Review of Hezekiah Walker's "Azusa The Next Generation"

Hey Everyone! Before I begin this review, let me first say I am a very huge fan of Hezekiah Walker. I personally grew up on his music.   His album “Live in London” played an integral part of my childhood. So when I heard that he was releasing another album I was very excited. I am sure most, if not all of us have heard his latest single “Every Praise” on the radio. This single created a great sense of buzz and anticipation for the album. So without further ado, I present my review of Hezekiah Walker's "Azusa the Next Generation."

The album starts with the upbeat single "Every Praise."   This single is a new sound for Hezekiah Walker, which embraces the choir/praise and worship sound made popular by Youthful Praise. I like the extended version on the album that shows the choir giving God praise with the fruit of their lips. This song is very catchy and something I'm sure many churches will be adding to their choir/praise and worship set.

Upon first listening to the second song I must say I was disappointed. One of the biggest songs of 2013 was and is “Break Every Chain”, so to hear Hezekiah Walker do another version was kind of mind boggling. I also believe choosing Deitrick Haddon to sing the lead was a poor choice, because he didn’t really add anything to the song. However, the lyrics that were added to the song brought about a different touch and flair.  The breakdown in the middle added some flair to the song, and the beginning of when my feelings began to change. I enjoyed the bridge of the song and the fact that it was turned more into a choir song.

I was very impressed with how the third song started with the infamous "War Cry", created by the late Bishop Kenneth Moales. I love the “churchiness” and “down home” essence of this song, "I Feel Your Spirit." I love an unexpected modulation and this song made my heart very happy. The lead vocalist really did an amazing job and was able to carry this song without over powering and taking anything away from the choir. The only critique I have for this song is that I wish they added a vamp to give the song a better close.

One of my favorite soloists Timiney Figeroa-Canton is featured on the fourth song of this album. It is amazing to see how she has vocally matured and grown. This song is really simple but the message reminds you that no matter what you go through, you are as the song title says "More Than a Conqueror." During your first listen to this song, you will catch yourself singing along because the simplicity yet powerful words ministered in the song. I love the vamp and the choir sounds really great on that part.  I love how they end the song with a sweet and soft sound.

“Lead Me to the Rock” has a throwback Hezekiah Walker feel to it. As a Hezekiah Walker fan, I was excited at the initial beat drop.  This is the style of choir music I miss and grew up on. I personally feel the verses could have been sung a little less, but never the less it is still a great song. The vamp had a 90's, early 2000 feel to it which caused my mind to travel to yesteryear.  This is definitely a song you would hear at a conference. I wish the choir would have modulated higher on the bridge. The band sounds stellar and top notch. I really loved this song!

“Breakthrough” started with an amazing message from Hezekiah Walker.  Donnie McClurkin was a perfect fit for the style of the song. The sound is more of an ensemble type of song.  In my opinion, having a choir sing this song made the delivery of the song a bit overpowering.  However, the message is really great because it reminds you of the power and strength of the God we serve.

Brian Courtney Wilson sounds great on the song “Grace”. I love the combination of the choir and the Neo Soul groove sound. This song is not really memorable, but all in all a good song.

I love the contemporary Christian feel of the song “Amazing”. The choir sounds really good behind the vocalist. The blend on the vamp was stellar, and I was truly impressed at how the three parts came together so beautifully. The vocalist carried the song in the vamp and you could literally feel the anointing in her voice.  I love that they had the vocalist end the song.  This song mirrors it’s lyrics and is simply amazing!

Now, there is nothing like a John P. Kee and Hezekiah Walker collaboration, so I was ecstatic to hear these two gospel giants reunite.  “Work In Your Favor” has a great groove and throwback feel to it.  It has a true choir style, while still embracing the unison sound which is very popular in gospel choral music. I love the modulation in the bridge, but the choir sounded somewhat tired towards the end of the song, and seemed to have lost energy as the modulations progressed. The vamp is very catchy, and I can see this song being sung because of its simplicity.  The musicians showed their skill in the breakdown.

The last song “No Greater Love” ended the album with very high energy. The beginning has a chanty sound to it.   This is a song I could see you pumping your fists to. I think this was the most appropriate song to end the album with.  I feel that the end of an album should always leave the listener wanting more, and I believe that was accomplished with this song.

The album holistically is a great one!  I truly enjoyed it from beginning to end.  Some things could have been tweaked in my opinion, but unmistakably this is a great album. I was very impressed with the way the album included music for every type of lover of gospel music. All gospel choir fans are in for a treat. Please go out and purchase this album, I'm sure you will not be disappointed. God Bless!!!

Interview with Evangelist MarQuita Danzy

Hey everyone! I am so excited about this next interview I am presenting. The artist I am presenting is Evangelist MarQuita Danzy. I first heard and saw this woman on a YouTube video leading praise and worship at the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World's Empowerment Conference. After I heard this woman minister, I was very much in awe and an instantaneous fan. After following her, I can say this woman is truly anointed and an asset to the Body of Christ. As a very active member of her organization, PAW, she is someone who is an example of faithfulness while still working towards success. I believe she is someone young people and fellow artists need to look up to, to remind them not to forget or neglect where you came from and the platform that allowed you to be at the place where you are now. So without further ado I present my interview with Evangelist MarQuita Danzy.

How old were you when you first started singing? 

I've been singing all of my life so I can't give you an exact age! LOL!  I do know that it was around the age of 8 that I really started to become more serious in understanding that God had given me a gift of music.

What has been your most memorable ministry moment?

Oh wow!!! I have been blessed to travel so many places where so many wonderful memories have been made! However, I have to say that my most memorable ministry moment has absolutely nothing to do with me! I was leading a service a few years ago that was sooooooo anointed (not because I was leading it-LOL) but because the people of God were so with one accord, where you could literally see the glory cloud resting in the sanctuary. The saints were in such a deep worship where you felt you could physically touch God!!! I was in complete awe! In that service not only was I able to just lay before the King, but the King gave me clear direction for my life, for my child's life, and for the future. I'm getting chills now thinking about it!

What do you feel separates your ministry from the ministry of anyone else? 

The fact that I realize that it is not nor has it ever been my ministry! I Peter 4: 11 is one of my favorite scriptures that keeps me grounded. It reads " If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen." My mother simply puts it this way- TO GOD BE THE GLORY! I'm just a stinky vessel he has given abilities to. Those abilities, gifts, etc., are to expand his fame, not my own.

When did you first hear the call to do ministry and music on the level that you do it on now? 

Whew!! I've been preaching since forever! My first sermon was to a congregation of dolls at my aunt’s house! They gave a good offering afterwards too! LOL! Last year, I became licensed as an Evangelist within the PAW, Inc. I knew it was time, and my Pastor, Bishop Douglas Yancy really stayed on top of me about it. I wanted to be as legit as possible you know? You can't drive a car without a license- well???? LOL! The latest venture musically with the EP happened about a year ago. I attended the Back at One conference in Youngstown Ohio to support my brother James Tyson, II. While there, my brother Tim Slaughter and I begin to talk. In our conversation, God used him to reaffirm and confirm that "next step" for me. It's been such a world wind of an outstanding journey!

Who are your mentors and what are the greatest lessons they have taught you? 

My mother Pastor Iola Danzy is my greatest mentor. See a mentor is someone who has authority to speak over you, to you, correct you, etc. Well- that's my mom! LOL! She's taught me to be strong yet humble. She's taught me how to stand for what I believe, yet be a classy lady while I'm standing. My mother has taught me that whatever you do, do it in a spirit of excellence. That serving God's people is important. That love goes beyond our human definition....and that I still have a lot of work to do!! LOLOL!

Who are your vocal inspirations? 

Oh and the list begins! Fred Hammond, Marvin Winans, Debarge, Kim Burrell, Tammi Haddon, Tremaine Hawkins, Jonathan Dunn.

Where do you envision your music ministry in the next 5 years?

Wherever God wants to take his ministry through me is alright with me! Ultimately, my goal is NOT to "become"; it's to reach souls. I never want people just to view me as a singer. I never want to be an entertainer. I want the power of the Holy Ghost in me to destroy yokes 5-100 years from now. If that's locally- amen! If that's internationally, amen! Now, as an artist, I pray to continue to mature and grow in the gift... yet I'm satisfied with His plan!

What do you believe is the one moment that was the turning point in your ministry that catapulted you to where you are now? 

That moment as that 8 year old, where I began to see that lives were being changed as I opened my mouth and begin to sing. The moment that I realized that the dreams and visions that God gave me, and the things I heard in my ear to say to people were actually right and from him, and that I didn't need to be afraid of it. The moment I accepted that I am so fabulously unique, and naturally divalicious and will always be... that did it! LOLOL!

As a very active member of the organization Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, how has being a part of that Pentecostal organization help shape, mold and affect your music ministry? 

First, our organization has such a rich history when it comes to music ministry. We serve the God we sing and write about! Knowing that I have a great foundation as a songwriter/artist gives me a sense of pride. At the same time, it now gives me a sense of responsibility to make sure that what I produce continues the legacy! The organization has also linked me to so many special, power people in and out of the music industry that I hold so dear to my heart that I probably would not know otherwise. Those relationships have blossomed into family connections, and at the same time produced indescribable doors of ministry.

On your album, what one song do you have the closest connection with? 

"In Me". I wrote it years ago in a place of being tired of living the crazy way that I was living at the time, yet afraid of fully even trusting that God wanted me, or would totally hear me. I knew I had messed up pretty bad. I was always taught to approach God boldly, yet humbly, and to confess- so that's what I did. Identifying with King David in Psalms 51, the song was birthed- and still remains my prayer today!

If you could redo one moment over to either relive it or to make other choices, what would that moment be?

If you would have asked me this question a few years ago, I would have had a laundry list of events spitting off of my tongue! LOL! I've since found peace in Romans 8:28 "All things work together for good." Every mountain, every valley, every mistake, every victory, every person that died or walked away, everything new in my life, everything I've had to sacrifice, and everything that was sacrificed for me was all a part of making me who God needs me to be right now! Every tear...was/is worth it. I wouldn't change a thing.

After people hear you minister what one thing do you want people to take away?

GOD IS REAL, GOD IS LOVE AND HE SHONUFF LIVES IN HER! Then I want them to look at themselves, where they've been, where they are, and where they plan to be in confidence that because He is real and because He loves them too, they can live a full life of freedom through Him!

What do you have planned ministry wise within the near future? 

A vacation!!! LOL! No, I am so humbled to be traveling and ministering locally and across the country in various venues. Follow me and Stay tuned!

Where can someone purchase your new music project and get in contact with you to invite you to minister?

ITunes, Etunes, www.cdbaby.com, amazon.com! You can definitely find it digitally. We're working on distribution. Pray for us!

As we all can see Evangelist MarQuita Danzy is an amazing vessel fro God. Please go out and support her musical endeavors. God Bless!!!

Review of Jonathan Nelson's album "Finish Strong"

Hello everyone! I am so excited to present this blog post, a review of Jonathan Nelson's latest album, "Strong Finish." As the son of Pentecostal Bishop James Nelson, Founder and Presiding Prelate of World Assemblies of Restoration, it seems that the anointing just flows through this families blood line.  I dare to say that this is one of the most highly anticipated albums in the gospel world.  I must say this, even though this is a very solid album, it was not as good as anticipated. His last two albums were very strong albums not just for him but for gospel music as a whole.  I really expected this album to be stellar, and in my opinion it wasn't.  On a more positive note, even though the album was not as good as expected, the lyrics, however are amazing and the vocals are stellar! I can say from a listening aspect, I truly enjoyed this album. So without further ado I present "Strong Finish."

The album starts off with the hit single “Finish Strong” (Strong Finish).  This is a great song not only to start the album with, but just in general.  It is very understandable why this was chosen to be the first single.  I love the chant portion! It is a great reminder of the promise we all have in God.

The next song “Yes Lord” starts off very different than any other song I have heard Jonathan do before.   It is very contemporary Christianesque, but still true to his praise and worship form. The transition in the repeat of the first verse is really cool.  It’s definitely great to see Jonathan moving in a different direction and trying new things. The bridge was a little wordy for my liking.  I really love the vamp and the vocal arrangement of the song.

“Live Pure” is a great up tempo song. I really love that Jonathan put an up and coming artist like Todd Dulaney on this album. It’s an amazing song talking about living pure, which is very rare in this modern age of gospel music. I love the uniqueness of Todd Dulaney's voice with the combination of Purpose.

“God is Blessing” definitely shows the vocal maturity Jonathan has under gone. It’s a great message song. I love the versatility of Purpose and how they can go from group to choral singing. “God is Blessing” is a great song to listen to while you are going through difficult times.

“Worked It Out” has a very cool Neo Soul type of vibe to it in the beginning and throughout the song.  I definitely love the tone of the song.  I am a big fan of Karen Clark-Sheard, so in my eyes she can do no wrong or almost no wrong, so adding her was a huge plus.

“Just For Me” is a very nice ballad song. I love the soft opening. It reminds me of a Kirk Franklin or James Fortune song by its sound and musical arrangement. The vamp really allows you to personalize the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross. I love Jonathan Nelson's ability to incorporate the audience in his worship experiences, which he does awesomely in this song.

“Flow River Flow” is an awesome/amazing song! In my opinion, it is the best song on the album hands down! Jonathan has a way of writing and articulating his songs.  I am truly convinced that they are inspired by the Holy Ghost, and “Flow River Flow” is definitely an example of that. Anyone who is filled with the Holy Ghost had to feel something while they heard this song play. It awakens the spiritual river inside of you, and causes the Holy Ghost to rise in you. It is an amazing worship song that takes you into a heavenly place.  Very few artists can consistently achieve this.  Jonathan Nelson is one who definitely can.

“Dwell In Me” is pretty cool…..nothing spectacular, especially since it followed such an amazing song.  Lowell Pye is definitely a perfect fit to the southern style of the song.  It is really cool how the song is southern based, yet with a contemporary flair. Towards the ending of the song I really began to enjoy it.

“Finally” is a nice message song about the decision we make when we give Christ our lives.  At first, it didn’t really stick out to me, but after multiple listens, it grew on me and it is a really good song.

“Free” is a nice upbeat song with a praise and worship urban feel to it. I am really beginning to love chanting songs. It’s great that you get to hear Jonathan’s niece, Jade, the daughter of his brother James Nelson on the song.  It is really great that he is consistently featuring his family on all of his albums.

Last but not least, “My Name is Victory” a hit song from Jonathan Nelson's major album. It was really good to hear this song again, a song that made Jonathan a gospel music star. I love the groove Jonathan put at the end of the song. It added great flair to the song.  

Overall this is a great album,  and something you should definitely add to your gospel music collection. God Bless!!!

Pentecostal Fashion

Hey Everyone! Now that spring has arrived, we are sure to see bursts of color throughout the ensembles of men and women inside and out of the church. With that being said, one trend that is continuing to become very popular among women is color blocking, especially in the Pentecostal world. According to this website http://www.corporatefashionista.com, color blocking is when a garment or outfit is composed of finite blocks of color.  I have seen some very great examples of color blocking in recent days. In my experience, it has been done best with a colorful pencil skirt and different colorful blazer. I love how the conflicting colors seem to magically come together. In color blocking, ladies and even gentlemen please realize all colors do not complement each other and every color isn't flattering on everyone. I believe once each female finds that color best for her, she will be able to wear this trend with ease. God bless!!!

Pentecostal Fashion

Hey Everyone! The trend I am going to talk about today is relatively old but seems to be continually growing. The trend I am talking about today is Chino's for men. For those who do not know about Chinos, by definition they are trousers made of a tough, twilled cotton cloth. The uniqueness about these pants is that they come in a wide array of colors. I love these pants because they are pants that can be dressed up or dressed down.  As of late, since it is the beginning of spring time, I'm beginning to see this trend take off more and more. Majority of the time I have seen this outfit paired with a blazer, shirt and tie. This trend definitely seems like it is here to stay so be prepared to see this almost anytime you go to church. God Bless!!!

Interview with Trevone Perry

Hey everyone! This post is an interview with new gospel artist "Trevone Perry" of Trevone Perry and Divine Purpose. I first saw this group in a video from James Hall's 2011 Resurrection Sunday concert and instantly became a fan. The unique anointing and blend this group has is amazing! 

Trevone Perry is also a member of the world famous Citadel of Praise and Worship, so it is no surprise that he would produce exceptional gospel music. Trevone Perry and Divine Purpose is definitely a group to be on the lookout for. So without further ado I present my interview with Trevone Perry.


How did you get started with music?

I got started with music at six years old. My Aunt got me involved in the choir as a child and that's where I first fell in love with music.

How did the formation of Trevone Perry and Divine Purpose come about?

It was always a childhood dream of mine to start a group. About six years ago, I formed this group with some friends of mine. After forming the group, I taught my first song which was "So Glad To Be Alive".

What is your Pentecostal background?

I actually didn't have a Pentecostal background until I was fourteen years old. That was when I joined Citadel of Praise and Worship.

How do you feel music impacts church and more specifically Pentecostal churches?

I think music is important to Christians. Not only does it impact our lives, it encourages us to make it through different things that we are going through. It brings us joy when we're sad. It puts us right where we need to be. Music edifies us. Not only that, it's good for our mind, body and soul.

What is your overall vision for Trevone Perry and Divine Purpose?

My overall vision would be for this ministry to be everything that God called it to be. The Bible says to write a vision and make it plain and that's what I did. I want this ministry to reach the highest level that it could possibly achieve. I want this ministry to be an outreach ministry. I believe we already stand out, but I want us to do everything that God has for us in this season.

What made you choose to release "So Glad to Be Alive" as your first single?

"So Glad To Be Alive" is my testimony. I grew up in Albany Projects and I was on my way to being a statistic. My family didn't think I would make it past the age of 21, due to the fact I was caught up in gang activity and drugs. I was doing things that I shouldn’t have been doing. But, thanks be to God I'm still here! I'm so glad to be alive!

What one thing do you want people to take away after they hear you minister?

Jesus! If people don't remember anything else about me or Divine Purpose I want them to get closer and connect with God. I want them to grasp the message that we're singing about.


Who are your musical inspirations?

I have so many musical inspirations, from Kirk Franklin to Bishop Hezekiah Walker to Tye Tribbett to Israel Houghton. That's just to name a few.

What has been the greatest advice given to you when it comes to the music industry and ministry?

The greatest advice given to me was to stay consistent. Through the good and the bad. No matter what I have to stay consistent. By doing so, that's the only way I'm going to get where I am going.

When can people expect to hear more music from you?

By Mid Summer 2013, Trevone Perry and Divine Purpose will have more music out.

What do you have planned for the future?

Divine Purpose has some tours coming up. We have so many major things that are happening by the grace of God. You just have to stay tuned and see what God has in store for this ministry.

What do you feel separates Trevone Perry and Divine Purpose from any other group?

The anointing. I believe the anointing makes the difference. We are such an anointed group of people. We pray together and consecrate with one another. When we come together in rehearsals, God just moves like you wouldn't imagine. We are more than just a group. We're a family.

What one thing would you redo differently when it comes to your ministry?

I wouldn't redo anything. If I hadn't gone through what I did, I would not be where I am. Everything thus far has been a learning experience. Therefore, I wouldn't redo anything. 

What advice would you give someone who hears the Lord calling them to a level of music ministry?

Let the Lord lead you.  Don't worry about what people have to say. Go off of what you know and what God has called you to do. Had I listened to certain people, I would have never started this ministry. So no matter what, always follow where the Lord is leading you and you can never go wrong.

Where can people go to hear and buy your latest single and to book you for an event?

"So Glad to Be Alive" is available on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Sound Cloud and Rhapsody. For booking inquiries you can contact Christopher Wynn at bookTrevoneandDP@gmail.com.

As we all can see Trevone Perry is an awesome man of God. Please go out and support him in all his future endeavors. God Bless!!!

Review of United Tenors Hammond Hollister Roberson Wilson

Hey everyone this  latest post is about the new album featuring four major solo stars who have come together to form a gospel super group. The men I am talking about are Fred Hammond, Dave Hollister, Eric Roberson, and Brian Courtney Wilson who are collectively known as  United Tenors. As the man spearheading this new project, Fred Hammond definitely turned back to his Commissioned roots with this album. I think it is so great to see men with a certain level of success come together and sing praises unto God. For this review I have individually written about each track on the album, to give a holistically review of the album. So without further delay I present my review of, United Tenors Hammond Hollister Roberson Wilson.

I loved how the first song Unshakeable started, with the guitar blazing and being played to musical perfections. The blend between these group of men is amazing and their harmonies are amazingly tight. The song sends a very strong positive message of how the album will play out. This opening song definitely set a strong tone for the album.

Love You Like That picked up right where Unshakable left off.  I really like the fact that there isn't one set lead singer in the group because it allows you the variety to enjoy many vocal stylings.  I loved the soulful sound  the song transitioned into in the middle before returning back to the up-tempo styled song it started out as.I really like  how you are able to detect each vocal part but not the particular singer singing that part, to me that shows true blend.

 When I first heard Here In Our Praise I fell in love with the song because I personally believe there is nothing like men singing a worship ballad to the Lord. I personally believe there is no greater sound than a man giving unadulterated worship to the Lord. The lyrics are simply amazing and life changing because as the songs, says when you truly experience the presence of God your life will never be the same.

We Worship You is a cool slow bop your head type of song with a very good groove.  The song has very catchy words that you can sing along too in your initial listen. I really enjoyed the song because it shows you that worship music isn't always a slow song. The song is very simplistic but not so simplistic that it feels too repetitive.

In The Midst is a great song, which reminds you that no matter what you face God is right there along with you. I am going to warn you this song truly is a tear jerker and not for the faint of heart.  Before listening please prepare yourself because for most people during this song the tears will flow.   I really love and enjoyed the way they inverted their voices mid-song.


I'm Reminded is a great song with awesome lyrics but I did not like how the song sped up during the chorus. It didn't fit how the song started and the initial mode of the song. The end had a lot of things going on so it came off very busy and hard to focus on.

I really love the jazz vibe of Never A Day. The song is very smooth and debonair which I find very amazing since the song was clearly talking about the Lord. There was a slight sound of seduction which was nice and fitting because it is a love song to God. I know you're probably questioning what I mean by seduction but that is the only fitting word that could be used. The end gets really "churchy" and almost makes you go "in" tongues and all. It clearly proves the old saying to be true "You can take the people out the church but not the church out the people."

I love the skit that they did at the end of the song Never A Day. It raised some questions and thoughts on issues that men face.

Everybody is speaker blaster, meaning it is a song that is perfect for being  played  in your car, with your windows down  at a high volume just because the power of the bass. The song is really cool but it seems longer than 5 minutes and not in a good way.

One of my pet peeves in gospel music is when traditional gospel artist try to sing a song with a hip hopesque beat and sound. To me it sounds so unauthentic and poorly fabricated, and in my opinion should never be done. That's the case with Come on Let's Pray, it was so bad that, after an estimated minute of listening to the song I was ready to hit the skip button.

That's The Only Way To Love grabbed my attention in the beginning of the song. It is a cool song nothing really great or unique about it, but very catchy and nice.

My Heart Is Yours is a very nice mid tempo song. The words are really soul stirring and make you really think about your love for God. Definitely a song you unconsciously find yourself mouthing in your initial listen. I love how they did key changes in the vamp and then went into harmony.

Where Are You comes off very vocally naked and vulnerable, in an amazing way.  In the song you can feel the emotions of the words. Such excellent songs because I’m sure many people have said those very words, “Where are You, God.” Definitely a message song which reassures you that you are not in this walk by yourself.

 What Is This is so funny to me because it showed the true feelings and reactions of Fred Hammond and probably almost anyone  who is over 50 on auto tuning your voice.

My God Is Real is an awesome way to introduce auto tune without making it sound unauthentic and for a lack of better words corny. Definitely a feel good song that brighten and uplifts you.

I Need You was somewhat of a disappointment; I always believe you should end your album on a high, upbeat not. I do not feel that was accomplished with this song. The lyrics are really great, they show the dependency of anyone in a relationship with Christ. It is a very nice song but definitely not a song to end an album with.

Overall United Tenors Hammond Hollister Roberson Wilson is a great album. It is something I believe the gospel community needed and was waiting for. This is not an album I could continually listen to straight through but definitely something I would continually listen too in bits and pieces. Every Commission fan needs this album in their collection. Please go out and support Fred Hammond, David Hollister, Eric Roberson and Brian Courtney Wilson known collectively as United Tenors.