Daryl Coley Post

One of the most prolific gospel soloists and psalmists of the late 20th, and indeed the early 21st century has got to be this amazing minister. After some 32 years since his voice first graces a recording (Yeah, 1974), he still possesses the uncanny and unmistakable clear-as-a-bell tone, crazy runs, ridiculous range, and ability to hold a single note from one end of a song to another without a breath (He remains the litmus paper that tests anyone's breath control). He's one of those timeless artists that you never have to ask, "Is that...?". You see, when you hear this voice, you know. His own jazz tinged arrangements, room quieting acapella worship medleys, as well as the appearances on so many other artists projects (Please, look him up on allmusic.com), have solidified him as one of my very favorite soloists. I can see he's high on the lists of others as well, and hopefully if you're not familiar with him, you'll now get a chance to fall in live with the incredible, remarkable, imitated, but never duplicated voice of...Daryl Coley. Enjoy and be blessed!!!

Peace,
Kaztricie1

I'll Be With You

When The Music Stops/p>

In My Dreams

Beyond The Veil - Live at The Bobby Jones Gospel Explosion XIII

The Best of Daryl Coley - 10 Songs

Daryl Coley

The Collection: 12 Best Loved Songs

(courtesy of NC2PGH...thanks!)

Let the children sing...

This post is for those who are looking for music age appropriate for their children's or youth choirs, those who have kids, those who love gospel music, and to expose those who've never heard of these artists. Most people are familiar with Missisippi Children's Choir and maybe even Walt Whitman & The Soul Children of Chicago, but there's a few other youth and children's choir out there. I hope to bring a few of them to your attention. Enjoy!

Lilmama

Danny Eason & The Abundant Life Youth Crusade Choir

The Beginning

(courtesy of Fred...thanks!)

I can go on and on about this album because it's just that good. I left my cd at work and one of co-workers took it and listened to it and was just blown away. He then asked for a copy of my three-track-missing copy...lol. I gave him one despite that fact because he had been blessed by it that much and you all will too. Many people who aren't from the East Coast and even more specific, New York may have never heard of Danny Eason, but if you haven't then you're about to.

The Beginning was released in 1998 (this album hasn't been out over ten years and yet it's impossible to find anywhere) and with it's release came a huge blaze! Opening with Somebody Prayed For Me, you just know that this youth choir is on fire for Jesus. This isn't your traditional Somebody Prayed For Me you may be familiar with, but it'll become one of your favorites. A few other high engery songs included That Same Jesus, He That Dwelleth, and Sweeter. Holy Lord is a simple praise song lead by Timney Figuroa (has ministered songs with Hezekiah Walker and Kurt Carr) which simply goes "great are You, Lord, worthy of praise, holy and true; great are You, Lord, most holy Lord". Just a beautiful song to the Lord. But the song that touches me and maybe it'll touch you too is Don't Leave Me. You know those hard times you just can't seem to go through and just need the Lord by your side? This is what the song ministers.

Youth For Christ

Higher

My review from Amazom.com:

This album is in my stereo constantly, presented by the Georgia Mass Choir, under the direction of Troy Sneed (Sneed worked with the Georgia Mass Choir and is also the founder/composer/musician/producer of Youth For Christ), this album is awesome! You'll love every song immediately. My favorites were Psalm 34 and We Worship You Oh, Lord. Those are great praise and worship songs that glorfies the Lord to the uptmost. Come On Let's Worship Him is a goodie as well. It's the first track, it's up-beat and get's you prepared to go higher with Youth For Christ.

GMWA Youth Mass Choir

Live In Philadelphia

My review I wrote at Amazon.com:

GMWA stands for the Gospel Music Workshop of America. Founded by the late Rev. James Cleveland, it's an annual, week-long workshop that's held in different cities each year. The purpose of the workshop is to introduce new and original music written by established gospel artists/and or known composers or those just wanting to get a foot into the industry, to people of different Christian backgrounds and nationalities. Many gospel artists, composers, and musicians have gotten their start with GMWA , Kim Burrell and Kirk Franklin to name a few. There are 4 choirs that the songs are taught to and they are: GMWA Mass Choir, GMWA Women of Worship, GMWA Men of Promise, and GMWA Youth Mass Choir (formerly known as James Cleveland's Kids) .

Live In Philadelphia is GMWA Youth Mass Choir's fourth album and their best effort. The album opens up with, They That Wait Upon The Lord, which is an upbeat songs that tells one that the Lord may not come when they want Him to, but just be patient and steadfast and wait on Him. There are many great praise and worship songs that are easy for a children's or youth choir to learn such as, Lift The Savior Up, Praise Him, Worship The Lord, His Name Is Wonderful, and This Is The Day (also recorded by GMWA Women of Worship, but the youth choir's version is better). If you haven't heard of GMWA Youth Mass Choir or if you're a fan, you won't be disappointed with this album, but deeply anointed.

Walt Whitman & The Soul Children of Chicago

Growing Up

My review from Amazon.com:

Walt Whitman & The Soul Children of Chicago's fifth album, Growing Up, opens with Instrument Of Praise, in which the choir tells the Lord to make them an instrument of praise to serve Him even more. Do you know what the word shabach means? Well, it means to shout, to address in a loud tone, to command, to triumph; and that's exactly what the choir does on the song, Shabach, originally recorded by Full Gospel Baptist Mass Choir. You'll not only want to shabach the Lord, but dance all night long. Walt Whitman also does his own renditions of some other gospel oldies such as Walter Hawkins' He's God and I Love You (Lord Today), and Calvin B. Rhone's Allejuah Praise Jehovah. The song that will really minister to you is Give It To God. The song says if you have a problem and you're looking for an answer, give it to God because He's the one that can solve it. All in all a good album.

The Donald Lawrence Post

What can I say that you all don't already know about Mr. Lawrence? Umm...that's hard. I will say this though, he's so talented! He's worked with everyone from En Vogue to Karen Clark-Sheards. Every album of his that I own, I just love it. I first heard of him when he and The Tri-City Singers remade Shut De Do' on the album From A Songwriter's Point of View, but it wasn't until Bible Stories that I began to appreciate Donald Lawrence's ministry. That album consisted of songs that told of stories in the Bible, such as Noah and the ark for an example. Lawrence reminded me of the way my pastor brings forth his messages, with so much life and also in a way that we can relate to today. Since that album, I've purchased every one his albums (with the exception of one, his latest and the last album that will feature him and The Tri-City Singer) and love them, love them, love them! A must listen-to-track is The Drummer Boy featured on Lawrence's Christmas album, Hello Chirstmas. It's a remake of the late Thomas Whitfield's (an excellent musician and gospel artists whose music still touches so many today) from his Christmas album. If you didn't know, Whitfield was one of the artists Lawrence greatly admired and enjoyed working with (I hope to do a post about him soon...if you all have any Thomas Whitfield albums, please let me know).

Below are some of Lawrence's cds, this isn't his whole discography however. I'll have to upload his first two albums, From A Songwriter's Point of View and Bible Stories at a later date (couldn't fit them on the cd-rw disc), but if you're looking for additional albums of Lawrence, the following albums are here too if you haven't checked them out already, The Best of: Restoring The Years , Tri-City4.com , and Go Get Your Life Back .

Lilmama

Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers

Finale: Act One

(courtesy of Kaztricie1...thanks!)

Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers

Finale: Act Two

(courtesy of Kaztricie1...thanks!)

Donald Lawrence & Company

I Speak Life

(courtesy of Andrew...thanks!)

Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers

Hello Christmas

Take 6 Post

Weeeeeeeelllll... I'm singin' Mary!!! was the cry heard by every male chorus in the late 80's and early 90's (At least in Philly). Take 6 had entered the music scene with bold, intricate accapella offerings that were easy on the ear, good for the soul and really, really hard to figure out and teach (Trust me, if you try to teach "Get Away Jordan" the way they do it and without the sheet music, you'll see what I mean). Did I say Commissioned had the PHAT harmonies??? I may have spoken too soon. All of their self-titled first album, as well as all but one or two tracks on thier second album "So Much To Say", were accapella, devoid of any instrumental intrusion to cover up their flawless, highly skilled vocalese stylings (If you like what they did on songs like "So Much To Say" "David and Goliath", and "Spread Love", please check out Manhattan Transfer, not gospel, but another great vocalese group). Their subsequent albums relied more on instruments, which was not THEIR choice, but the record company's. Good news for you Take 6 accapella fans, though. On their most recent album "Feels Good", they have taken control because they are now under a self-owned, self titled record label, and they return to their mostly accapella roots. Hallelujah!!

I know I can get wordy when I write, so I'll keep it short this time... Here's Take 6.

Peace,
Kaztricie1

Take 6

He Is Christmas


Join The Band


So Cool


We Wish You A Merry Christmas


Feels Good
(Courtesy of Unclewich... Thanks)

The Greatest Hits

(Courtesy of Lilmama...Thanks!!!)

An Easter Thought

Today is the most universally important day of the year for Christians. At least as far as relevant observances of important events are concerned. We celebrate not His birth, but His death, and even more crucial, His resurrection.

Unlike Lazarus and anyone else who may have been revived, resuscitated or otherwise restored to life, Jesus did it on His own, without assistance, without a defibulator, without CPR, without surgery or a transplant of any sort. He simply said He would do it and He did. That's a BAAAAAD Man!!! You see, Lazarus needed Jesus to call him to come forth before He could overcome deaths grip. And guess what!?!?! Lazarus had to die AGAIN! Jesus just keeps going, and going, and going...

Imagine this... Knowing that it's in your future to be stalked, betrayed for a few bucks, accosted and beat down by the police (All night long-whipped, punched, hair pulled out, etc...), taken before the judge and been found innocent, but STILL sentenced to die, made to carry the instrument of your murder on your back for miles (Uphill-after being beat bloody), laughed at, spat on, mocked and made into a joke (After having been hailed as Lord a week earlier by the same folks). Still imagining? Good. Now tell me if (Remember, you know all this before hand),
you think you would choose to go through with it. Jesus had full knowledge of His future, but stuck it out. And remember, He was just as human as you or I. He got tempted, got stressed (Sweating blood because your praying so hard-happened to YOU lately?), In His human self, He even got a little reluctant to go through with it, asking His Dad to take away the responsibility if possible. Oh, He was still going to do it, but human Jesus had to check to see if there was maybe another option available.

But no, He didn't have another option. In order to make sure that inconsistent, hard headed, mistake prone, self promoting, opinionated, excuse making, etc, etc, etc... ME and YOU would have a chance to live with Him eternally, He went on though with it.

Maybe He could have shut off the pain for Himself...I'll bet He didn't. maybe He could have just left His body and watched from His throne...Bet He didn't. Maybe He could have used a proxy-you know, sent someone else to die for Him-maybe a high ranking angel would have been enough...He didn't. God loved us so much that He sent Jesus, His Son, to die (Got kids? Think You could do it?). Then Jesus loved us enough to stay to the end. Keep His promise. Stick it out. Die. Pain and all.

How much pain? I can't say, but let's imagine again. Let's say He endured pain the size of a needle prick for every sin ever committed. I know that just for ME that would add up to... uh, let's just say a lot. Now add on the sins of everyone who you know. Everyone you don't know. Everyone who has OR will ever live and sin. Even if it were one prick for everyone who has ever been born it would be TRILLIONS. Now multiply that by the thousands and thousands of wrong-doings, lies, stolen pens, extra cookies, evil thoughts, bits of gossip, altered resumes, extra minutes on your lunch breaks, wives with someone else's husband, husbands with other wives, 9% tithe offerings, etc, etc, etc... (It hurts my head to even think about doing that much math). Keep in mind, He did not just die for the sins of Christians or those who choose Him. He died for EVERY sin. EVERY sin. If you love Him or not. He STILL loved and loves you enough to have died for you.

While you consider Jesus and his contribution to your everlasting life (Remember, you've really contributed nothing yourself, it's all Jesus), know that He has gone through way too much for you not to do the relatively small act of saying "YES" to His offer-His life for yours. He already gave His. Now wachoogawnadoo???? I don't really know who you are, where you live, or what your life is like. Our only link is this blog...and Jesus... Maybe I'm saying things you've already heard, thought, said, or read before, I don't know. But maybe you never have. If you know Jesus, get to know Him better. If you don't know Him, I pray the music and offerings here at the Gospel Fill-up help you get to know Him, and I hope you keep heading His way. Please be blessed this Easter and may your future successes, failures, happiness, sadness, joy, sorrow, life and death be fully saturated with the hope, promise and love of Jesus Christ.

When I started this post, I expected to write a little "Happy Easter" message. But I guess you just gotta do what the Holy Spirit says do.

Peace,
Kaztricie1

P.S. Lilmama, I hope you're getting the rest you need to feel better. My wife and I are praying for you.

Commissioned Post

What is my favorite group of all time??? You got it. Commisisoned! They had the PHAT harmonies and arrangements when no one else did. Commissioned took the Idea of a contemporary male "quartet" group that The Winans jumped off and took it to another level. If you ask any gospel "boy band" of the last 20 years who their main influences were, you'd be hard pressed to find one that doesn't pay respect to Commissioned.

They've gone through their roster changes, from Michael Brooks, who started doing most of the writing, to Fred Hammond who became bigger than life (No pun intended), to Mitchell Jones and Karl Reid who are the only remaining original members, to Montrell Darrett, and Marvin Sapp, who launched a huge solo career.

Their ministry has been undeniable, their melodies infectious, arrangements tight, and influence far reaching. Some of their stuff has already been dropped on the Fill-up, including Go Tell Somebody, State of Mind, and The Commission Reunion Live, so I'll add these on. If you've never experienced Commissioned, now's your chance. Be sure to go out and support their ministry. Enjoy and be blessed!

Kaztricie1

Ordinary Just Won’t Do

Will You Be Ready?

Number 7

Matters of The Heart

Irreplaceable Love

Time & Seasons

Commissioned The Original CD 1

Commissioned The Original CD 2

John P. Kee Post

Hi everyone. I'm Kaztricie1. This is my first direct post as a contributor here on the Fill-up. This site really has been a blessing for me, and I hope you've been and will continue to be blessed as well. I'm a Choir director so I have a whole lot of gospel music, and am very anxious to be able to share and trade with others. Ok, then, here's my first post. Got Some John P. Kee for ya!

Yes Lord

(password protected)

His very first and little known album. My favorite cut if the last one "He's coming back". I used to have a group and we did this song all the time. He went on to re-record "I Worship Thee" and "Happy "on his next album, "There is Hope" (Which I love. I had that album on cassette tape years ago, but not any longer, so if anyone has it, PLEEEEASE share it!).

We Walk By Faith

Colorblind




The Power of Worship

Not Guilty… The Experience Disc 1

John P Kee _ Not Guilty... The Experience Disc 2

Old School Friday VI

V.I.P. Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir

Lily In The Valley (1993)

I look foward to John P. Kee's workshop choir releases every year. Lily In The Valley is near the top of my list as V.I.P.'s favorite recording, the first being Never Shall Forget . Saved is a favorite of mine, it has that John P. Kee signature sound to it too. The song is simply rejoicing in the fact that we're saved. Then there's Cast Your Cares. Now I think Donald Malloy is leading it, I'm not sure because I don't have the booklet in front of me; in any case, another great song. But the other two standouts are Only A Prayer Away and Jesus, written by the talented Becky White (she's an awesome composer, alot of her material has been covered by various gospel artists throughout the years). All in all, a great album to be filled by.

I'm throwing up another John P. Kee album, Blessed By Association. It's not that old, but it's good. My picks: He's The Greatest, At The Cross, and Oh How Wondrous.

John P. Kee & New Life

Blessed By Association (2002)

I'm going to try to work a bit more on this blog because I have so much I want to share. I'll be sharing some "gospel jazz" next time. I'm out, enjoy your weekend!

Old School Friday IV

Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir
Live in Atlanta at Morehouse College (1994)

Tracklisting:

1. Christ Did It All
2. Make It To That City
3. Praise and Worship
4. Calling My Name
5. That's Where I'll Be
6. He's On Your Side
7. Love Lifted Me
8. Let The Glory
9. Since He Came
10. I Will Go In Jesus Name
11. I Will Go In Jesus Name (reprise)

Okay, so you all already know I'm a huge Hezekiah Walker fan. He and his choir, along with Kirk, and John P. Kee, had such an impact on my love for the Lord and His word through song. Growing up, my church choir sang songs that didn't motivate me the way those artists' music did. This album though, is my favorite Hezekiah Walker album.

The album opens with the live "Christ Did It All" written by Rodney Posey...might remember him with his hit, "El Shaddai", with Kim Waters on sax. The song reminds us that Christ did it all for us... He suffered for all of us...was hung and died for all of us...and rose from the dead so that we would all have the right to eternal life, whew that was alot that He did for us and I'm forever grateful for it. Other classics are "Calling My Name" , "Love Lifted Me" and "I Will Go In Jesus Name". This is a must have album for your gospel music collection and one to play to get your spirits lifted and to have a good time praising the Lord to.

Here's another Hez oldie...

Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir

Live in New York By Any Means... (1995)

(courtesy of Andre...thanks!)

Alright, this is my other favorite Hez album. Thanks again Andre for sharing this with us all! I had this on tape and last year, upgraded it to cd. Two classic invitational songs are on this album, "Second Chance" and "Come Home". Both songs are letting listeners know that it's not too late to turn your life over to God and start anew. "Restore Your Joy In Me", aww man, when I heard it the first time, it was like they knew I needed to hear that...."forgive me Lord, try me once again. I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" For those who listen to R&B, Mr. Aaron Hall solos on "No Greater Love". And how can I forget "I'll Fly Away" and "How Much We Can Bear" (anonymous...that's one song your youth choir could minister), just a great album. Enjoy!

As always, if you've been blessed, please purchase the ministry's other albums. On another note, haven't been able to upload Martha's album will do it today though (those who know my situation, know why). Be sure to check the archives out listed to the right, there is more music located there (even some albums I've and others have reupped). I will be reupping more that were deleted, so just keep checking back to see if the album you wanted is back up. I'm thinking about adding a section to the right with updates of reupped albums. I'm also kind of disappointed that no one has shared their views on the music posted here. I would enjoy reading them and knowing what you think. Also knowing what other artists you all enjoy listening to and that minister to you that I may not be be aware of.

Old School Friday II

Walt Whitman & The Soul Children of Chicago

This Is The Day (1990)

Tracklisting:

1. The Lord's Prayer
2. This Is The Day
3. Welcome Song
4. Use Me
5. The Lord Will Take Care of You
6. Bless The Lord
7. It Is Well
8. I'll Let Nothing Separate Me
9. Perfect Praise

I'm going to add a snippet of my review I wrote on Amazon.com...

I know this album has to bring back some memories for some. I know every youth choir had many of Whitman's song in their reportiere, from "Shabach" to "We Are One". This is the album that first introduced me to Walt Whitman & The Soul Children of Chicago. When I heard them bring life to "This Is The Day", it made me want to sing. Growing up at my church, our children's choir sang songs of praise such as "Jesus Loves Me" and "I'll Be A Sunbeam", I didn't know a children's choir could sound the way The Soul Children sounded. It inspired me to sing and bring forth new songs that my choir could sing. It wasn't until five years ago that I purchased this album just for "This Is The Day" and was I surprised that "Perfect Praise" is also on this album, or as some like to call it "Oh Lord How Excellent". "Perfect Praise" is like every church's anthem, it's sung everywhere you go.

Now for my mini review...

The album opens up with "The Lord's Prayer", but don't think that this song sets the tone for the album because it doesn't. "This Is The Day" definitely sets the tone for this project. The music for the song gets your body and soul energized to lift Jesus all day long. "This Is The Day" reminds one that if "the birds, rocks, trees, and even stars can praise Him, so can they"; therefore one should rejoice that God lets them see another glorious day that He has made for us all. This album is also filled with reflective praise and adoration songs, such as "Use Me" and "Perfect Praise". "Use Me" is a song that tells God that we love Him so much that we want Him to use us as instruments of praise to exalt Him. "Perfect Praise" proclaims that there's no other name in all of the earth that compares to that of Jesus', and for that reason, that makes Him excellent. I've got to hand it to Whitman (and the other songwriters) for not only composing such moving songs but for training the children's voices so well, they sing on key and stay there. They also sing with such conviction that makes one know that you can praise God no matter how young or old you are.

Since I did a throwback feature of a youth/children's choir, I decided I'll stay with the theme and give you all another one, Mississippi Children's Choir debut album...

Mississippi Children's Choir

Children of The King (1992)