Church of The Good Groove & More
The first two installments of the #ChurchOfTheGoodGroove playlist with tunes by Shirley Caesar, the Voices of East Harlem, Crystal Lewis & more
For those new to #GodsMusicIsMyLife, I curate a monthly playlist for SoulandJazz.com called #ChurchOfTheGoodGroove. There has been so much going on, that I’ve neglected to devote a newsletter to it in 2024!
Now that we are two months into the new year, I wanted to devote this week’s newsletter to content related to some of the artists included in these two power-packed musical experiences! (All embedded links below are to features/articles I’ve written about the artists!)
The January Edition
To listen, click here
Shirley Caesar Just a Talk First Lady 1977
Benny Cummings and The King's Temple Choir In Times Like These In Times Like These 1976
The Voices of East Harlem Music In The Air Right On Be Free 1970
Albertina Walker with Rev. James Cleveland Please Be Patient With Me Please Be Patient With Me 1979
The Florida Mass Choir All In His Hands Recorded 'Live' In Miami, Fla 1987
First Tabernacle of Deliverance Choir I'll Never Forget 7" Single 1969
Ronnie Dyson Jesus Is Just Alright (Extended Version) Lady in Red: The Columbia Sides Plus (Original 7" Single 1972) 2014
Dottie Rambo When The Great Trumpet Sounds It's The Soul of Me 1968
Sweet Honey in the Rock Doing Things Together Sweet Honey in the Rock 1976
Inez Andrews Believe In Humanity This Is Not The First Time I've Been Last 1975
B.C.& S. Soon The Gospel According To… B.C.& S. 1976
Andraé Crouch That's Why I Needed You Unreleased 1985
Sister Renetha Speed Gospel Holy Spirit Rain On Me 1994
The February Edition
To listen, click here
Sandra Crouch and Friends Glad I Heard Your Voice We Sing Praises 1983
Edwin Hawkins I Know A Man (feat. Tramaine Hawkins) Live with the Oakland Symphony Orchestra – Volume II 1982
Candi Staton Nothing Can Separate Me Make Me an Instrument 1983
BeBe & CeCe Winans Celebrate New Life (Celebration Mix) 12″ Single 1989
Margaret Bell Crazy When It Comes To You Over & Over 1991
Crystal Lewis Jump Let Love In 1990
Kathy Troccoli Yes and Know Heart & Soul 1984
Montrel Darrett Oh What a Friend Chronicle of the Soul 1999
Carlton Pearson I Know I’ve Been Change (feat. Beverly Crawford) Live at Azusa II (Precious Memories) 1997
Patti LaBelle I Can Fly 12″ Single 1989
Ricky Dillard & NewG I’ve Got the Victory (feat. Lillian Lloyd) 10 2017
The Podcast
In 2022, I wrote a feature about one of the most important CCM albums of the eighties, Russ Taff’s Medals. I thought it was important to talk with Russ’ co-writer and spouse, Tori, about her memories of writing this incredible album and her broader experience as a songwriter. I’ve re-edited our conversation for this week’s podcast episode…so please listen and share!