April - June 2010 FREE The Lord’s Notes Lord Before Us Productions Quarterly Newsletter In Your Interest Is It Time To Give Up? Quite often we think we know the answers to all life’s little problems – Job Stress: Take a Tylenol, Hungry: Buy Fast Food, Bored: Go to the Movies/Read a Book, Don’t Feel like Going to Church: Lie and Stay Home, Need Some Money: Barrow It/Don’t Pay it Back... Well my friend, you are sadly mistaking if you think you know what to do, and when to do it. Often we just give up on hard problems, and try to solve the little ones; but then again – sometime we try to solve the big ones too. So when is it time to give up? When it seems you don’t know the answers – When it seems like no one will help you – When you don’t have someone to turn too... Well, the Bible states to Pray without Ceasing, meaning All the Time. So don’t give up – but yet, give it Over to Him (God) and let Him solve your problems. We’re rapidly going into Summer – when families share more of the good times together (Vacations, Amusement Park visits, Picnics, Family Reunions, Ect.), why not share God and his Awesome Power this year. You may just find that He is the Best Thing that Ever Happen to You... LB What The Saints Are Reading… Diary of a Dead Beat Dad by William Lavon Binion Diary of a Dead Beat Dad: If I Should Die Before I Wake is the riveting memoir of one Man determined to repair a breach, which began two generations before his birth. William Lavon Binion was a son with no father who became a dad that didn’t father. Pimps, hustlers and drug dealers were the Heroes of his neighborhood. And William manipulated everyone for drugs, money and sex. For over a decade, he was more absent than he was present in the lives of his children. Not even after two near-death experiences could bring William out of his Hellish madness. This story is compelling and thought-provoking, you find yourself turning pages to read more… Binion has join the ranks of many other Authors with this one. What’s New? Richard Smallwood & Vision are set to release “Promises” this October, get ready for some more classic music… Vashawn Mitchell signs with EMI Gospel, look for his new project “Triumphant” later this Summer. Music World Entertainment (Matthew Knowles) signs Juanita Bynum & Micah Stampley to the label, look for Juanita’s “More Passion” in stores now; and Stampley’s offering later this year. Warryn & Erica Campbell (Mary Mary) welcomed Warryn Campbell III on April 25 – Congrads to the Fam. Kirk Franklin, Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp, The Anointed Pace Sisters and Vickie Winans are all up for the Gospel category at this years BET Awards, tune in on June 27th to see who takes home the Gold. Dr. Norman Hutchins is set to record Live on June 12th in Los Angeles, production duties being given to famed producer – Michael Bereal; look for this release later this year. Blessed & Cursed is the latest offering from Deitrick Haddon, it will be released on June 15th on DVD; it’s a modern-day adaption of Saul & David. Kim Burrell has produced “Prayer for Haiti” a song to help with the relief efforts, song features: Tye Tribbett, Nikki Ross, Michelle Williams, James Hall and more… Finally, our deepest condolences go to the family of Pastor Shawn Brown (co-director/founder of Youthful Praise), what a great lost to the Songwriting world and the Body of Christ; he will be greatly missed… Top 10 In Gospel 1. Marvin Sapp “The Best In Me” – Here I Am, Verity Records 2. Hezekiah Walker & LFC “Souled Out” – Souled Out, Verity Records 3. BeBe & CeCe Winans “Grace” – Still, BC Records/Malaco Records 4. Fred Hammond “They That Wait” – Love Unstoppable, F Hammond Music/Verity Records 5. Youthful Praise “Resting On His Promise” – Resting On His Promise, Light Records 6. Ricky Dillard & New G “One More Chance” – The 7th Episode: Live In Toronto, Animated Entertainment/EMI Gospel 7. Vickie Winans “How I Got Over” – How I Got Over, Destiny Records 8. Brian Courtney Wilson “Just Love” – Just Love, Music World Entertainment 9. James Hall and Voices of Citadel “Hallelujah To The Lamb” – Won’t It be Wonderful, Music Blend 10. Mali Music “Avaylable” – The Second Coming, Dedicated Music Group Upcoming Events Apr. 28-29 Made 2 Worship Conference – Pastor William Murphy, Stephen Hurd, Myron Williams, Testimonial Cathedral COGIC 30 William Johnson & Echoes of Worship – Live Recording, Free Admission, Testimonial Cathedral COGIC May 3 Our President’s Birthday 8 Kingdom Worship Arts Ministry presents Sunday Morning, Praise Dancing At It’s Best!!! Cabrillo High School, 323-633-1005 9 MOTHER’S DAY!!! 15 KJLH 102.3FM presents their annual Gospel Celebration – Knott’s Berry Farm, Many Guest Artists, call 310-330-2200 for more Info… 21-23 Andrew Anderson/Too Much Drama Productions presents “Y”, Compiling Production… 20 West Angeles Young Adult Dept. presents Gospel Bash, w/Kim Burrell & Y’Anna Crawley, $20/$30, call 323-733-8300 for more Info… 31-6/4 COGIC International Women’s Convention, Los Angeles Convention Center, Various Guests to Appear, call 901-775-0600 for Info… June 5 40th Birthday Musical honoring Kevin Jones, Many Guest to Appear, First Goodwill B.C., FREE Admission 12 Dr. Norman Hutchins - Live Recording, Surprise Guests, Love & Unity Fellowship Church – Compton, FREE Admission… Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Gospel Celebration, Fred Hammond / James Fortune & FIYA, call 661-255-4100 for info… 20 FATHER’S DAY 20-26 Edwin & Walter Hawkins Love Fellowship Conference, Chicago, IL, Many Artists to appear… call 510-264-1766 for more Info… 26 Waves of Praise Summer Gospel Concert, many guests artists to appear, Blessed Family Covenant Church – Inglewood, FREE July 2-4 Essence Music Festival, New Orleans, LA, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Frankie Beverly & Maze, and many more… 4 INDEPENDANCE DAY!!! July: GMWA Convention – Cincinnati, OH Aug: The Merge Summit Sept: National Baptist Convention – Kansas City, MO CD / DVD Reviews (extended...) Marvin Sapp “Here I Am” Sapp is at it again, this project showcases not only his amazing vocal styles, but also the production side of Sapp. Standout selections include: the Breakout Hit Single – The Best In Me, I Came, Fresh Wind, He Has His Hands On You, Praise You Forever, More Than A Conqueror, and the Title Cut. After the Worldwide success of Never Would Have Made It, many critics thought Sapp wouldn’t be able to follow-up with another hit; well this project has proved that Through God – All things are Possible… 7/10 James Hall & Voices of Citadel “Won’t It Be Wonderful” Take the Vocal styles of Worship & Praise (Hall’s famed group), add the Traditionalsounds of a overall Church service; and you have the Voices of Citadel. With this Sophomore release on James’ Music Blend label – his Church choir shines like never before, not to mention the Anointing of Pastor Kevin Bond – what a project. Songs include: Hallelujah To The Lamb, Count On Me, Release Your Power, Saved, How Great Thou Art, Strong & Mighty, Jesus I Won’t Forget, and the Title Cut. This project is a great addition to not only James Hall fans, but to those that are looking for some Great Choir Music for your Church… 8/10 Karen Clark-Sheard “All In One” Karen is back, and this time – on her own label (Karew Records). After a brief break from the music scene to focus on her Home Life & First Lady’s duties, Karen steps back into the studio, to give us a musical feast that has been missing… From opening song Prayed Up to many of the other offerings, Karen vocals are unmatchable… Hits include: Blessings, Take Me, Because of You, What He Did, He Knows, and Have Your Way. Pick this one up, and let Karen bless you again... 7/10 Lucinda Moore “Blessed, Broken and Given” Tyscot artists – Lucinda Moore has released a project of not only good music, but one of healing and mighty purpose. After enduring such hardship as rough marriage and financial difficulties, Moore offers listeners a musical look into her Outcome, and what a Blessing it is… Songs like: We Praise Your Name, There’s A River, I Need Thee, Let The Praise Flow, Fire Baptize Medley and the Title cut – will all have you feeling the spirit of Recovery and the Anointing… Gone are the days of Moore singing Safe In His Arms, and Welcome are the songs of Blessed, Broken and Given… The People overcome by the Words of their Testimony. Testify Lucinda!!! 7/10 Worth A Spin: Myron Butler & Levi “Revealed” 7/10, James Fortune & FIYA “Encore” 7/10 Mali Music “The Second Coming” 8/10, Shirley Caesar “A City Called Heaven” 7/10, Meaghan Williams “Bless You God” 7/10 CeCe Winans “Songs of Emotional Healing” 7/10, How Sweet It Was… (Various Artists) 8/10 Worth A View: Preacher’s Kid 7/10 NEXT ISSUE: Forever Jones – Get Ready, Darwin Hobbs – Champion, DeWayne Woods – My Life’s Lyric Event Reviews (In Short...) Pan African Film Festival – 2/10-17/10: Very good attendance this year, and excellent Films as well. Speed Dating was by far the best Film… Greater Los Angeles Cathedral Choir (GLACC), Live Recording – 2/27/10: Started a little late, but when it did GLACC’s vocals & songs made up for it. Song of the night was by Tony Jones… Why Torture Is Wrong, & The People Who Love Them – Play – throughout Feb 2010: Small Theater, and very Raw Talent, excellent Production. Alex Mapa made the play… GMWA 42nd Annual Board Meeting, Lake Las Vegas, NV – 3/8-11/10: Small Attendance… College Choirs were good, and so was Kathy Taylor… Annual Convention is in Cincinnati, OH July 24-31. The Clean-Up Woman – Play – 3/16-21/10: Overall a good Production, although J.D. Lawrence could have done less characters… Ali Woodson shined like never before… Good Friday Celebration – 4/2/10 Started a little late, but P&W by Geneah Craig-Kirkwood woke the crowd up… The First Ladies all Shined… Kurt Carr, Gospel Workshop Concert – 4/10/10: Packed Church, and Workshop Choir was good… Kurt & the Singers sung you too death – Nikki Potts, my God today…lol FOOTNOTES 102.3FM KJLH’s Gospel Celebration Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park will set the stage again this year, for the Gospel Celebration to take place May 15. Guests include: Marvin Sapp, Beverly Crawford, James Fortune and FIYA, William B, Lorenzo Johnson & Praizum, Desiree Coleman-Jackson, GLACC, Greater Zion Church Family, PSALMS Choir – City of Refuge, and many more. Contact 310-330-2200 for more info. We have discount tickets for Knott’s this year – prices are $25.00 each for Adults & Kids tickets. Magic Mountain’s Gospel Celebration Taking place Saturday, June 12. Guests Artists: Fred Hammond & James Fortune and FIYA. Come for the Fellowship, Ride X2 and Tatsu, or just get your Praise On… Call 661-255-4100, or www.sixflags.com for Tickets. Lord Before Us Productions as always we would like to thank you for your Support, and remind you that our International publication (The Lord’s Notes) past and present is now available Online at our web site and at selected Conferences/Conventions throughout the year. Lord Before Us Records is currently in the Studio preparing several releases for Fall, in the meantime you can pick up the (Award Winning) first release by LAVA Ministries “This Is My Story” which is in stores now. Look for Lord Before Us Products This Summer – Bible Covers, Black Art, Collectibles, and Novelty Items - everything you need, in One Place… Join us on July 19-21 @ 7:30pm Nightly for our Summer Benefit Revival – Metropolitan B.C. 4200 So. Hooper Ave., L.A., CA – 3 Nights/1 Purpose Admission Is Free… Remember – If the Lord is before You, Who Shall be against You…