the ears of the young in spirit. Seems like the high-demand for classic gospel projects are pushing the big companies to refinance those treasures and distribute them once again. Not only that, today's zealous consumers aren't just looking for the old stuff, but they are doing the old stuff too.

Nothing wrong with dusting off the ol' albums and putting those vinyl masterpieces back on the phonograph...And also re-producing it into digital mp3s. A sound that was designed by the master architects of Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers, the Dixie Hummingbirds, the Jackson Southernaires, the Fairfield Four, the Gospel Harmonettes and the Mighty Clouds of Joy during the Golden era is now resurfacing, but with new faces.


On Tuesday, April 19, 2005, a new generation of God-fearing, gospel-
sangin' soulful talent on the GospoCentric label (distributed by mega-giant Zomba) that goes by the name "The Soul Seekers" will make their grand entrance to gospel society. The group consists of eight young brothers, whom have worked with a Who's Who in R&B, hip-hop and pop music (which include Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, Missy Elliot, P. Diddy and the Backstreet Boys), have come together to return to their roots. And it's not your grandson and granddaughters music. Instead they draw back on the power and brilliance of quartet gospel music.

The group's personnel consists of Teddy Campbell (married to Tina of Mary Mary) on bass, renowned R&B and gospel producer Warryn Campbell (married to Erica of Mary Mary), founder Nisan Stewart, lead guitarist John "Jubu" Smith, vocalist Gerald Haddon, Charlie Bereal on guitar, Craig Brockman on the organ and drummer Eric Seats. They have all expressed their passion to the rich traditions of quartet gospel and believe that they will open the ears of today's generation to its incredible, lasting sound. With them being young, talented and handsome themselves, there is no doubt that the Soul Seekers will attract a large, younger audience.

But don't let the age of this style of gospel overwhelm you...the Soul Seekers bring a fresh, vibrant perspective to the classic, down-south, churchy sound. What started in 2000 at a one-night tribute celebration to gospel quartets in Los Angeles, now stand as a beacon of light to the gospel industry. On their debut project, tunes such as the balladic "What Would You Do?", "Somewhere Listening" and "Make A Way", which features Harvey Watkins, Jr. of the Canton Spirituals, are sure to be album highlights and are filled with high-octane energy and zeal. Enough zeal to appeal to the young and the old.

With this project awaiting to drop on Wal-Mart shelves across America, it seems like quartet gospel is surely on the rise. Artists and groups such as Robert Randolph & the Family Band, RiZen, Keith Wonderboy Johnson, the Canton Spirituals and the Christianaires have done their share to reach new audiences...go ahead and add the Gospel Seekers to the mix.

Long Time, No Hear

Well, I am back...

And it has been a good minute since the last time I embraced the BLOG.

But hey, a brotha's been busy. This past weekend, I went to a local engagement which featured Cinque Cullar (without the Tribe of Judah) and Emtro Recording Artist L. Spenser Smith & Testament. The event was hosted by Rich & Krew, but the night was all about Cinque' and Testament. Worship entered the room and I was very much pleased. A few other groups showed up and it turned out to be a success. I don't go to too many concerts and I have my reasons...they be too long and not enough substance. Plus my ears can't take too much horrible music, and sometimes that's just what I get. But I was very much pleased and I'm grateful to hear that.

American Idol is sumthin' else, ain't it (using my Southern talk...lol). Everytime you look up, one of your favorites are gone. Well, my bets are that a rocker is gonna win this year. And Constantine has the better voice. Of course, I may be from Alabama and you may assume that Bo Bice may be my pick, but I do believe the better talent should win. Constantine is that pick...but don't get me wrong, it would be nice to see Vonzell or Anwar win.

Enough of that. The BLOG is sure to boom in a few more days with more entries...so check me out lata.

Mario's Gone, Must Recuperate

I must admit, waking up this morning was a shocker.

I could hear the television a-going in my dreams and hearing Mario Vazuqez name being mentioned; seemed like on the news or some gossip-columned broadcast such as Access Hollywood. But anyway, I woke up, and to my surprise, I hear the bad news. Very bad.

My favorite reality-tv show will be losing one of its prime hopefuls: Mario is gone.

I have been hooked to American Idol from day one. I rooted for Tamara Gray and Kelly Clarkson to win in the first season...and after Tamara went home, my eyes were fixed on the country girl with the robust vocals that were versatile enough to sign a pop ballad and then wreck a gospel song. She won...I had to watch season #2. Then comes Ruben Studdard, st8 from Birmingham, AL (my hometown). And I rooted for him from day one...along with Frenchie Davis (the big girl that was eliminated from the compeititon because of her "unacceptable" past). And he won...then season #3. Gosh, I had to root for my girl Fantasia Barrino...she just stuck out from all of the contestants. And she won...she can wreck a gospel song too. And her debut album is "hot 2 def". I look back at all of the winners of AI and I noticed a striking revelation - ALL OF THEM HAVE THEIR ROOTS IN THE CHURCH. And they love God...how amazing is that.

Well, back to March 14, 2005. I'm hearing the unthinkable..one of my favorites is leaving the show. Vazquez, 27, cited to the media that he is departing from AI for "personal reasons". His farewell appearance last week included an amazing rendition of the Bee Gees' tune "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart", which also happened to be one of Ruben Studdard's favorites in season #2.

Vazquez told TV Guide he quit "to take care of some personal issues with my family in New York. And with 'Idol' being a live show, it just wouldn't have worked out schedule-wise."
"I'm healthy, I'm fine. It's just a personal family thing. My family is my top priority," he told the magazine.

But Vazquez's mom, Ada, said she knew of no problem involving the family and had not idea why he left the show. "Look at me, I'm fine, I'm still kicking," she told The Post. "I don't know his reasons, but whatever they are, I respect him for it and will be very supportive."

Whatever the reasons Vazquez left (maybe because of a past secret or because of contract issues concerning American Idol and future aspirations), Nikko Smith was brought back from last week's elimination to replace Vazquez.

Whatever happens...I know I will be rooting BIG TIME for Anwar Robinson, 25, from East Orange, N.J. Maybe it's because he's different and unqiue, but Anwar definitely has a voice that is unmatched and perfectly seasoned for the recording studio. He has a voice that compares to Tonex' and Smokie Norful; yet revealing a unique texture of vocal tecnhiques that artists now stumble to suceed in. He has a mighty range and definitely impresses with his ability to hold a note for a good number of seconds. His song choice (Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World", Stevie Wonder's "What's Going On" and the timeless classic "Moon River") has been totally amazing for him; choosing songs and that are universal and quite the charm. But another benafactor in Anwar's appeal is that his favorite type of music is GOSPEL!

Whew, e'nuff said...my votes go to Anwar. TOMMORROW'S AMERICAN IDOL!

Be sure to vote:
American Idol
www.idolonfox.com
Monday - Tuesday - Wednesdays on FOX
Check your local FOX affiliate for airing listings.

It's A Beautiful Day...

Well, the weekend is here and I'm yet awaiting a few album projects to come into my hands from the postman. He arrives...and nothing. Well, guess I gotta suffer for a lil longer for these independent projects I've been anticipating for awhile.

Well, there is one project I know I gotta get my hands on. Rudolph Stanfield, one of my all-time favorite songwriters and musicians, embraced the debut project of the Anderson Sanctuary Choir from Jackson, MS. They recorded, of course, on the Malaco Music label. I know the company has been struggling awhile to make some effort to break the Billboard music charts and sales lately, but hopefully this album will help them break some ground...along with Mississippi Mass Choir's new one.

The Anderson Sanctuary Choir has backed artists such as Dorothy Norwood and Lillian Lily, and most of the members sing with the Mississippi Mass Choir. as for their sound, it's not the best church choir sound, but it is good quality. The songs sound quite impressive - such as "He Worked It Out" and "It's Time To Bless His Name". Rudy writes a bulk of the songs along with Timothy Britten - so I believe this album deserves a nod. Sad to know, this album has been out since 2004! Where have I been lately.

Plus I'm still mad that Minister Patrick Riddick ain't sent me my CD yet...talkin' bout bad business. Got an awesome choir in Virgina, but very bad on running errands. You gotta do better bruh.

Well, I'm 'bout to sing out. I said enough for today. LOL.

Expect PRAYZEHYMN to blow up soon. It's our time. Ya hear me!

It's A New Season...

Well, seems like after the big hoopla we have experienced these last couple of days - now it's time for me to comment and relax.

I haven't posted on the BLOG for some time now, and I'm heartly sorry for my absence. I'll make a note of it to keep posting and doing it frequently. I betcha' that.

First of all, hats off to Jamie Foxx and Morgan Freeman for representin' at the Academy Awards (Oscars)...and two hats-off for Mr. Tyler Perry for showing the world that WE can do all things through Christ...even hit #1 at the box-office. Let's do it again this weekened people. Go and check out "Diary of a Mad Black Woman"; the movie (not the bootleg version).

Well, I'm off to work...but here's what's going down in the underground.

TOP TEN JAMZ THIS WEEK:
"Running Over" Joe Pace
"Let Go, Let God" Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson
"Run And Tell That" Bishop Michael Kelsey & the New Samaritan Mass Choir
"In The Name Of Jesus" Greg Roberts & Soulful Celebration
"One More Day" Mississippi Mass Choir
"Get Right Church" Chester D.T. Baldwin & the Music Ministry Mass
"Has Anybody Seen Love" Lisa McClendon
"Lift Him Up" Martha Munizzi
"Right Place" Jonathan Nelson
"Lift Jesus" GMWA Youth Mass Choir

Check out the BETA Page, yall for more coverage:
http://geocities.com/prayzehymn

Reaction to the Stellars

Well, they are over. And of course many people have not seen the telecast yet; expect for it to go up from now til' February (Black History Month). Check your local television listings for airings.

But I barely watch the Stellar Awards and I have my reasons. To me, it's all fake. All of it is. It's not really about God...it's about them and their accomplishments. So the whole evening is really just performance in my opinion. But even though I respect such an organization because of their ability to promote higher excellence in gospel music, I am also devasted because of their failure to acknowledge the individuals thathave endured the test of time with music that ministers to the soul.I am very shocked, yet excited to know that Israel & New Breed and Martha Munizzi, who are triumphing on the Billboard Gospel Charts and sold more units than Tonex' put together, received a few awards(3 all together). But why is Tonex' everywhere. I feel it's like this...At one time, the Stellars didnt even acknowledge Tonex' too much. Now they want to since Tonex' changed his image and decided to do a lil' more churchy music (lol). But as for awesome artists like Lisa McClendon and Rev. Timothy Wright and Jonathan Nelson and New Birth Total Praise Choir and Tye Tribbett and Ricky Dillard (New G) and Martha Muinzzi and a few others; who have represted well - they barelyreceived any recognition.

Of course, things will be totally different at the Grammys!!!

But I'm devasted to know that the Stellars is our only gospel award celebration - and that it is missing the mark in awarding the REAL artists. The artists that truly deserve their share of credit. Amazing, if you follow sales alone, popularity and even touring, Israel and Martha ARE HOT! They are hotter than HOT! They were headliners at the Chicago Gospel Festival this year - not Tonex', not Bishop Paul Morton - not And they are not that bad to book. Tonex' was scheduled to appear in my hometown not to long ago and was on a B-side bill - and appeared with artists like Dorothy Norwood, Natalie Wilson and Byron Cage. And yet, none of those artists I mention received awards either (lol). I truly believe thr real winners were the nominees. Plan and simple. The one the award went to - they are what I will call the "Stellar's stellars". I'm hoping this year the Grammys will prove who the real winners are.

And you also know why I don't like the Stellars roo much, they didn't even give a Stellar to the late Thomas Whitfield. He was always nominated in the categories with the Thompson Community Singers and they couldn't give him one award. But it's OK. Tommy got his Grammys...lol. And then the Stellars wanted to give a James Cleveland Excellence Award to him after he passed...how cute!

Kanye Needs Some Ivory...Soap That Is

OK. The gospel community has been supportive of the clean version of "Jesus Walks"; and of course, it should be written in stone that anyone can rap, sing or say whatever they please about Jesus Christ. Even if they don't believe in what he preached, we do live in a free society that has the right to free speech, at least that is what our government tells us.

Just today, my sister was destined to pick up the debut project of John Stevens, better known as John Legend. The new R&B sensation is taking the nation by storm with his clean approach and with his talented array of song writing and vocal skills. He conjures up deep emotion when his silky voice is heard and the lyrical power of his songs are reminiscent of the neo-soul movement, with a tad bit of originality attached to it.

Let it be said though - that John Legend is no gospel artist at all.
So why am I speaking about it???

Well, Kanye West, who is very much instrumental in Legend's current success, appears on his project and even helps produce this worthy collection of smooth R&B/hip-hop flavored songs. And he appears on the cut, "Number One", which features one of my favorite jams from back in the day. Using the backbone to "Let's Do It Again", penned by the late great Curtis Mayfield and sung by the Staple Singers, this song is like ice in a warm Pepsi in the summertime. It's just delicate. UNTIL - Kanye West opens his mouth to utter a senseless rap using words like "penis", "suck" and "shit" and "ho" and several other words - and using them in very bad usages. I mean, c’mon, I don’t need to repeat exactly what the young emcee said - like you really can used the word "ho" in a good way!!!! Please...I don't need to go there.

It's very sad that John Legend has to be attached to West's current controversies. It's not really his fault. He wants to put out good music and with a contract with Sony Urban and Columbia, he is doing that. But to be connected to one bad track like "Number One", it could hurt Legend's "legendary" status later on.

As for our good friend, Kanye West, I pray he doesn't fall into the same pitfalls as his fellow contemporaries, because it's not worth it. Just for money...just to please ghetto-minded folk...just to satisfy such sinners...why? Give us good music, and leave the filth out. Gosh, I prolly listen to Gospel, but I do expect to listen to wholesome R&B every now and then. And these days, it's getting harder and harder for artists with that frame of mind to even exist.

Sad to say, when the music stops - Kanye fails to present his integrity to J. Matthew Cobb, such as when he was singing about Jesus on "Jesus Walks". That's why us, the believers, shouldn't be so supportive over events like "U Saved Me" and "Jesus Walks" just because they talking about our Savior (that goes for you gospel radio, gospel retail, industry vets and e-zines). Talk is just what it is...TALK. I'm beginning to believe that's all "Jesus Walks" is.

Talk on, Bro. West. Talk on.

mini-VIEWS #1

People have been wondering when am I going to post my so-called controversial reviews back up. Well, I had no real plans to do any - since they are so time consuming. Even though I'm a very dangerous analyzer, most of the time I go into detail about things and sometimes that can be nerve-wrecking since things are becoming more complicated now to describe. But the Word of God declares that we should "write the vision and make it plain...". And I try to my best at that. So below are a few mini-VIEWS (a PRAYZEHYMN perspective) of some of the newer album releases out in the gospel music industry along with a grade point on its quality. Enjoy!

Stephen Hurd
A Call To Worship
(Integrity Gospel)

Stephen A. Hurd, by far, is no stranger to gospel music. After making several appearances on Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) projects and writing for artists including Dottie Peoples, the late Rev. Donald Vails and CeCe Winans' Born Again Church Choir, Hurd began presenting his own compositions on his own, with his independent projects "Volume One" and "Volume Two: In The Overflow". And he has a definite reason to do so. Take the vocal mastery of Calvin Bernard Rhone and merge it with stylish praise-and-worship leading and you have yourself a fledging winner. Taking his presence internationally is the situation for Hurd on his Integrity Gospel debut, "A Call To Worship". This live recording, taped in Washington D.C., reveals Hurd in a very comfortable setting and poised to create a healthy atmosphere of worship for his audience. Things kick off in fast gear with a rendition of the popular P&W chorus, "Let It Rise". Steven Ford's brassy, horn arrangements definitely marks this cut and only prepares listeners for what is to come. For over twelve minutes, the praise party continues with high-octane jumpers such as "Cry Out O Zion" (originally recorded by GospoCentric's Lawrence Matthews) and the mid-tempo, traditional jamboree, "Rejoice". Though these songs may get very tiring, Hurd slows things down and and delivers his best on "Lead Me To The Rock". By time the following reprise comes on, Hurd breaks down the lyrical content a little further and ministers strongly: revealing his greatest asset musically. The mega-hit, "Undignified (I Will Dance, I Will Sing)", works perfectly for Hurd (along with some creative energy stemming from album producer Steven Ford) and the arrangement is a success. Important cuts also include "We Magnify Your Name" (though the time is cut way too short), "Philippians (Stand)" and "The Oil Of Your Anointing"; which are all Hurd's compositions. Overall, the album brings too many remakes and repeats to the table. So if you are new to Hurd, this album is a great way to learn more of the artist and his passion for worship. On the other hand, if you have the albums that feature the "repeats" (which is seven of the eleven tracks represented), you may not appreciate this album as expected. But with clear production from Steven Ford and an engaging flow of praise-and-worship, this album superbly introduces Hurd's ministry to the world. It is clear and evident that this was the purpose of this particular project - job well done.
GRADE: 87/B

Twinkie Clark
"Home Once Again...Live In Detroit"
(Verity)

Being one of the commanding innovators of contemporary gospel's brighter years, Elbertina "Twinkie" Clark has earned a mighty reputation of creating infectious grooves, delivering her specialty on the Hammond B-3 and delighting thousands with her crafty compositions; which could be compared to the likes of Rudolph Stanfield, Thomas Whitfield and Walter Hawkins. And it's because of that reputation that Twinkie probably feels she should not deliver "Grade A-quality" music these days, since her management along with Verity Records' marketing team already know that her albums will sell just because of her name. How we treasured the days when Twinkie baffled choir lovers with her works on the "Twinkie Clark-Terrell Presents the Florida A&M University Gospel Choir" project and how she dazzled us with her mighty collection of songs that she recorded with the renowned Clark Sisters. "Home Once Again...Live In Detroit" appears to be a homecoming celebration for Twinkie, as she journeys back to the "D" to bring us what we have grown to cherish. Unfortunately, there's not too much to treasure on this particular collection, in comparison to the hits in her "hey-day". Twinkie opens things up with "Twinkie's Organ Prelude (The High Place)"; which almost comes off as being sloppy from the very beginning but is accented with classical framework revealing Twinkie's quick fingerwork. Then comes a lifeless, urban track, "Everything You Need Is Right Here", that appears to make Twinkie look and feel fifteen years younger - but it's not the Twinkie we are accustomed of hearing. Vocally she impresses as she hits the notes and throws out her usual growls and riffs. But it is the thumping five-string bass that shines the brightest on this track. But all is not bad on this project. When you weigh in Dorinda Clark-Cole's "I Made It" (a ten-minute adventure featuring the Clark Sisters delivering their classic vocal interpretations and improvising), Twinkie's traditional-flavored "Intercession" and hearty remakes of some of Twinkie's classics such as "He Was Hung Up For My Hangups" and "For Whatsoever A Man Soweth", you are bound to smile and declare this album is a little bit more energetic than her previous project on Verity, "Twinkie Clark & Friends: Live In Charlotte". But Twinkie fails in capturing her audiences when it comes to that wonderful word called "originality". It is lacking here and it kind of gives you that eerie feeling that you paid too much for what you got, or were expecting. Even though Alex Asaph Ward, Joel Smith, Jonathan Dubose and a zealous choir spruces up things a little, all eyes should be on Twinkie: the star. Instead you begin to appreciate the background work a tad bit more. One good listen to "Let Your Anointing Be In This Place" and you are definitely feeling the spunky rhythms and musicianship, but the song lacks creativity and really feels empty lyrically. With a little more creativity and effort, this project could have become a "must-have" for 2004. Maybe after a few keen observations from her parent company, things will much better the next time around.
GRADE: 75/C

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gobble gobble!
Happy Thanksgiving everybody.
May God Bless you with the abundance from His heart today and forevermore.

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
I Thess. 5:18 (KJV)

What's Wrong Wit' My Black Folkz?

The recent events of drama pouring through the news and media outlets has been severely proving that we are in the last of the last days. Goes to show you that if you're not saved now, NOW is a good time to get your life in order.

The VIBE Awards' fiasco literally stunned me last week (and I am still trying to get over all of the drama). Quincy Jones, the magazine founder and co-host, presented Dr. Dre with a lifetime achievement award and all of a sudden...out of the blue...he is sucker-punched by a brother in the audience. Whatever the reasons were, it doesn't make sense and it only proves that folk have no sense of moral character anymore. Of course, my heart is strongly dedicated to gospel music - but I try to support other genres (especially if it's good music). I'm not a big hip-hop fan anymore since it is primarily a melting pot of ol' skool jams being sampled to ridiculous lyrics dipped in the heart of vulgarity - but I try to support the aims of the music industry as a whole. But this kind of event that took place at the VIBE Awards was a strong blow on the future for hip-hop, in my opinion.

Sad to say, most people will probably prejudge African Americans and box us all into one bad category just because a few bad apples don't know how to conduct themselves in public.

If I was Dr. Dre, I would fine Brother Young Buck since he represents my music firm and has attached the word "disgrace" to my label's image. The knife-stabbing was uncalled for and it even causes you to believe in the popular urban proverb: "you can remove a Negro out of the hood, but you can't take the Negro out of a brotha'".

And now the hood comes to the NBA. Yikes, after one foul in the fourth quarter of a Piston/Pacers game, the audience is fouled as well; all thanks to Brother Artest of the Pacers, all because he was doused with beer from an angry fan. Because we have anger problems and cannot control our flarring tempers, the fight begins. Fist punches, drinks, chairs and bodies are being flung from one direction to the other...makes you wonder if the ball players today are also studying the handbooks of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) handbooks.

As I prepare to log off for the day, I just want to ask the question. "What's wrong wit' my black folkz?" After laboring the bloody streets of Selma, AL, marching our way to freedom to Washington D.C. and declaring "We shall overcome" on MLK Day each and every year, I would have thought we would have gotten better over the years. I truly believe Dr. King is rolling over in his grave on this day. So sad. If only I had some positive words to actually close this post.

http://geocities.com/PRAYZEHYMN 

This is just a test. 

First Entry: Welcome Aboard

All good things must come to an end. In this case, I'm jus' beginning.

This is my 1st blog entry and I am very excited about putting my business out there (that's if people really care). Excitement is brewing in the air and expectations for PRAYZEHYMN Entertainment are advancing like never before. Whew, I'm so excited...I'm almost at a lost of words. :-)

Right now, I want to address the PRAYZEHYMN Family real quick and thank them for their contributions and for their support to the vision. It's because of people like you that makes my job more meaningful. Can't wait to see ya'll soon (if you in the Family, yall know what I'm talking about).

If you so happened to visit this blog and are wondering what the heck PRAYZEHYMN is...It is a committed family filled with talented, spiritual believers in Christ Jesus that loves dem' some good gospel music. The membership continues to grow and the interactivity and their involvements on the Message Board is totally amazing. If you are interested in checking us out, visit the Home page of the PRAYZEHYMN Yahoo! Group by clicking here. Membership is free.

Well, a brotha' is getting equipped for PRAYZEHYMN Anniversary Week (November 14-19) and there's a mighty long list of events that are going to take place within the group. So check it out! I will post at a later time on the blog the schedule of activities tomorrow. Until then, be easy and remain in God's care.

Pray for our nation. We definitely need to stay before God in this hour.

Alive And Satisfied,
PRAYZEHYMN
J. Matthew Cobb