July - September 2008 FREE The Lord’s Notes Lord Before Us Productions QUARTERLY Newsletter ~ Special Convention Edition ~ CD /DVD Reviews (extended…) Dorinda Clark-Cole “Take It Back” Dorinda is back, and this time it’s a Studio project instead of Live. Although the note-worth Band is good, Dorinda seems to lack a little of what made her a fan favorite; while on stage. Standouts: Title Track, Yesterday, It’s Okay, & Turn It Around. Classic Clark Sister sound… 6/10 Tye Tribbett & G.A. “StandOUT” Tye is a madd man, and G.A. is sick on vocals, this release will make u a fan all over again. Hits include: Title Track, I Need You, Bless The Lord, Hallelujah, He Has Made Me Glad, Well Done, & Let Us Worship. Just when you thought Tye was on top with Victory, here’s StandOut! 8/10 The Murrills “Family Prayer”” It’s true what they say about a Family that prays together, stays and in the case – sings together… Donald Lawrence has another hit on his hands with this release, Standouts include: Better, Family, How I Feel About You, & Be The One ... 7/10 L.A. Chapter of GMWA “We Are On Our Way - LIVE” (DVD) One of the largest chapters of GMWA, L.A. Chapter gives you a visual look into their Music Ministry, with this DVD release of their forthcoming project. Dr. Rodena Preston (Chapter Rep. / GMWA- COO) & L.A. Chapter makes a grand re-entrance into the Industry with this presentation… “Where Is Your Faith” & the “Margaret Douroux Medley” are sure to be hits…6/10 In Your Interest – Min. Lamont Bradley “What To Do When The Money Runs Out…” We have all been there, once or twice – when it looks as if the Bills are more than the Money you’re gonna have; but before we can just give up – He seems to step in… Last year had to be the worst year yet for me in every facet of my life Personal, Business, Health, Ect. At one point I fount myself about to give up on God, yes you heard me – Give Up on HIM. So for about a month, I didn’t go to church, concerts, revivals – nothing, I just kept to myself and stayed home. Well God decided he had enough and took away my so called friends, my finances was limited, and to top it all off – my health started to fail. He made me turn back to Him, just when I thought I could do it myself; he reminded me “I’m Still In Control”. He also let me know that it was him that was taking me Through everything. Yeah, when my Money ran out – I ran out on him, but I’m glad he didn’t give up on me… Sure things are starting to get back on track now – but you better believe I learned what not to do, and that sometimes He takes us through things to make us Stronger. He wouldn’t put more on us, than We can bear…LB Catch “Praising with Professa” Sundays 8:30-9AM (PST) on www.KCLAFM.com (99.3FM) What’s New? Kim Burrell is set to record Live at the Lincoln Jazz Center in New York City on December 11 & 13, we’ll keep you posted on details – but it’s been worth the wait... Congratulations is in order to Dr. Beverly Crawford, who recently received her Honorary Doctorate of Theology from Truth Bible College; given in honor of her contributions to Gospel Music – & Well deserved! Many of your Favorite Artists will be Recording LIVE this Summer – first up is Lucinda Moore on July 18 at Elizabeth B.C. in Atlanta, GA, then Donald Lawrence & Co. will record “The Law of Confession” project at Living Word Christian Center in Chicago, IL. The First Lady of Praise & Worship – Dr. Judith Christie McAllister will head to the East Coast – Greater Allen AME Church in New York to be exact to record on August 8th, and finally Micah Stampley is ready to take his place at the mic and record his “Ransomed” project on his own Interface Records label on August 15th at the Greater Travelers Rest B.C. in Decatur, GA – Support them if you can, and Pray for them if you can’t… After riding the charts for a record-breaking 50+ weeks, Marvin Sapp’s “Thirsty” project has been certified GOLD by RIAA, he now joins the likes of Kurt Carr & Kirk Franklin as a Gold selling Artists – Congrads to Marvin… Now hear this: Pastor Hezekiah Walker will be consecrated to Bishop on August 3rd, so you can now call him Bishop Hezekiah Walker; Congrads Hez…Get ready for Fall Releases by some of your Favorite Artists – Sherri Jones-Moffet, Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, Nikki Ross, Malcolm Williams & Great Faith, The Soul Seekers, Hezekiah Walker, Smokie Norful, Yolanda Adams and more… Our deepest condolences go to the Families of Dottie Rambo, Pat Tobin, Willie Cotton, Bishop Charles Craig, Lady Betty and D.J. Wright, Chris Simpson, and Michael Cook who recently passed away… TOP 10 IN GOSPEL 1. Marvin Sapp “Thirsty” 6. Dorinda Clark-Cole “Take It Back” 2. Kirk Franklin “The Fight of My Life” 7. Jonathan Nelson “Right Now Praise” 3. Tye Tribbett “StandOut” 8. Byron Cage “Live at the Apollo” 4. The Clark Sisters “Live…” 9. WOW Gospel 2008 5. Ricky Dillard “The 7th Episode” 10. Bishop Noel Jones “Welcome to the City” Event Reviews KJLH 102.3FM Radio’s Gospel Celebration, Knott’s Berry Farm – 5/17/08: Despite the price hike – this year’s crowd was a nice size, and didn’t seem to mind the Audio problems. L.A. Inner City Mass Choir hit the stage in Stellar form, and so did West Angeles COGIC Mass Choir & Jason Champion…. Deitrick Haddon (Damita Haddon) was off the chain with their presentation, and so was Mary Mary – but again Audio problems made it hard to hear several key people (background singers, ect.). Brent Jones & T.P. Mobb/T.P. Mass was ok, and even Shekinah Glory was good too. Headliner – Marvin Sapp, came for blood – and did not let the over 4,000+ waiting crowd down, closing this year’s event with the ever popular “Never Would Have Made It”. Next year will be hard to top… Magic Mountain’s Gospel Celebration – 6/21/08: Smaller crowd this year, and although the saints came to get their praise on; they came for the new ride - X2;; which was closed most of the day. Trin-i-tee 5:7 gave one performance, and for the most part left a lot to be desired. Their guest - Brian C. Wilson was almost better then they were, maybe it was the after-5 dress code or the tracks not matching the vocals; something just didn’t work for the girls. Israel & New Breed hit the stage like veterans – and kept both of their shows wanting more… Hot day and even Hotter Praise – thanks to Israel… Errol Gillett & Zyon, Live Recording – 6/28/08: Nice crowed, but it started almost an hour late – and when it did; the Music seem to flow… Despite a few Technical flaws – Errol & the crew Shined… Standout songs included: One Word, Reside In My Worship, Crazy, Stand, and Make It Home. With the help of Music Director – Tony Jones, the band was flawless with their presentation, as was Errol & Zyon. This project should be a welcome surprise to the Industry… Jamelle Jones, Birthday Celebration – 7/12/08: Nice crowd, but should have been better attended – considering Jamelle is a noted songwriter to many local artists. Opening P&W by William Johnson & Co. woke the waiting crowd up, and set the tone for the event. Guest Worship Leader – Jason Wright from Brooklyn, NY came ready to have Church… Greater Los Angeles Cathedral Choir (GLACC) was good, and so was L.A. Inner City Mass Choir; but the Anointing came in on the performance by L.A. Young Adult Choir of GMWA. When the spirit came in, the saints had to take a Praise Break…Visiting guest – Alonzo Chadwick from Las Vegas, NV gave the crowd Praise & Worship again, and left a lot to be desired – newly installed “Voices of Victory” headed by Jamelle Jones – presentation was very good, although the crowd was still worn-out from the Praise Break… Happy 22nd B-Day JJ! What The Saints Are Reading Rev. Timothy Wright “Who’s Really On The Lord’s Side” Noted as The Godfather of Gospel Music, Timothy Wright is one of the Pioneers in the Gospel Industry. Having been in the Industry for over some Four Decades, Wright often jokes “I’ve seen them come, and I’ve seen them go…” In this Autobiography, he stops to tell the compelling story of what brought him to the Lord in the first place, and how down through the years; he has had some good times and bad times – but through it all “He Made It”. From his humble beginnings as a Piano player in the early 60’s, to his breakout hits “Trouble Don’t Last Always” & “Where Do You Stand” and the formation of the New York Fellowship Mass Choir. His 40th Anniversary in Gospel Music – with the recording that put him back in the forefront of the Industry with the hit “For The Rest of My Life”, & even his latest effort “Jesus Jesus Jesus” is covered by this easy read… With Foreword by Rev. Al Sharpton, pick it up today - 4/5. For more information, goto: www.TheGodfatherofGospel.net. FOOTNOTES Just Jesus Jersey’s Christian Active Wear - Customized & Personalized! We have Football, Baseball, Basketball and Hockey Jerseys, T-Shirts and Fleece for you to choose from. Add your own personal touch! Pick from our various colors, designs and styles. We also specialize in creating personalized and customized designs for individuals, family reunions, schools, church groups and small or large companies. Visit us online TODAY at www.JustJesusJerseys.com. Just Jesus Jersey’s, It’s not about the “JERSEY”, It’s “JUST JESUS” Dr. Bobby Jones presents Renee Spearman and Prez “He Changed Me” (JDI Records) TV icon Dr. Bobby Jones joins forces with hit-maker JDI Records to present gospel’s hottest duo Renee Spearman and Prez. ”He Changed Me” is the much anticipated follow-up to their 2004 project “Celebrate”, which topped Billboard for over 35 weeks. Standouts include: He Changed Me, You Could Have Chose Someone Else, Real To Me, Happy Mother’s Day, and more… Pick this one up & hear the new flavor in Gospel. In stores – 9/2/08 Adrian B. King “You’re Awesome!” (JDI Records) Donald Lawrence says “Adrian B. King is an amazing gift to the body of Christ!” One of the most in-demand musicians & songwriters in the gospel industry, whose credits include some of gospel’s top artists including Kurt Carr, Vickie Winans, & Tramaine Hawkins (just to name a few). Chicago native Adrian B. King steps into the spotlight with this praise & worship gem! Standouts include: You’re Awesome!, I’ve Got The Victory, I Will Abide (featuring DeNetria Champ). Pick this one up today and be blessed! In stores – 9/2/08 New Shiloh Women of Witness & Worship “Hallelu Anyhow!” (JDI Records) JDI Records is renowned for producing mass choir music that you can sing Sunday at churches and New Shiloh’s Women of Witness & Worship is no exception! Based in Baltimore, New Shiloh Women of Witness & Worship is a mass choir of 100+ voices lifting up the name of Jesus in song! No matter what you’re going thru, God has it ALL under control so you may as well praise Him anyhow - “Hallelu Anyhow!” Standouts include: Hallelu Anyhow!, Said I Wasn’t Gonna Tell Nobody, and Medley of Spirituals. Church & mass choir music at its best – you won’t be disappointed! In stores – 9/2/08 LORD BEFORE US PRODUCTIONS 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 searching for the next big Female vocalist – please see our web site for more info. The first release by LAVA Ministries “This Is My Story” is in stores now, look for New Releases by Christopher Jones “Just My Praise” and Joseph James & the S.V.S. Chorale “The Wait Is Over” coming soon. Look for Lord Before Us Products Coming Summer 2008 – Bible Covers, Black Art, Collectibles, and Novelty Items – everything you need, in One Place… Remember – If The Lord Is Before You, Who Shall Be Against You!