Sup folks! Stellar Awards weekend in Nashville was a beast. It was literally non stop and I don’t think I slept the entire time.  Well I’ve had some time to regroup and decompress.  You didn’t think I was just going to go and not tell you about it right? I can be selfish and funny acting but Im’ not that bad.

My first major event of the weekend was the 11th Annual BMI Trailblazers Of Gospel Luncheon to honor Donnie McClurkin & Andrae Crouch at Rockettown. Not only was it my first event of the weekend but it was also my first BMI luncheon ever. After hearing about it for all these years, I was excited to finally be in the mix.  As soon as I walked into the venue I knew that it was going to be first class all the way.

Before the show actually started, it was good to make my way around the room catching up with industry friends and associates I don’t usually get to see that often since we all live in different parts of the country. Shout out to Y’Anna Crawley (Sunday Best winner), Melanie Clark (Gospelflava.com and Charlotte’s Praise 100.9), Dion and Sheri Jones-Moffett, Ted Winn, Gerald Jones (Dagospeltruth.com), Tammy Taylor (One Entity), James Robinson and Gina Waters-Miller (Light Records), JJ Hairston (Youthful Praise), and a bunch of other folks. It was a party before the party! Now, the show.

Dorinda Clark-Cole opened the show with BMI 2010 Song Of The Year, “Take It Back.” She sang it with a track, but you would have thought she had a full band and singers the way she killed that thing. Love a singer like that! Congratulations to Derrick Starks who wrote the song. Pastor Marvin Winans blessed the food (it needed it) and now the “real show” begins.

Sunday Best runner-up Jessica Reedy performed what is soon to be one of her signature songs, “God Has Smiled On Me.” She changed the arrangement a bit from what you saw on Sunday Best but she kept everything in tact. It was interesting to watch the room’s reaction while she sang. She doesn’t have a project out yet but the industry loves and appreciates her! She didn’t disappoint and like always, I was a little close to tears.  She just does something to see when she sings! Goodness!

Once Jessica was done, Byron Cage began his hosting duties for the Donnie McClurkin portion of the tribute. Next up, members of Donald Lawrence’s “The Company” led by DeWayne Woods performed a snippet (literally) of “That’s What I Believe.” It was flawless of course! Then, Sunday Best finalist Latice Crawford gave a strong and forceful rendition of “I Call You Holy.” So proud to see Sunday Best being represented and appreciated by the gospel industry! (Don’t front, these folks can be TOUGH!)

Following Latice, was Micah Stampley to perform the CLASSIC Donnie McClurkin & New York Restoration Choir (i’m OLD SCHOOL) tune “Speak To My Heart.” I found this choice interesting because it’s been obvious for years that Micah Stampley looks up to Donnie McClurkin as a vocal mentor.  The similarities to Pastor Donnie are almost “freaky” but when I tell you Micah sangs the walls down….. Yeah, as long as he keeps singing like that, he’s studying right!

Next up? Marvin Winans came to sing the song that he and Donnie made popular, “Stand.” Oops, I’m sorry. Am I supposed to have something to say? Was speechless then, am speechless now! Carry on!

To close out Pastor Donnie’s tribute, the forever gorgeous Yolanda Adams gave us her take on Donnie McClurkin’s most popular song, “We Fall Down.”  I personally loved her rendition of it.  When I heard the intro to the song, I thought to myself, “I love Yolanda Adams, like really love her, but not sure if I want to hear her do this song.” Well, she did it and did it well! From this point on, Yolanda was our new host for the evening.

Blanche McAllister opened up the Andrae Crouch tribute with the classic “Right Now” along with Donald Lawrence. Listening to Blanche sing is like getting to lick the bowl and the spoon when your grandmother makes a pound cake from scratch. Sweet buttery goodness that woman can sing! (Omg, I made myself laugh with that cheesy line, but I’m leaving it right there because it’s true!) Donald Lawrence took over for DeWayne from here on the background lead duties.

Donald & The Company then laid my ears out (in a good way) as they continued the Crouch medley with “Quiet Time” (the harmonies on this song will knock you to the ground!) and “Soon And Very Soon.”

Next was probably one of the most amazing moment of the entire afternoon. Tata Vega, one of the most gifted vocalists any generation has ever seen performed “Speak Lord” and “Oh It Is Jesus.”  I really want to try and explain it to you, but it’s hard to do. Tata literally charged the the whole room. I’m hoping you all know who Tata Vega is.  If not, log on to Netflix or go to Blockbuster and rent “The Color Purple” and listen to the singing voice of Shug Avery. Now over the course of Tata’s career, I’m not sure she was solely a gospel singer but the woman’s anointing is so strong it’s scary! And the vocals? *whoosh* (been a long time since I’ve said that huh?)

After Tata was done, the room had lost all control. Yolanda tried to reclaim her hosting duties but it was no use! God was in the building and that was all she wrote! She kept trying to compose herself and finally just had to let it ALL THE WAY OUT! I was right there with her, because I felt it too. Everybody did. Which is why I was a little miffed when Cece Winans walked up to her and guided her offstage like a Baptist usher from the 80’s. But the show must go on and we were taping for TV, so I “kinda” understand….

Bebe & Cece Winans followed up with “The Blood.”  Now let me be real honest, it was soooooo good to hear them singing LIKE THAT again! It’s so secret that Bebe & Cece Winans can sing but for a while (at least in my opinion) I thought they had gotten a little “safe” every time I saw them.  A little less gospel and a lot more CCM if you will.  Well, Bebe and Cece reached back and gave you black church! They were singing.  The room, once again, LOST IT!

Mary Mary continued with “We Are Not Ashamed” and slayed us even more! I think there’s some truth to Coko’s statement that pregnancy and motherhood do wonderful things to your voice.  Tina had recently had a baby and Erica’s pregnant and they sounded better than before, and they were GREAT then!

Finally, Marvin Winans closed out the “official tribute” with “Jesus Is Lord.” I’m glad I was at a table with Marvin Winans fans, because ummm, yeah, he kept on singing after that. Everytime he thought of another Andrae Crouch song that he liked, he’d start singing that too.  Then he started tossing the mics to folks and it became a giant sing-along.  Unfortunately, most of that you probably won’t see on TV.

Andrae Crouch’s acceptance speech was probably another highlight of the day for me.  He told his testimony of his in progress healing from a foot issue stemming from diabetes. I love a good testimony, especially when there’s some humor in it. (The God I serves liked to laugh, don’t trip.) Well anyway, part of Andrae’s healing process was to treat and anoint his toe with honey! Yessir, he treated a sugar condition with SUGAR! LOOK AT GAWD!!!!! All jokes aside, it was a moving testimony.  He said something really profound that stuck with me; “I’ve written too many songs to flake out and not trust you. [God]” That messed me up right there.  We talk and sing so much about what God can do, why not live it too!

So with that, congratulations to Donnie McClurkin and Andrae Crouch. They both deserved it.

Special thanks to Wardell Malloy, Jamil Walker, and Catherine Brewton from BMI for inviting me! I’m already looking forward to next year!

Click here to see some more photos from the 2010 BMI Trailblazers Of Gospel Luncheon

Too see it for yourself, make sure you watch The Gospel Music Channel on Sunday, February 21st. I’m not even gonna lie, I forgot the time, but I’ll get it for you! Ha!

I’m out!

Torrence

YES!

Kierra Sheard – Kiki’s Mixtape – I know what a lot of you are thinking. “It was a CD with only 8 songs on it and 4 of them were on previous albums or simply remixes.” My friends, THIS IS WHAT KIKI DOES.  This isn’t the first time that she’s released a little teaser CD in between her major releases to keep her fans happy.  So I put this in the yes category, because the 4 songs that were new were FIRE! If she had put out a 4 song EP, I don’t think we would have minded, so if you don’t want to hear the old songs, skip ‘em! The track “Teach Me” is enough to put this into the Yes category.

Fred Hammond – Love Unstoppable – So I’m a Fred Hammond fan from way back, but over the past few years I had been a little disappointed.  I’m guilty of being one of those people who whenever they discuss Fred Hammond says the same thing: “I’m still bumping Page Of Life 1 & 2. You can have the rest.” Needless to say I wasn’t looking forward to this project because as far as I was concerned, Fred had “lost it.” So know this, whatever that “it” was, Fred got it back and then some! Love Unstoppable turned out to be one of my favorite projects this year! “They That Wait” with John P. Kee is a banger! “Find No Fault” is just old school enough in “that way I like” and  “Lost In You Again” is an immediate *whoosh* grabber.  Plus, I don’t know if anybody else notices this kind of stuff but me; but for the longest time, Fred always had this one soprano who dominated every song he did and just got on my ear’s very last nerve. Shrill much? Well, apparently she’s gone or they turned her mic down and I’m glad about it!

Ted Winn- Balance – The other half of gospel’s super duo Ted & Sheri didn’t disappoint either!   In my opinion, vocally, I’d say that Ted’s voice was probably more suited to a more contemporary gospel style, while Sheri’s gift bordered on the traditional and they switched it up on me. Ted’s CD has a more churchy feel to it but every song worked!  Again, if I let my expectations dictate how I felt, I probably would have missed something real special.  The songs, arrangement and production on this project were AMAZING. Two words: “No Weapon!”

Vanessa Bell-Armstrong – The Experience – I want to say a whole lot about this CD but I start quickening and falling out just thinking about it.  Like some other artists I’ve mentioned, we were a little concerned for Vanessa.  For a few albums she went in some “interesting” directions and we really didn’t get with it, and for good reason.  Well, this time around, with production by Donald Lawrence (he’s THAT DUDE), she gave us the album we needed AND wanted. The singing, the singing, the singing!!!! AHHHHHHHHHH, *whoosh.* Ok, I’m back.  This CD actually may be one of my favorites by her, and I’m talking about across the entire catalogue!

The Anointed Pace Sisters – Access Granted – I feel like folks did not pay proper attention to this CD. I think there was a lot of music coming out at the time and it just kind of got lost in the shuffle.  I’m so glad I didn’t miss it! Now perhaps I’m a little bit biased, because I’m a fan of both girl groups and family groups, but what makes this CD so great is the flow and production.  In our iTunes generation, we find it really easy to listen to CD’s out of order, in shuffle mode, etc. and we miss things or lose the flavor/art of a well sequenced FULL project. I try to make it a habit to listen to a CD in its entirety before I start picking out tracks to add to playlists, etc.  This CD can play from start to finish and goes from some heavy church moments (Can Duranice Pace be anything but?) to some really smooth grooves. (that is probably the corniest line I have ever written, but “smooth grooves” are the only applicable words that I can think of.) Get this CD and check out “Finally” and “Seed Of Righteousness.”  You’ll be glad about it.

The Clark Sisters – The Clark Sisters’ Family Christmas f/ J. Moss, Kierra Sheard, Bill Moss, Jr. and J. Drew Sheard II – Now typically, I wouldn’t normally include a holiday release in a package like this (even though this is technically the first one I’ve ever done) but this project stood out and truthfully, I’ll probably play it all year long.  The Clark/Moss family can generally do no musical wrong in my eyes! But really though, the way the sisters come together on this CD is bananas.  Thankfully, they’ve released a video from the live recording of “Oh Come Emmanuel.” You need this CD in your life if for no other reason than to hear Karen Clark-Sheard squall down heaven about a hula hoop  on “The Chipmunk Song.”

NO!

Greg O’Quin & IPraize – After The Storm – “Our father, which art in heaven, please give me the proper words to use to respectfully and clearly declare how absolutely awful this CD is… Amen.” I don’t think there was a single gospel lover who remembers the hit “I Told The Storm” who wasn’t looking forward to this CD. I know I was, because it had been over 10 years since that song was released and it was so powerful, so beautiful, so  wonderful, blah blah blah, that I wanted a follow-up.  But sometimes it’s better to bow out while you’re on top.  This CD left me completely speechless. How does a CD go through recording, production, mixing and mastering yet still have sour notes on it? I mean, I know everything isn’t for everybody but please show me the somebody who this CD is for and I’ll pray that this Universal Healthcare Bill passes so they can get their ears checked.  Full disclosure, part of the reason I think I’m going so hard on this project is not just because it sounded bad, (believe me it did!) But the marketing tactics around it were silly, dubious and full on foolish.  To think that some “promotions company” would take the time to spam my blog’s comments section and email with tacky “rumor” innuendo of Greg O’Quin and Regina Bell (his labelmate) falling in love on the set of a video shoot was rather gross and disrespectful. (There were enough real moral marital affairs that took place this year without having to irresponsibly make any  up!) As a matter of fact, I’m done with this. I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.

Bebe & Cece Winans – Still – I, like most of the free world had wanted and waited for this day to come and when it did, I wished it hadn’t.  Now, be clear, I’m gonna put myself out there and say that I’m a fan of Bebe & Cece Winans. If you  want to see me “act a fool,” let the intro to “Heaven” come on. I get ugly and will re-enact the entire video.  But this CD I think just “was.” Yeah, I know it did this and that on the charts and all that goodness, but I think we were just excited about what could have been. But in the end it just wasn’t.  I kind of dig the single “Grace” but not enough to call this album a hit. That song and “Things” (merely because the ever so great Marvin Winans is on it) are probably the only good moments there.  But guess what, let Bebe & Cece Winans go and tour and promise to sing some hits, I’m THERE!

Maybe?

Rizen – Free – so I remember this group having 4 people, then woke up one day and there were 2 of ‘em.  There have apparently been a lot of changes with this group that I guess I just wasn’t following. Truthfully, I still remembered them as the “holy city one of these days” girls and couldn’t tell you much about whatever happened after that.  So when I realized they were now a duo and signed to Zomba Gospel, I decided to try and play catch up by listening to their new project.  I didn’t make it very far. The screaming that was done on this project kind of kept catching me at the wrong time.  I know, this is gospel, and singers scream, and typically I can get with that.  But, this CD has to catch me at the right time and there’s a chance I may like it, which is why I’m putting it in the “maybe” category. A cute marketing concept might have been to send advance copies  with branded earplugs. (That one’s free, Ha!)

Ann Nesby – The Lulalee Project – I’m a HUGE fan of Ann Nesby’s voice.  She reminds of Aretha Franklin with the Holy Ghost! (ha! If you follow me on twitter, you’d know I’ve been in an extra churchy mood lately!)  So far, the Lula Lee Project for me has been half and half.  The songs I like (The Tonex produced “I Found A Place,” “I Trust You Lord”), I REALLY like, and the ones I don’t (“Thinkin’ About You,” “Press Makes Diamonds), I really don’t like.   Vocally, it’s pretty solid though, so I couldn’t call it a “No” either.

GI – God’s Image- Just another case of didn’t get a chance to listen to it yet, but I will, but didn’t want to leave ‘em out because I like their cover of “Silver & Gold” cover by Kirk Franklin and The Family.

Shirley Caesar – A City Called Heaven – same thing as God’s image, didn’t get to hear it just yet, but Shirley’s one of my favorites!

Well, that’s it for 2009, at least as far as I’m concerned.  2010 looks like it’s going to be another great year and I’m looking forward to it.  Some things I’m looking forward to in 2010? Here’s  a quick list.

1. Karen Clark-Sheard’s first release on her label, Karew Records
2. Marvin Sapp’s new release.
3. Celebration Of Gospel 2010 (www.bet.com/COG)
4. The new season of Bobby Jones Gospel (www.bet.com/bobbyjonesgospel)
5. Kierra Kiki Sheard’s new CD (I don’t even know if she has one coming, but I just hope so! J)
6. Kim Burrell’s new CD. (Wishin’ and hopin’ and prayin’….)
7. Sunday Best Season 3  – I wish I could tell you some of the stuff in store but my lips for now have to remain sealed, but it’s gonna be goooooood (www.bet.com/sundaybest)
8. Y’anna Crawley’s debut CD!
9. Jessica Reedy’s debut CD! (I’m speaking that thing!)
10. Latice Crawford’s debut CD! (more speaking! *Pentecostal fit*)
11. Yolanda Adam’s new CD

Thanks for riding with me this year you guys. I really do appreciate all the love you guys show to me and my lil ole blog.  Everyday I sign into the software to type I still can’t believe I’m here. Wasn’t my plan but it was in THE plan and I’m rolling with it!

So just in case this is the last blog for 2009 (may not be), GOD BLESS YOU! He’ll do it because that’s what He does. I know from personal experience!

Merry CHRISTmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Kwanzaa for those of you who have that kind of time (one holiday is enough, just saying, lol!)

Torrence

But anyway, I’m back with some more highlights from Day 2 of rehearsals for Celebration Of Gospel 2010. (Forgive my tacky picture taking skills, lol.)

First up, Bebe & Cece Winans. This rehearsal ran a little long for me. I felt like they were learning the song all over again, but perhaps they were putting some new touches on it for this performance.  I’ve got friends who are artists who try to make songs different each time they perform, so maybe that’s what took so long. 

Bebe & Cece Winans

Dr. Bobby Jones and the Nashville Super Choir rehearse a rather "theatrical" performance... When you see Dr. Jone's outfit and intro on the show, you'll know what I mean. I think I would have lost it had he showed up to rehearsal in that costume! Ha! (BTW, the Nashville Super Choir is one of my favs. If you ever get a chance to hear them sing outside of "Bobby Jones Gospel" you should.)Our Sunday Best Winner Y'Anna Crawley doesn't know the meaning of rehearsal... She let out a growl in rehearsal that I'm sure woke the dead in some far away land. Everytime I hear/see her sing, i'm further amazed!

 

Technically this is a rehearsal photo but there was nothing rehearsal about it. Fantasia and her mother Diane squalled for BLOOD!

Fantasia had to carry her mother off the stage...IN REHEARSAL! It was that serious...

________________________ oops, my bad. Everytime I look at this photo, I literally flatline and have to be revived. There aren't many words I can use to describe Ledisi and Kelly Price's performance in the show. I'm not speechless often, but yeah....

The Rance Allen Group are some of the coolest dudes you will ever want to meet. God really does know what he's doing. Ya know why? Because if I could sing like Rance Allen, there would be 1 of 2 problems. I'd either sing all the time and never shut up or as i'd have the biggest ego from here to Zamunda. You'd KNOW when I walked into a room! Rance and his members? Not so much. And the singing they did......*whoosh*

Tye Tribbett and his crew had an energetic rehearsal.

Yolanda Adams breezed through her rehearsal and even in flats, she stood shoulder to shoulder with me. (I know that's totally irrelevant right? Jus thought you'd want to know. Ha!) Later that weekend, she and I did a fun interview and I can't wait for you to see it.

Fantasia & Diana Barrino-Barber (Fantasia’s mom)

Anthony & Tarsha Hamilton (Anthony’s wife)

Dr. Bobby Jones & The Nashville Super Choir (Did you know I was a fan of the super choir? They SQUALL!)

Y’Anna Crawley (Sunday Best Season 2 Winner!)

Pastor Shirley Caesar

James Fortune & FIYA

The Rance Allen Group (sing Rance!!!!!!! *whoosh* factor on 10)

Donnie McClurkin

Marvin Sapp

Fred Hammond

Donald Lawrence

Kelly Price

Ledisi (someone bring me a white sheet and smelling salts, because as soon as she opens her mouth, I’m going down in his name!)

Sherri Shepherd (obviously, she’s not singing, but you never know! ha!)

BeBe & CeCe Winans

Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing

Robin Givens (perhaps her and Sheri should duet? Jokes, they’re doing spoken word)

Ernie Hudson (more spoken word)

The City of Refuge P.S.A.L.M.S. Choir

Yolanda Adams

Yeah!!! Yolanda Adams has been added to the line up and despite how many times you’ve seen her on the show, she always kills it! (Sorry Donald Lawrence.)

So that’s it for now. Hope to see you there! And if you can’t make it Saturday, make sure you tune in on Sunday, January 10!

I’m out for now!

Torrence

It’s that time again! Celebration of Gospel (or COG as we call it in the industry, so lazy we are) 2010 is taping in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, December 12, 2009! We’re going back to the Orpheum theater and this show is shaping up to be hot! It’s about to be a “family affair” and you can see why as you check out who’s scheduled to perform.

Keep checking back for more info, but here’s who’s performing so far!

Fantasia & Diane Barrino Barber (her mom)
Anthony Hamilton & Tarsha Hamilton (his wife)
Bebe & Cece Winans
Fred Hammond
Deborah Cox, Kelly Price, Tamia (The Queen Project)
Sherri Shepherd (something in my spirit says she’s not singing, haha)
Donnie McClurkin
Pastor Shirley Caesar
Marvin Sapp
James Fortune & Fiya
Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing
Dr. Bobby Jones & The Nashville Super Choir
Y’Anna Crawley (20090Sunday Best Winner!)
The Rance Allen Group (I’m passing out just thinking about it!)
P.S.A.L.M. Choir from City of Refuge

Of course Steve Harvey is our host again, we couldn’t have it any other way.  Celebration Of Gospel premieres Sunday, January 10, 2010 on BET! (umm obviously, lol)

Gonna be in the L.A. area and want tickets? Email us at BETRSVP@bet.net or call (202) 608-2617. Of course I will be in the building and want to see you there too!

I’m out!

Torrence

*passes mic to __________*

She’s back at it.  BET Sunday Best winner Y’Anna Crawley is back in the studio putting more finishing touches on her debut project.

Y’Anna is working with superstar producers - Buster & Shavoni and it’s sounding so good.  

I didn’t think it could get any better, but they’ve been joined by producer extraordinaire - Kenneth Crouch.  Crouch has worked with the likes of Eric Clapton, Brandy, and Mariah Carey and is the nephew of Gospel pioneer’s Andrae & Sandra Crouch.  

 These dudes are so talented; they’re making me think I can sang.  I might go sit in the booth and do a lil’ something myself ~ smile. 

 This project is going to be bananas!  Swhew, all that makes my brain tired, but I’m bout to go sit in here and listen to some good sangin.’

 Check y’all later!

*Takes mic back from _____________*

O.k., like for real, I’m going to go ahead and put it out there. 

Ummm, “Hi. In case you didn’t know who I was, my name is Torrence and I work at BET. I also now write this gospel blog for BET and I covered Sunday Best on a weekly basis and even was a judge in DC.  So ummm, yeah, I REALLY appreciate these updates you’ve been given me and stuff, but now that you’re reminded who I am, how about can I HEAR SOME instead of you just getting me all excited with these updates!  Thanks and good night!”

HA! But seriously, I want to hear some of this music! But if you guys have to wait, I figure I have to wait too.

But with that said, here’s what I’m going to do.  I’m gonna start begging folks to see if I can get a little snippet or something to let you guys here.  I’m not making ANY promises, but I can be rather persuasive, especially when I pout! But either way, I’ll definitely keep you updated.

Torrence

Thursday, July 23 – Got another call from my “buddy” and turns out Y’Anna back in the studio working again.  Tonight, she’s working on yet another new track called “I Believe.”  From what I could tell, it’s one of those “goosebump” joints. You know, when you feel it just as much as you hear it.  I bet everybody’s feeling the *whoosh* right there in the studio. Buster, Shavoni, and Jimmy Wright are still holding down the production duties. (I don’t think they want to leave her! lol)  But this quote kind of made me laugh. “She’s singing I BELIEVE now. And although I believe too, she done made me a re-believer. ☺” Not a “re-believer.” Ha! I’m not mad Y’Anni! Get it!

And this one is my favorite, because is where we ‘re so glad to see Y’Anna!

Y'Anna In The Booth

Til I get another late night phone call…(Cool it! They’re recording in L.A., and I’m in NYC so there’s a time difference. GET YOUR MIND OUT THE GUTTER! Hehehe)

I’m out!

Torrence

Here’s what I have so far…

Monday, July 20: – Y’Anna works on a track called “Stronger” with Buster of production team Buster and Shavoni.  Y’Anna apparently comes out the gate singing her face off. (Did you expect her not to?) My “informant” (that better?) tells me this one is already looking like a favorite. To quote them: “Do it YAAAAAAAAAA!!!!” Wow! and this is just day 1.

Tuesday, July 21 – Y’Anna is working on a track called “You’re Still God” with Buster and Jimmy Wright (he’s a pretty big deal, google the man!) I hear you are NOT ready for the singing Y’Anna is doing on this song.  It’s apparently REALLY churchy! (Translation, she’s HOLLERING, yes!) From what I hear, the album is going to be quite diverse.  The music covers all styles. 

Wednesday, July 22 – Y’Anna is knocking ‘em out! Tonight (because she was in the studio literally while I’m typing this), she is laying down the parts for an uptempo (why don’t we just say “fast”) track called “Right Now” with Shavoni Parker.  And I mean all the parts, backgrounds and everything. It’s a club banga!!!  The “informant” says, “This club driven track is infectious.”  OMG, I can’t wait. I’m going  to see if I can get them to call me for just a minute from the studio so I can listen in or something!!!

Now Y’Anni (that’s what they call her sometimes) gets her lunch/computer break on. I hear she sings, even when she’s on break.  Tonight’s song? “Golden Lady” by Stevie Wonder. She’s really having a good time!

So yes, the album is coming because now we know she’s already started working on it!!! YEAH! Keep checking back with me, because I’m going to try and keep you as up to the minute as possible as I can on her progress.  As much info as I get, I’m going to give it back to you. And if you’re on twitter, make sure you follow me twitter.com/torrenceG because I let the Twitter family know everything first!

For now, I’m out!

Torrence

But then, the Choir Director in me rose up as I watched the episode where they wore those robes and backed up Byron Cage.  Yeah, I was/am that guy.  I don’t really do it too much anymore unless it’s a conference or workshop, but for quite a few years, I was the good ole choir director/musical director dude.  So anyway, I thought of a game me and my friends play sometimes, especially on road trips.  It doesn’t really have a name but here’s how it goes.  We turn on the radio and depending on what song comes on, we decide what section of the choir they’d be in.  It can get fun, because a lot of times we disagree or perhaps one artist may “lead” songs in one voice and be different in the choir. (For example, I’d put Jennifer Hudson in the alto section although she hits plenty of soprano notes.)

So, I thought, what would I do with the Sunday Best 20?  How would I arrange them in the choir? So here are my picks, and I want to know yours as well.  I read the comments and know there’s a lot of singers, musicians and choir directors on this blog and I want YOUR TAKE.

Sopranos
Carolyn Johnson-White
Audrey Lewis
Sharon Gomez – I see you shakin’ your head. Trust me on this one…

Altos
Y’Anna Crawley
Jessica Reedy – I know a lot of you have called her a tenor or a baritone, but in my opinion, she’s a choir alto.  I might have her stand on the front row next to the tenors to fill in on a higher song where the dudes may have some trouble, but she’d hang with the altos.
Camille Betton
Tammy Turner
Crystal Holland
Cekoya Burch

Tenors
Latice Crawford – She could probably sing a comfortable alto, but would want her to preserve her voice a bit for leads, since I’d be giving her a bunch of ‘em!
Zebulon Ellis
Dontavies Boatwright – He’d be leading everything by the way, lol
John McClure – he currently sings tenor with Jonathan Nelson & Purpose
Jeff Spain – I might have to put him in the second row though as he learned the ins and out of singing in the choir since he’s still new. 
Clifton Ross – I would probably put him right next to Jessica so he could help out the altos, because he could comfotably get up there, but I tend to want to leave guys in the tenor section, regardless of their range.
Kalind Haynes – He’d probably be one of the best choir tenors in the bunch and he’d have his own mic for recordings when you need a CLEAN voice.
Jonathan Johnson
Ian Knighton – see Clifton Ross
Maurice Griffin – See Ian Knighton and Clifton Ross
Peter Robinson – I know we didn’t get to see a lot of him, but DO NOT sleep on this guy, he is REALLY GOOD

So that’s my Sunday Best Choir.  I know half of y’all are like “huh?” This is mainly for my singer/musician heads.  Now let me know what you think and where YOU would place ‘em.

Time for me to go to the BET Awards Nominations announcement.  Check back later to see who’s nominated for Best Gospel Artist!

Torrence

Kirk Franklin brings out our two finalists. Both Y’Anna and Jessica give us some heartfelt testimonies about how far their lives have come just in the last year. It was a bit of a “moment.”

But boyyyyyyyyyyyy was that moment ruined with that romanticized MKS infomercial they threw in there! Kirk wore me thin with that one. “Ooh look at it, it’s just so beautiful. Touch it.” Subtle much? Ha! OK let me stop, we love the folks at Lincoln. And the car is hot! (Hehehe)

 Next up, this season’s mentor and one of my favorite gospel artists, Donald Lawrence and Co. performed their hit “Back II Eden.” Those of you who know me and/or follow me on twitter (twitter.com/TorrenceG) know that this is one of my favorite new songs but also a song that gives me much grief. Why? Because it is such a painful reminder that although I can carry a little tune, I cannot play an instrument. (I’m told my tambourine skills from back in the 80’s/90’s don’t count.) Donald and his crew killed it though. They’re so professional! Oh yeah, special shout out to Latrice Pace! I don’t know how she does it. She sang background vocals the entire season, sang background for The William’s Brothers on the show, performed with her family group “The Anointed Pace Sisters” a few weeks ago on the show, AND then performed with Donald Lawrence last night. That woman works and you know she’s good, because she’s singing with EVERYBODY! Latrice, take a vacation! You surely have worked for it.

We then got to hear Y’Anna and Jessica do a remixed version of New Edition’s “Can You Stand The Rain.” Interestingly enough, that’s one of my favorite New Edition songs too. Johnny Gill used to go OFF on that thing! Ha! But anyway, I think the ladies sounded amazing on it.  I know some folks were probably disappointed that they didn’t sing a traditional gospel song, but I’ve learned that there can be ministry in places where you LEAST expect it.

 Next, Y’Anna comes back to perform Donald Lawrence and Tri City’s hit “Encourage Yourself.” Miss Y’Anna was still very hoarse but she just has a way of powering through!

Right after that, Jessica Reedy returned to perform the hymn “I Surrender All.” Jessica, Jessica, Jessica is all I can say. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house in ATL and neither was there in my house! Something very, very special happened there and I have to be careful as I type this. This blog post could end right here if I think about it too hard. Call the usher!

Next up was another special guest performance. BeBe and CeCe Winans reunite to perform their new song “Close To You” and announce their new album and tour. It was good to see them together again, but didn’t you get the feeling that they were still kind of learning the song? Haha. I know most of us probably wanted them to sing “Heaven” or one of their classic songs, but that’s what the tour is for! You can sit next to Tina Campbell of Mary Mary. She’s bought enough concert tickets this season to have some show to attend everyday for the next 6 months!

Next up, the moment of truth.  Y’Anna Crawley is declared the winner of Sunday Best!

I want to end by giving a huge congratulations to both Jessica Reedy and Y’Anna Crawley for making it to the finals and for being an awesome set of finalists. I don’t know if you noticed but last week when each of them guest blogged, neither one of them specifically or explicitly said “vote for me.” That says a lot about the character of these young ladies. You both are awesome!

Y’Anna, congratulations are due to you for a hard sung competition. You sang us up, down and your gift CANNOT be denied. Make sure to keep singing ‘em crazy!

Jessica, I told you “You Got This” when I first met you in DC and not a single thing has changed.  YOU STILL GOT THIS! I mean that, it’s really only the beginning for you. Gospel NEEDS you and we’re glad you’re here!

Well folks, that’s it for me…today. Thanks for coming for the ride, but this is just the beginning.  The blog and ME are sticking around, so now that the show is over, don’t disappear.  I’ve got some surprises in the coming days and weeks as well as just more good gospel interviews and views from yours truly.  Trust me, gospel is about to blow up on BET & BET.com, I can’t say everything, but there’s some good stuff coming.

 I’m out!

 Torrence