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Home , Shirley Caesar, Vanessa Bell Armstrong

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CASH BOX BOB LONG SPEAKS ON MICRO GOSPEL CHARY

THE FIRST LADY OF GOSPEL— January 20. '.990 The grey shading “Phenomenal” is the only word that ade- represents a bullet, indicating strong upward chart quately describes the musical talents of movement. evangelist . Her

phenomenalism is evidenced by 11 Grammy Total Weeks 7 award nominations, 5 Grammy award vic- Last Week V tories, 3 gold albums, 10 Dove awards, 5 Stellar awards, thousands of sold-out con- 1 MISSISSIPPI MASS CHOIR (Maiaco e

29 1 mother and is a tribute to her. Five of us that knew her came up with the NEW DIRECTIONS (Meltone 505) Soul Stirrers 26 14 words. This album also says ‘Let’s have church like Mama did.’ It is not so 30 NO GREATER LOVE (Savoy 14788) Keith Pringle 30 17 much an evangelistic album; its purpose is to minister ideas like ‘Worship 31 (jive/RCA WONDERFUL ONE 1200 ) 34 5 Him, ’‘Don’t Give Up,’ He’ll Do It Again’ and ‘I’ll Never Stop Praising the Lord.' 32 LIVE IN ST. LOUIS (Savoy 7096) Workshop of America 31 17 It’s talking about deliverance from problems and giving thanks and worship- 33 THE BIBLE IS RIGHT ( j&b 0092 ) Southern Faith Singers 36 5 ping the Lord. The album has both contemporary and traditional material, 34 1 KNOW WHAT PRAYER CAN DO am wr-wc 8432) Jesse Dixon 32 17 continuing the direction I’ve been in for some time.” 0 35 DON’T WORRY BE HAPPY (Atlanta International AIR 10137) Caesar’s music literally bridges the generation gap by its capacity to appeal to both the young and the old. It trancends musical preferences through its Rev. Thomas L Walker 4 ability to artistically exemplify traditional, contemporary and country gospel. 36 GOD IS A GOOD GOD (Sound of Gospel SOG-177) Without a doubt, Caesar is first and foremost in the field of gospel music. She Keith Hunter & the Witness for Christ Choir 33 10 undeniably is the “First Lady of Gospel Music.” 37 WILL YOU BE READY (Light 7115720193 ) Commissioned 35 17 BAILEY’S FAMILY AFFAIR—Veteran recording artist Philip Bailey just 38 WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU (Word wr 8443) DeLeon 37 8 completed work on his latest album for Records. Bailey spoke A&M/Word 39 SAINTS IN PRAISE (Sparrow spr 1189) The West Angeles C.O.G.I.C. 38 10 about the many factors regarding this album: “Since my last gospel album, 40 AND THEY SANG A HYMN (Sound of Gospel SOG-179) Thomas Whitfield & Co. 39 10 I’ve experienced challenges in my own family, suffered through the death of a loved one, the tragic death of a neighbor in a plane crash and the ups and downs of life. I could see God’s hand in it all, so I’ve moved away from religion all-girl groups of the past, i.e. the Emotions and the Pointer Sisters. The album and moved closer to God himself. also features some great work from sax man extraordinaire Gerald Albright and “I started this album with the wrong intentions and without seeking the bassist Andrew Gouche. Lord,” continues Bailey. “Later on, I asked the Lord to show me the concerns “We were orginally known as the Senior Gospel Ensemble,” recounts the of his heart and he began to give direction. It is the first album where 90% of group’s founder, Darlene Futrel. “We actually started in high school as a small the ideas were directed through me instead of by me. I’ve grown in the Lord.” chorus, doing shows and church services all over Southern California. Once we According to Bailey, this album would not have been if it were not for Rev. graduated, a small group of us paired off because we still enjoyed singing together Oliver Wells. “I met him in Atlanta in a church during the taping of a Martin and eventually we formed the current group, Futrel.” Luther King, Jr. television special produced by ,” Bailey remem- With the addition of members Evelyn Young, Theresa Day and Janice bers. "He learned my four songs in five minutes. I was impressed with his Davis, the young Futrel soon made a name for themselves recording with such talent and spirit. We stayed in touch. Later on it was only natural that we gospel notables as the Rev. James Cleveland, Edwin Hawkins, Walter Hawkins, work together. On this album, I had a dream come true when I got to work Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Patrick Henderson, as well as singing back-up for with Richard Smallwood, whose anointing and sensitivity I respect. folk/pop legend Joan Baez. “I decided to have a more urban-sounding record this time,” he says. “The Their live performances have included feature slots with Jesse Jackson’s song ‘Family Affair’ with Kirk Whalum on sax is a ministry to youth and young PUSH for Excellence, Bob Hope’s U.S.O. Tour and James Cleveland’s Gospel Christians. I am planning to serve aggressively with this record, performing Music Workshop of America, where they received the Best New Group and the more Christian concerts, touring with this material, ministering to families Founder’s award in 1979. and relationships. As a result of their association with Light Records’ Alan Abrahams, who was “My other work also gives me a tremendous platform,” Bailey concludes. introduced to the group by producer Laythan Armour, Futrel was signed to the “Earth, Wind & Fire has a new record and I have another secular album Light label in 1988. coming out. Our prayer in this crucial time must be for the young.” Worth the Wait answers the musical question, What has Futrel been up to? From the traditional “I’ve Got the Victory” to the upbeat “Worth the Wait” and “I FUTREL DEBUTS—Since their formation as a group of high school students Died For You,” to the 1940s sound of “He’s the Best Thing (That Ever Happened who decided they were having more fun singing their own versions of the to Me)” and “Never,” Worth the Wait provides some solid answers about what gospel classics than the standard glee club fare, the four members of Futrel Futrel will be up to in the years to come. The title track and “Come to Me” have have been impressing audiences from coast to coast. As a result, their debut strong appeal for the secular music community. For bookings and more informa- album on Light Records, entitled Worth the Wait, provides more than just an tion, regarding this dynamic group, contact Glenn D. Nelson at (213) 850-4418. appropriate title. It is a power-packed blend of traditional, contemporary and 1940s melodies, with a unique vocal harmony reminiscent of some of the great Bob Long

CASH BOX MAGAZINE 1 1 January 20, 1 990