Tuesday, February 17, 2009

"Fire...Brimstone & Love" by Connie Strange (Spiritual/Country Artist from Indiana (IN))

Vocalist Connie Strange whips up a fantastic album, filled with gospel, blues, country, and even the slightest touch of jazz in her newest effort, "Fire…Brimstone & Love." The lead off track states what the entire CD has to offer with "He Said," an eclectic mix of blues and gospel spreading the word of God. Strange wasn't being clever when she named the disc "Fire…Brimstone & Love" for no reason. Although most of the songs are upbeat with a faith based message, tracks like "Are You Ready" talk about death and when the time comes, He will take you away… that is, if you are ready. A hidden gem on this album is Strange's cover of Louie Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World." We have all heard this done by so many, but Strange throw hers country/gospel flare into the mix and creates a great atmosphere with a song that could have easily fallen flat amongst a million other versions floating around in record stores. Gospel and country music fanatics will really enjoy "Fire…Brimstone & Love" and it may just get you to church on Sunday!

-Shaun H. and The RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Connie Strange's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Monday, February 16, 2009

"Bolo!" by Swaha (Spiritual Artist from Ontario, Canada)

Did you ever just want to pop in a relaxing CD at the end of a long day? If so, Swaha's newest CD "Bolo!" is a great choice to soothe your soul. Taking hints of Indian mantras and spiritual music, Swaha does a magnificent job with their newest disc. Vocalists Dave Stringer and Tara MacLean serve up some excellent performances on this CD. The balance of Dave's vocal tone with Tara's angelic pitch is easy on any listener's ears. As for the music, the raga flare sets the mood for some beautiful sounds on songs like "Shiva Manas Puja" and "Jaya Ram Shri Ram." Another great feature of "Bolo!" is the pop sound that is delivered on many of the songs including "Govinda Gopala." Swaha has taken the mantra/Indian genres to a whole different level, fusing India's musical roots with traditional pop instrumentation. "Bolo!" is a perfect listen for anyone who enjoys Indian music fused with spiritual and uplifting textures.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Swaha's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"SpiritSpa" by Joshua Mills (Spiritual Artist from California(CA))

The piano is undoubtedly one of the most soothing instruments to calm one's nerves and musician Joshua Mills knows exactly how to do the job. His latest album of elegant piano compositions, "SpiritSpa," is not only delicate and dreamy but also a collection of wonderful piano ballads. The title says it all as this music does in fact belong in every spa across the country. His opening track, "Peaceful Soak," wraps you in beautifully written melodies very reminiscent of Billy Joel's latest work. "Ascending & Descending" is a bit darker than the rest of the album, but gives us something to listen to on one of those off days when we are all a little frustrated and need that one song that describes our day. Mills was also creative in the song names he chose as they very much reflect the ambiance of this album: "Glorious Horizon," "Fly," "Fragrant Oil," and "Heaven's Delight." Whether you just want to relax or hear some magnificent piano playing that soothes your body and soul, then "SpiritSpa" is for you.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Joshua Mills 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Check out Elder Oscar W Richardson and the BB COGIC Mass Choir, one of RadioIndy's favorite Spiritual artists


Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Elder Oscar W Richardson and the BB COGIC Mass Choir

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Band Name: Elder Oscar W Richardson and the BB COGIC Mass Choir
Band Location: Louisiana Baton Rouge
Sounds Like: Fred Hammond & Timothy Wright
Visit Band's Website: click here
 

Check out Bobby Thomas, one of RadioIndy's favorite Spiritual artists


Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Bobby Thomas

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Band Name: Bobby Thomas
Band Location: Illinois Chicago Northwest
Sounds Like: Jars of Clay, James Taylor, Caedmon's Call
Visit Band's Website: click here
 

Check out Fanna-Fi-Allah, one of RadioIndy's favorite Spiritual artists


Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Fanna-Fi-Allah

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Band Name: Fanna-Fi-Allah
Band Location: California
Sounds Like: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Visit Band's Website: click here
 

Check out Set in Stone, one of RadioIndy's favorite Spiritual artists


Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Set in Stone

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Band Name: Set in Stone
Band Location: California
Sounds Like: We aren't chasing someone else's sound we create our own sound
Visit Band's Website: click here
 

Monday, February 9, 2009

RadioIndy is pleased to present Stanley Porter with a GrIndie Award for the CD "All To You"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Stanley Porter with a GrIndie Award for the CD "All To You"

"All To You," is the third album from urban gospel artist Stanley Porter. This release highlights his unique blend of gospel, soul, hip-hop, and R&B. Creating a spiritual experience is the theme of this album, and Porter delivers. Porter combines electrifying, danceable beats with heavy synthesizers and sincere, passionate vocals. He delivers a diverse collection of songs with spiritual, glorifying lyrics unique to his incredibly personal style and to the genre as well. The production is ambient and rich, sounding very professional throughout. Great vocal harmonies and layering is a trademark of Porter's sound. The inspirational anthem "Pray" and the silky "Everything" are perfect examples of this. Also listen to the expressive vocals on the moving "Speak" and the soulful "Righteous." Porter gives us a taste of his style of hip-hop with the uplifting track "Press," where he combines an aggressive groove with his distinctive, storytelling rhymes. Porter has produced an impressive collection of spiritually progressive songs with "All To You," which has a lot to offer for fans of contemporary gospel and Urban/ R&B alike.

-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Stanley Porter's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Jason Hatfield with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Spirit Groove"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Jason Hatfield with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Spirit Groove"

Pastor Jason Hatfield has broken the mold of conventional praise and worship with his impressive release "Spirit Groove." As the title suggests, Hatfield's vision is to uplift the spirit with a musical groove. "Rain" is a tastefully funky opener, setting the tone for an energetic listening experience. The production is clean and professional, characterized by wonderfully layered vocals over a rhythmic backdrop provided by fantastic musicians on live instruments. The aptly titled "Party," is also a lively track filled with emotional vocals and spirited musical performances. The feisty "Rise Up" employs a horn section, playful bass line and silky drum groove to provide yet another enjoyable funky track. There are tender moments as well, such as the gently flowing "Break My Heart," the smooth "I Belong to You," and the graceful "Be My Refuge." The group of musicians Hatfield has assembled for this project is extremely talented, each musician shining throughout this release both individually and collectively. Jason Hatfield's "Spirit Groove" is a very inspirational and impressive release that can be enjoyed by fans of many musical eras and genres including Christian, R&B, Funk, Disco, and Motown.

-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Jason Hatfield 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present MARK II with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Mark II"

RadioIndy is pleased to present MARK II with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Mark II"

"Mark II" by Contemporary Christian Rock band Mark II (Mark Wright) is an impressive high-energy release featuring well-crafted songs with spiritual, compassionate messages. The message in each track is delivered through Wright's thought provoking lyrics and spirited vocal performances. Wright is backed by a group of talented musicians that provide excellent support and brilliant background vocals throughout. This album rocks hard with the foot-stomping opener "About a Savior," and continues with such melodic tracks as "Come Follow Me" and "Promises" that feature catchy guitar riffs and memorable choruses. Also noteworthy are the moving ballads such as the uplifting "I Believe" and the heartening "In Your Hands," where Wright's vocal abilities are on full display. The energetic "Miracle" is a fitting closer, as Wright hopes to touch lives as he conveys his positive, encouraging message through his music. Fans of Contemporary Christian Rock should definitely give "Mark II" a listen.

-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out MARK II 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Sunday, February 8, 2009

RadioIndy is pleased to present Dola with a GrIndie Award for the CD "New Beginning... About Time"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Dola with a GrIndie Award for the CD "New Beginning... About Time"

"New Beginning... About Time" is a well-crafted contemporary gospel album brought to you by the talented singer Dola. Her vocal style can be described as operatic with hints of traditional African. The sounds skillfully arranged behind her are a combination of gospel, R&B, and jazz. The entire package makes for a truly unique experience and a very full and complete sound. There are many layers in each song, and everything seems to fall right into place. The album also sounds great and is ready for the radio. The album opener "New Song" kicks things off with a bang, introducing the full spectrum of the sound. The title track "New Beginning" features a wicked guitar intro and reels you right in with catchy lyrics and a powerful message. "Baba Ogo Ye O" hits you with a very accomplished jazz arrangement, then breaks down to allow a soft and sultry vocal performance by Dola. If you enjoy well-crafted gospel albums that fuse styles headed by diva quality vocals, you will certainly enjoy "New Beginning… About Time."

-William & the RadioIndy Review Team
Check out Dola 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Saturday, February 7, 2009

"Even More" by Phil and Debi Jones (Spiritual Artist from Texas(TX))

Christian duo Phil and Debi Jones's newest release "Even More" is an inspiring collection of spiritual music flavored with country and blues. This twosome displays great vocal ability with very talented songwriting abilities. Their lyrics are thoughtful and display the energy and enthusiasm of the Christian gospel. The band is well-rehearsed and harmonies are gracefully sung with the lead vocals. "Little Things" has country flair with a bouncy rhythm and catchy lyrics. Solid beats and bluesy style give "I Love to Praise Your Name" a touching, uplifting essence. Fans of Christian music will want to take a listen to "Even More," as it is an album filled with touching and expressive lyrics spiced up with influences of country and blues.

-Diane and The RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Phil & Debi Jones's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

"At the Gates of Graceland" by Mark Shelton (Spiritual Artist from Vermont(VT))

Elvis is reborn with the sounds of Mark Shelton's newest disc, "At the Gates of Graceland." Shelton fuses the vocal qualities of "The King" and Perry Como together to create his own unforgettable sound. The most obvious tribute to Elvis comes through in the track "I Believe" which delivers his vocal expressions with pure eloquence. Anyone familiar with the classic sounds of The Inkspots will love the song "Crying in the Chapel" with lovely piano fills and harmonies sweetly balancing with Shelton's vocals. Shelton has revealed shades of memorable vocals which pays tribute to what was probably Elvis' most endearing work, his spiritual songs. Any fan of spiritual and uplifting music relating to this phase in Presley's career will thoroughly enjoy listening to "At the Gates of Graceland."

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Mark Shelton's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites


New CD Reviews - Spiritual / Christian