MONA AUSTIN'S GOSPEL SLICE': News on Kim Burrell, Whitney, Paul Morton

     The Gospel Slice is designed to give you just a taste of what's happening in the world of Gospel music, tidbits from the entertainment world at large and sometimes general "news you can use!"

    Think of it as entertainment Jambalaya.

    Once a week, you'll get briefed on who the movers and shakers are, get a glimpse at movie, music and book reviews, and a heads up on new artists and trends. 

    Here's the latest on the news and entertainment radar this week, gospel and beyond

CATCHING UP WITH KIM BURRELL: Gospel singer has a new album; plus she explains her decision to collabo with P Funk's George Clinton

Kim Burrell put the "J" in jazzpel with the 1998 Tommy Boy debut release of "Everlasting Life," introducing a unique style that has influenced churches full of singers. 

With the success of that album, Burrell managed to keep fans' attention, but until now had not produced a solo project in nearly a decade. The arrival of the recently released "No Ways Tired" represents a new chapter in the dynamic songstress' career and life.

"I [kinda] stayed away from doing a solo project, because I needed to gather some things within myself. . ." the Houston-based artist offers about her nine-year hiatus.

But while she put her solo career on pause she stayed busy.  Her effortless ability to deliver complex vocal arrangements has gained the admiration of both gospel and secular artists and over the years she's collaborated with a few of them, like gospel's Richard Smallwood and Byron Cage to R&B legend Stevie Wonder and master of funk, George Clinton. Yes, you read correctly.  George "nothin'-but-the-dog-in-me" Clinton!  About her decision to sing a duet with Clinton on a song entitled "Mathematics of Love," Burrell said she couldn't pass up the opportunity to work with a legend and also wanted to show that Christians are "just as normal."

Burrell also became a wife and mom, made many appearances throughout the music industry and church circuit and manages the Ephesians 4 Conference, which is the brainchild she established to help aspiring singers master their craft. 

Been missing Kim Burrell?  On August 29, Burrell is having a public birthday bash in Houston at the Kingdom Builders Center (6011 ;West Orem; Houston, TX 77045) featuring Musiq Soul Child as the musical guest.

Tickets are $40. Find out more about the event and hear selections from "No Ways Tired" at http://www.myspace.com/kimburrellministries.

In this video clip (www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhM2X4OSGak) Burrell tells us what she's been up to and what's next on her agenda.

HAPPY BIRTDAY BISHOP PAUL S. MORTON: Bishop gets a surprise at GMWA
While attending the Gospel Music Workshop of America this week in Cincinatti, Bishop Paul S. Morton shared and uoligting sermon, an inspiring song and bithday cake. 

The Bishop was surprised Tuesday July 28 at the GMWA Daily Bread Service when Light Records President, Phillip White, and Tehillah Music President, Pastor Jerry Parries presented him with a birthday cake. 

Morton, founder of the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship will celebrate his 59 birthday on July 30.  Bishop Morton also signed his latest CD and DVD, CRY YOUR LAST TEAR, and also his latest book UNEMPLOYED FAITH. 

EARNEST PUGH LIVE: "Rain On Us" Drops; Artist Live Performance Video Debuts On Gospel Music Channel; Lead Single Hits Billboard Charts
 
Earnest Pugh Live: "Rain On Us" hit retail shelves this week.  The album is a mixture of contemporary and traditional gospel music, the artist's first project with Black Smoke Music, headed by industry leader Kerry Douglas. 

The 17-track musical offering features guest appearances by multiple GRAMMY Award Nominees Richard Smallwood and Vanessa Bell Armstrong.  The CD's smash hit single "Rain On Us" (#24 on Billboard Radio Charts) is in heavy rotation on the Gospel Music Channel daily on the network's "Soulful Voices" and "One Voice Worship" segments.

With a reach of over 45 million households, Earnest Pugh is certain to acquire even more fans.  In addition, "Rain On Us" is currently at #24 on the Billboard Radio Charts and has been the most added CD for five consecutive weeks.
 
With songs from well-known songwriters like Kevin Davidson, Demetrius McClendon, Keith Williams and Thomas Bereal, who also doubles as producer on the CD, Earnest Pugh Live: "Rain On Us" is a musical array of up-tempo choir tunes and soul-shaking power ballads. 

A certain stand-out on the CD is the title tune.  "Rain On Us" is a riveting song which begs for the showers of God.  With a stunning performance, Pugh brings the worshiper into the presence of God.  Songs like the bouncy "Oh, Lord We Worship You Forever", the moving "Your Voice", the throwback "My Rock" and the Contemporary Christian-flavored "Bless His Name" showcase brilliantly-penned songs, memorable orchestration, breathtaking background vocals and a lead singer that knows how to speak the word of God through song.

Earnest Pugh began his journey in the gospel music industry singing back-up for the ground-breaking artist, O'landa Draper.  He's appeared on Bobby Jones Gospel, The Trinity Broadcasting Network and numerous plays.  Not only is Pugh known for melding his gut-wrenching vocals around such popular songs as "Wrapped Up, Tied Up" and "Holy Spirit", but he's been recognized as the 2006 En Sound Male Vocalist of the Year and his project, A Worshipper's Perspective garnered him a 2006 Independent Music Award for Gospel Album of the Year.  Currently, the Director of Praise at Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MD, under the pastorship of Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning, Pugh serves under the musical leadership of one of praise and worship's icons, Min. Byron Cage.
 
Below are Earnest Pugh's dates during the week of the release:
 
July 28th
Baltimore, MD
Empowerment Temple (Dr. Jamal Bryant)
1505 Etaw Place
National Release of New Album "Rain On Us"
POC: Elder Steven Lawrence @ Bristalmusic@yahoo.com
7pm
 
July 29th
Barstow, MD
Zion Christian Fellowship
Pastor Dante King
3170 German Chapel Road
POC: Angela Wauld @ gmzevents@msn.com
7pm
 
July 30th
Charlotte, NC
New Life Church
John P, Kee VIP Conference
1337 Samuel Street
Pugh featured guest
7pm
 
July 31st
Camp Springs, MD
Jesus Bookstore
CD Signing
6pm til 8pm
 
August 2nd
Fort Washington, MD
Ebenezer AME Church
7:45am and 11:15am Morning Worship
Elder Pugh to release new CD
 
2nd Event
Washington, DC
1st Sunday's Brunch Gospel Showcase
Station 9
1438 U Street, NW
Earnest featured guest/CD signing afterwards
POC: Kevin Parker @ 240.271.8827
 
3rd Event
Hunt Valley, MD
Marriot Hotel
245 Shawan Road
Jason Nelson's Concert
6pm
Place: TBD
Earnest featured soloist
POC: Jason Nelson
 
For more information on Earnest Pugh, go to www.EarnestPugh.com or www.MySpace.com/EarnestPugh.

PHILLIP CARTER & SOV RELEASE 'SONGS FROM THE STORM': New album inspires people to handle the storms in life

The debut national release from Phillip Carter and vocal ensemble Sounds Of Victory Songs From The Storm,  featuring the first single "I Love The Lord" dropped this week.

Songs From The Storm is a powerful collection of songs, ranging from traditional gospel to praise and worship, that celebrate the process of getting through life's tough situations and tests.  According to Carter, who organized and has led Sounds of Victory since 1997, this album could not be more applicable considering the struggles people are facing today.
 
Although this marks the group's fifth recording, they decided it was time to release a project nationally. This one was recorded just for such a time as this. "People are going through different storms, especially in the times that we live in now, with the economy and everything else," Carter says. "I hope when they listen to the record, at the end of it, they'll have a certain sense of joy-an uncontrollable feeling of joy where we let go and God takes us out into a whole new way of thinking."
 
Phillip and the group drive home a powerful message from the book of Psalms on the first single, "I Love the Lord," which is a traditional gospel song that sounds ready-made for Sunday morning.  "I Love The Lord is the epitome of traditional gospel music at its best," describes Carter. "This whole album is a choir director's dream because the music is teachable and easy for choirs and congregations to connect."

WHITNEY HOUSTON IS BACK: Get the title single form her debut release free.
 
Not everyone was allowed access to her exclusive listening party in Manhattan, New York on July 21, but Whitney Houston is inviting the world to get a sneek peak of her highly anticipated album online by offering a free download of the title single.

Get your free copy of Whitney's "I Look To You." The download is available for a limited time, only on www.WhitneyHouston.com.