As for the music, this project features three of all time favorites, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Evangelist Dorinda Clark Cole and Myron Butler. Pastor Caesar lends hear vocals on the tag “High Praise”. This toe tappin’, hand clapping, head swaying song is a joyful up-tempo track that takes you to church. Pastor Caesar is one of the few gospel icons with whom I have yet to work. I hope to accomplish this sooner than later. Evangelist Cole not only is one of my favorite artist to work with, but her vocals are always smooth as silk and off the chain! As always, she delivers a powerful performance on the jazzy gospel selection, “Still Mighty, Still Strong.” Myron Butler graces the project with, “Great Expectation.” This up-tempo song is a wonderful praise and worship song with its celebratory overtones.

Other notable mentions are, “Powerful God”, “Lord You’re Mighty”, and the title song, “Resting on His Promise” is an awesome anthem of encouragement, hope and faith that speaks to the awesome relationship that we have with our Father and Maker, and the promises He has made to us.

“Resting On His Promise” is currently in the #4 position on Billboard’s Charts.

To learn more about Derrick L. Wade, click here

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I had the privilege of attending The Merge Summit this past weekend. The summit is the brain child of industry executives Holly Davis Carter, and Robbi Reed with the purpose of providing opportunity and access to Christian talent who had a heart for ministry in the marketplace. The conference theme, “Integrating Ministry and Entertainment.”

There were several workshops offered with panelist and moderators that included the “whose who” of the entertainment industry at large. A few of the workshops offered were:

Artist Development – “The Making of An Artist” Master Class

In this Master Class, Mary Mary shared techniques and their insight on developing skills as a brandable artist, the gave advice including tips on imaging, style, and originality. They will also shared their in-depth knowledge and expertise in building a life in entertainment.

Music Business – “The Sound of Music” – An In-depth Discussion with Hitmakers

In this Class, hitmakers Warryn Campbell, President and CEO of MyBlock Records, Rodney Jerkins, CEO, Darkchild Entertainment were joined by “Big Jon” Platt, President West Coast Creative, EMI Music Publishing. In this class attendees gained perspective on writing hits across the musical spectrum.

The New Business of Gospel Music

Explored the inner workings of the new label system as it relates to artist development, budgets, content output and the new game of radio.

Over my twenty something years in the industry I have attended several conferences. I must say for this to be the inaugural year of this conference, they have gotten off to a great start. I would strongly urge you to add next years conference to your calendar, which is slated to take place in Atlanta, Ga.

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In the lineage of gospel songwriters, Donald Lawrence ranks amid the best of them. You can certainly hear his spiritual growth as it relates to being Kingdom minded permeating through on his last few renderings.

With his latest release, The Law of Confession, Part I, Donald Lawrence & Co. do not disappoint, and the project is true to Donald’s classic sound. With well written, delivered, and produced hits this release further establishes Donald Lawrence as one of this eras’ Gospel Icons.

This project reminds me of the days of James Cleveland, The Hawkins, Richard Smallwood and The Smallwood Singers, Milton Brunson and The Thompson Community Choir/Singers; when you played the entire album from beginning to end.

A few of my favorites, “The Word Of The Lord”, “Back II Eden”, “The Law Of Confession” (Featuring Tobbi White-Darks And Blanche McAllister-Dykes), “The Blessing Is On You”  (Featuring Kim McFarland-Anderson which made her debut as a member of Milton Brunson and The Thompson Community Choir/Singers, “Word Of My Power”, and “Citizens Of The Kingdom.”  This project is certainly a must-add to your gospel collection.

Donald – As always, JOB WELL DONE! You have certainly not only blessed me, but the entire Kingdom of God with this project.  Thank you.

To learn more about Derrick L. Wade, click here

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“Smokie Norful Live“, is the fourth project from the Grammy Award-winning artist.  With this his first live album, Pastor Smokie Norful, Senior Pastor of Victory Cathedral Worship Center in Chicago, Illinois, imparts a message of hope, praise, love, and justification.

The project begins with the opening proclamation that “God’s Gonna Do It” (featuring Tye Tribbett) to the Sunday morning anthem “I Will Bless The Lord,” to “Jesus Is Love,” (featuring Heather Headley) which is a heartfelt cover of the hit song recorded by the Commodores and written by Lionel Richie, to the first single, “Justified,” an appropriate and undeniable hit song of forgiveness. Smokie Norful Live offers its listeners a true Sunday Morning experience, and ushers you into the presence of the King.

As expected, the project is well written, well produced and unquestionably well delivered by Pastor Smokie Norful’s signature vocals.

To learn more about Derrick Wade, click here

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Find more music like this on Coko’s Place

With this her third gospel project, Coko seems to be settling more more into the fabric of the gospel community. Her latest rendering, The Winner In Me, which was released this week captures an array of songs for all ages.

The lead single, “Wait,” caught my ear prior to my even knowing that it was a single. This song is a modern day traditional choir song. Choirs across the country are sure to be singing this blessing to the body.

The title cut of the album, “The Winner In Me,” is an awesome mid-tempo driving song that uplifts the listeners spirit as you listen.

“Make A Way” is a riveting contemporary up tempo track driven song that is laced nicely with both slamming lead and background vocals. As a special added treat, listeners our further blessed with a feature from Canton Jones. I believe that this song could very well provide a strong showing for Coko on the CCM side.

With “Rescue Me,” Coko creates a new genre of music, easy listening gospel. This a well written, well produced song and Coko hits a home run with her delivery of the song.

“May Be My Last Time” is slammin’! I listened to the song 5 times in a row. This also promises to be “anthem” added to the repertoire of choirs across the country. With its catchy lyric, and beat you can’t help but join in on singing the song.

If her label, management team and marketing/PR team work in concert with one another, this album should garner great acclaim.

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