1 comments about Greatest Hits.

1. If you are new to Ms. Vickie and you thought she was all about Shaking Herself Loose listen to this album! This is some of her best Praise and Worship. These songs will run your emotions from dancing, to shouting, to crying to the Lord in true worship. Nobody does it like Vickie Winans! Pick up Live in Detroit Part 2 while you're at it!

No comments about Live from the Tabernacle.

3 comments about This Is Christmas.

1. "This is Christmas" is not a CD to use for background music during the holiday season. The rhythm, meter, voicing, and harmony in the arrangements call for your undivided attention. That's a plus during a time of year when the hustle and bustle can be exhausting. An hour lost in contemplation of the music on this CD will provide an enchanting musical respite.
   
   The delightful Craig Courtney arrangement of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is reason enough to buy this CD by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Composer Courtney developed a Pops arrangement of what can sometimes be a boring and repetitious carol to deliver a wonderfully crafted chronological sampling of musical style periods from Gregorian Chant to early twentieth century Sousa. "A Musicological Journey Through The Twelve Days of Christmas" is an unforgettable jaunt through Vienna, Rome, France, Germany and Russia to the USA.
   
   The rest of the CD is a tribute to the musical essence of Christmas found around the globe. Kathleen Frost's haunting vocal on "Jesu, Son Most Sweet and Dear" lends a special flavor to this centuries-old anonymous English poem set to music by Australian composer, Colin Brumby. Not many original Australian Christmas compositions are heard outside that south of equator nation where Christmas comes in the summertime.
   
   There are the familiar carols such as "Angels We Have Heard On High" and "Away in a Manger" as well as the unusual "Carol from an Irish Cabin" and "La Virgen lava panales," a villancico or song of Christmas from Spain. Overall, it's a charming CD to have in a Christmas collection.



2. Over the space of several years in the mid 1990s I played in the orchestra for several of the Tabernacle Choir's Christmas Concerts. This CD represents the first one I did (I played in the brass section of the orchestra), and it was fun to play. The live sound in the Tabernacle with full orchestra, a huge choir, and organ was truly glorious. The performances were strong. Too bad this CD, which is the recorded version of the live concerts, does not capture the full, rich sound that resonated throughout the building.

   Kudos to Jerold Ottley, now retired as choir director, for his excellent work with the choir. He was both a task-master and a real human in his work in front of the choir and behind the scenes. Also, much praise to Jane Fjeldsted for her wonderful singing as soloist on "La Virgen Lava Panales."

   All in all, the pieces and the performers sound good, although the microphone placement and/or the mixing was badly flawed. Kudos to T.D. who played 1st trumpet, and who had the mic right in front of him - he sounds great! Unfortunately, it overbalances the rest of the orchestra, which sounds muddy much of the time, especially among the low voices.

   Despite the inter-ensemble and intra-orchestra balance problems portrayed on the CD, the pieces are still powerful. "Angels We Have Heard On High" and "Personent Hodie" are still personal favorites. Somewhat less of a favorite is the arrangement of "O Come All Ye Faithful." It just seems to come off as a little trite, as does the last piece, although clever, "A Musicological Journey Through The Twelve Days Of Christmas."

   This is quite an eclectic collection of Christmas music, and is worthy of adding to your seasonal music library. Flaws aside (admittedly, I was hoping for much better balances), the CD is quite good. I have enjoyed it ever since its release.




3. I played on this album in the brass section of the orchestra. I really enjoyed most of the selections and the performances, but the mixing on the finished album leaves much to be desired. It sounds pretty thin in the orchestral parts and the balances are way off. For example, the microphone was placed right in front of Tony D. who played 1st trumpet. He's a great player and sounded almost like Gabriel himself on this album! Unfortunately, many of the other sections of the orchestra were not miked as well. With the strong high voices in the choir and the only low sounds from the orchestra coming across like mush, the overall sound seems pretty spotty.

   The two weak pieces: the Chip Davis arrangement of "O Come All ye Faithful"(the men ought to sing with more swing) and "The Twelve Days of Christmas." No, the 12 days piece is the not the one with which we are all so familiar. It is a playful piece that was an audience pleaser in concert, using excerpts from many other styles and works to make the point. It's not especially satisfying as piece of music, though.

   The good pieces are REALLY good, though. Personal favorites: "Angels We Have Heard..." and "Personent Hodie." The performances of these are powerful, passionate, and stirring. Crank the volume up - you'll feel like you're sitting in a hot tub with just the right temp.

   Special kudos to Jane Fjeldsted, who is the soloist on "La Virgen Lava Panales." She has a wonderful warm quality to her voice and sings with expression. Well Done, Jane! You sound awesome.

   I recommend the album. The choir sounds really good, despite the problems with mixing the orchestral accompaniment.

   They gave it the right title. It IS Christmas.

5 comments about Believers and Friends.

1. I was so pleased to find Brenda Waters' cd on Amazon.com! As a young person, my youth choir sang her songs; it was pure nostalgia as I listened ,once again, to her songs. The message of Christ is clear, and I love the throwback 90s vibe!



2. I was blessed to see Ms. Waters in Dallas TX at the Potter's House when she came as a guest of Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers. He introduced her as a close friend. She sang 'Uzziah'. He then encouraged her to sing 'Victory'. The song resonated in my soul so I was sure to find the CD when I returned home. This CD has blessed me for the past 3 years. Every song takes me one step closer to the Father. I've listened to the CD on the way to work and at my desk. I was led to listen to it last week. Later when reading my e-mails, I learned that Brenda has been gathered to her people. Her voice is indeed a gift to all of us who have heard her and continue to be fed by her CD. If you don't have it, I would get it while it is still available. It will lift up your soul whenever you are afflicted with the spiritual blahs. I thank God that I was blessed to see her sing in person and I thank him again for the CD.



3. My condolences goes out to Hedrick (Brenda's daughter) and to the family of Mrs. Waters, who passed away March 17,2005 which was 2 years to date from my father's death. The gospel world is saddened at the loss, but Heaven is overjoyed to gain a soldier winning the battle. I remember Brenda when I was in my early teens. She used to come to North Carolina and do workshops as well as just come to visit a group that my father sang with called the Bethel Male Chorus who, in their time, was one of the local elite gospel groups. I remember her sense of humor, yet seriousness when it came to singing for Lord. I remember one time I was in a rehearsal she was teaching. I was talking and not listening and she called me out...my father's name was Eddie and she would refer to me as "lil eddie" Being so young, I was embarrassed and a bit upset at her for chastising me in front of all those people, but she never apologized. Later that night when it was time to perform she saw me and gave me a kiss on my cheek and said "lil eddie I know you mad at me but I would rather that than God not being pleased with us. He deserves the best that we can give him and that's what I want you to remember baby" Now that was atleast 20 years ago and to this day I'm thankful for that influence which helped me as a gospel writer and minister of music. I advise everyone to get this cd. She not only was a good singer and musician, but she lived what she sang about in her songs. I love you Brenda. Hug my daddy for me and I'll see yall one day....



4. I am greatful for this ministry. BW has an awesome CD and I encourage ANYONE that loves JESUS and MUSIC to purchase this CD. You won't be disappointed. BW blessed Kansas City in 2001 with her sense of humor and her lovely voice. We won't forget that experience. From one music lover to another your CD collection will be greatful.



5. Ms. Waters you are great..I got a chance to sing in the COGIC AIMS 2000 National Choir in Houston, Tx, inwhich you taught us VICTORY. I was so amazed of your talent at rehearsal Sat morning 7/8/00 and then that night WOW! again, you are great. I came back home hoping to find you on BlackGospel...indeed I did and guest what...it's a must have.

   Thank you

No comments about Call Jesus: Live.

No comments about Silent Witness, Vol. 2.

No comments about My Better Half.

5 comments about He's Able.

1. This is by far the best Wings cd produed. Even better than the latest out. Get this one, and be blessed by a guest performance by Dottie Peoples.
   Thsi is THE Wings cd to buy and it's at a sweet deal of a price used!!!



2. LOVED THE ENERGY AND MESSAGE GIVEN IN SONG BY REV. DREYFUS SMITH AND THE WINGS OF FAITH MASS CHOIR! LOOKING FORWARD TO LISTENING AND PURCHASING THEIR NEW RELEASE "WAITNG ON GOD""



3. The CD was excellent from beginning to the end. Can't wait for the next Album. Due in out Summer '99



4. Rev. Dreyfus Smith is one dynamic singer and as well as pastor. Kudos goes to Rev. Dreyfus C. Smith and the entire Wings of Faith Mass Choir. This is only the beginning. And if you thought this CD was da bomb, stay tuned for the next one. Get Ready--Get Ready--Get Ready!!!!



5. THE SONGS WAS BOTH POWERFUL AND SPIRIT FILL. FROM BEGIN TO END, REV. SMITH AND HIS CHOIR SHOW OUTSTANDING ABILITY TO KEEP YOU ATTUNE TO THE WORDS AS WELL AS THE BEAT.

3 comments about Statement.

1. This is a wonderful Cd that is for the youth especially that they can relate too. This is gospel rap the youth can relate to and appreciate more than anything because it shows them how to praise God in a different way.



2. My boy actually put me on to L. Spencer Smith. We were down at Alabama A&T back in June or July and he was one of the guest performers. The leader of the group I play for was talking about this guy and how nice his music was. I didn't get to hear him live (would have loved to), but I bought the CD. The only way I can explain it is that it's on the Kirk Franklin/Ty Tribbett vibe, but with a nice twist. When I played the first track, "I'm Free", I was hooked. It's one of those songs that you have to stay in the car and finish even once you've reached your destination. He does a song with Blanche McAlister called "He'll come". You've probably heard her on Donald Lawrence's albums. She puts it down on this song. Speaking of putting it down.......the band did their thing. There's alot of hot stuff going on bandwise. This group sounds good too. IMO everything about the album is top-notch. If you like Kirk, Ty Tribbett, or even Myron Butler, you'll enjoy this.



3. What anointed vocalists & muscians/producers! The lyrics are inspired by God -- relevant, real, encouraging and empowering. The music... WOW! The music envelops those anointed lyrics in some of the most intricate, creative, and diverse soundscapes in gospel, bar none. There are elements of hip-hop, jazz, blues, country, funk, and so on; this group flows well through the diverse styles. The singing... WHEW! Can you say FIRE?! They have a soulful sound characterized by tight harmonies and unique vocal inflection. Simply put, they throw down, infusing whatever they sing with incredible passion and intensity.
   
   Bishop L. Spenser Smith and Testament have managed to carve out their niche in modern gospel, while also helping to revolutionize its sound. This is gospel at its finest! Don't sleep on these anointed vessels of God... They are certainly continuing the Assignment. (Pick up "Assignment No. 1" too.) I've been truly blessed and inspired by the ministry of this group... I don't doubt that you will be too.

5 comments about BeBe & CeCe Winans.

1. I first heard this album several years ago when I met my wife. She had it on cassette tape. I played it so much I wore it out and had to recently purchase a CD to enjoy it all over again. The writing and performance are both very good. My favorites are "In Return" and "For Always". CeCe can sing her heart out. BeBe writes well and compliments her on keyboards and vocally, too. Nice, smooth album with some fun stuff, too.



2. This has to be one of the best albums that they have ever done. Its a beautiful album and I would recommend it to anyone !!! The vocal harmonies and musical arrangements are first class, all round it is very well produced.
   
   Tracks 'I owe you me' 'Still in love with you' 'For always''Love said not so' and 'Change your nature'I could listen to over and over again they are so lovely, in fact there is nothing bad I could say about this album. It took some time for me to get my own copy as I only had a recorded cassette version. Boy the wait was worth it!!! A CLASS !!!



3. This cd is great. "In Return" is possibly one of the most moving songs I have ever heard. Every song is absoutely wonderful! A MUST HAVE.



4. "In Return" Is one of the most inspiring songs that I have ever heard. In fact the entire CD has been an inspiration. There are song on this CD that I just need to get me through the day. If you want to be enlightened,this is the CD for you.



5. They Were Really The Only Reason I Even Got Cable !
   
   From Songs Off Of There Title LP " Up Where We Belong "
   PTL Records.

   1. " Up Where We Belong "
   2. " Worth The While "
   3. " The Wedding Song "
   4. " I love You "

   But That Was Then, And This Is Now.
   Pure Joy, Thats All I Have To Say About This Album!

   I Know That I Speak For Alot Of
   BB & CC
   Fans When I
   Say.

   WE WANT A REUNION - WE WANT A REUNION - WE WANT A REUNION- WE WANT A.........COME ON SAY IT !!!

   IT'S TIME - IT'S TIME !