Vanessa Bell Armstrong is a Gospel legend who for four decades has scored gospel hits, won Stellar Awards and earned multiple Grammy nominations. The dynamic artist has also garnered crossover success and appeared on Broadway. A vocal powerhouse, Vanessa Bell Armstrong has managed to bridge the gap between “old school” Gospel and contemporary music.

Shanachie Entertainment is pleased to release, “Today,” the first single from her forthcoming album Today, scheduled for release on June 21, 2024. Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s highly-anticipated new and fourteenth album (not including compilations), is her first in more than a decade.

It captures all facets of Vanessa’s artistry, ranging from classic Gospel song to praise and worship and inspirational message music. “This new album is so special to me because it’s a long time coming,” confides Vanessa. “God allowed me to finish it just before my father passed and went to heaven. I dedicate this album to him.”

“Vanessa Bell Armstrong is a Gospel icon,” notes Shanachie General Manager Randall Grass, “and new music from her will be welcomed by her legions of fans as well as a new generation. We are so very proud to be bringing her new music to the world!”

“‘Today’ is a real pick me up song that makes you forget about your troubles and worries. It makes you give thanks just to be alive. It’s a reminder that life is all that you make it and that there is no need to worry because God has everything under control. All you have do is just smile and be happy.” “Today” was written by Tony Jones, Walter W. Millsap III, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Teak and produced by Millsap III and Teak.

Vanessa Bell Armstrong, a native of Detroit, MI, first broke through in 1983 with the Gospel hit “Peace Be Still” and the album of the same name. It was followed by such memorable hits as “You Bring Out The Best In Me” and “Press On.” In the late 80s, she appeared in the Broadway play Don’t Get God Started and the Oprah Winfrey production The Women of Brewster Place.

She further enjoyed mainstream success as the heavenly voice singing the theme song for the popular NBC sitcom Amen, starring Sherman Hemsley and Anna Marie Horsford, among others. A seven-time Grammy nominee and a Stellar Award and Soul Train Award winner, Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s reemergence is a welcome return of one of Gospel’s greatest voices.

“The Humble Cottage by the Sea,” the latest single by Eddy Mann (out on May 1st), masterfully blends folk pop elements with a deeply spiritual narrative, creating a touching exploration of faith and humility. The song tells a poignant story set against the backdrop of a modest fisherman’s hut, where profound miracles unfold, not through grandeur but through simplicity and faith.

Mann’s composition is both uplifting and contemplative, featuring a lively, uptempo rhythm that contrasts effectively with the serious undertones of the lyrics. The instrumentation is rich yet unobtrusive, creating an acoustic ambiance that supports the storytelling without overshadowing the lyrics. This balance allows the listener to engage fully with the narrative while enjoying the harmonic and melodic
interplay of guitar, percussion, and possibly a subtle use of strings.

Lyrically, Mann excels at painting a vivid picture of the scene. The repetition of “In the humble cottage by the sea” acts as an anchor, drawing the listener deeper into the narrative with each refrain. This technique not only emphasizes the setting but also mirrors the cyclical nature of hope and despair faced by the characters within the song. The imagery of Jesus performing a miracle, providing not just spiritual but
physical nourishment, taps into the universal themes of divine intervention and the power of faith.

The song’s message is a reminder that grandeur is not a prerequisite for grace, a notion that resonates in a world often caught up in materialism. The portrayal of Jesus as a figure “wandering around your room” and waiting to be gracious is comforting and inclusive, suggesting a personalized relationship with the divine that is accessible to all, regardless of one’s circumstances.

In conclusion, “The Humble Cottage by the Sea” is a well-crafted song that combines the storytelling traditions of folk music with the accessibility of pop, making it a compelling listen. Its message of hope
and faith in the face of adversity is universally appealing, making it a standout track in Eddy Mann’s discography.  It is the first single from his June album release, “Turn Up the Divine.”

If you’re interested in further exploring themes of spiritual journey and hope in music, I can create a the med playlist for you. Also, for a deeper dive into similar music, I recommend the cult album “Salt of the Earth” by The Soul Searchers—a poignant exploration of faith and humanity through a blend of gospel and R&B.

Here’s a themed playlist inspired by “The Humble Cottage by the Sea,” featuring songs that explore themes of hope, spirituality, and resilience in both subtle and overt ways:

1. **Leon Bridges – “River”**
2. **Van Morrison – “Into the Mystic”**
3. **Eddy Mann – “The Humble Cottage by the Sea”**
4. **Mumford & Sons – “Awake My Soul”**
5. **Tracy Chapman – “Change”**
6. **Nick Drake – “From the Morning”**
7. **Cat Stevens – “Morning Has Broken”**
8. **Bob Dylan – “Ring Them Bells”**
9. **Aretha Franklin – “I Say a Little Prayer”**
10. **The Byrds – “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a
Season)”**
11. **Alison Krauss – “Down to the River to Pray”**
12. **Sufjan Stevens – “Should Have Known Better”**
13. **Johnny Cash – “Redemption Day”**
14. **Laura Marling – “Hope in the Air”**
15. **Simon & Garfunkel – “Bridge Over Troubled Water”**
16. **Indigo Girls – “Closer to Fine”**
17. **The Staple Singers – “I’ll Take You There”**
18. **Sam Cooke – “A Change Is Gonna Come”**
19. **Bruce Springsteen – “The Rising”**
20. **Josh Garrels – “Farther Along”**

This playlist blends classic and contemporary artists across genres like folk, soul, and rock, each song resonating with the spiritual and reflective tone you enjoyed in “The Humble Cottage by the Sea.” Enjoy
the music and the journey it takes you on!

–James Duvall

Pam Ross’s debut album, “When Therapy Fails,” is a stirring journey through the landscapes of rock, Americana, and country, weaving together a tapestry of raw emotion and musical prowess. Released after an impressive series of singles that stormed the international iTunes charts, this album solidifies Ross as a significant new voice in the genre.

The album kicks off with “Fire In the Hole,” a rousing track that sets a high energy tone with its gritty guitar riffs and Ross’s dynamic vocal delivery. It’s a song that promises an album not just of musical
exploration but of deep emotional resonance. Following this, “My Kinda Ride” and “No One Around” continue to build on the album’s thematic core of personal struggle and self-discovery, with the former track showcasing Ross’s ability to blend upbeat rhythms with somber lyrical content.

One of the album’s highlights, “Falling off the Merry Go Round,” encapsulates the essence of the album’s title. Here, Ross delves into more introspective territory, reflecting on cycles of hope and disillusionment, supported by a melodic, lingering guitar that complements her soulful voice perfectly.

It was a song written in response to the Nashville school shootings of last year.  “Two Shots of Tequila” shifts the mood, offering a more lighthearted take on dealing with life’s lows through its catchy chorus and vibrant instrumentation.

“You Don’t Know My Name” and “Cornflakes and Beer” stand out for their storytelling prowess, painting vivid pictures of life’s often overlooked moments. The former is particularly compelling, weaving a narrative of anonymity and longing within the bustling world, while the latter uses humor and an unconventional pairing of everyday items to touch on themes of unconventional comfort.

“Better Than a Good Thing,” the album’s chart-topping single, is an anthem of triumphant love and resilience. It’s easy to see why this song resonated with so many, with its infectious chorus and the genuine warmth in Ross’s voice, making it a staple track that will likely be remembered as one of her signature songs.

The album closes with “In Your Smile,” a tender, heartfelt ballad that beautifully showcases Ross’s ability to convey deep emotional truths, wrapping up the album on a note of hopeful melancholy.

Overall, “When Therapy Fails” is a robust debut that offers a blend of energetic tracks and reflective ballads, all tied together by Ross’s powerful vocal delivery and sharp songwriting. This album not only
captures the essence of Pam Ross’s unique musical style but also makes a strong statement about her potential longevity in the music industry.

For fans of heartfelt narratives and rich, genre-blending music, “When Therapy Fails” is a must-listen. For a cult classic album recommendation, dive into “Southeastern” by Jason Isbell. This album is a profound exploration of personal demons and redemption, crafted with stunning lyrical honesty and beautiful musicianship, much like the themes in Pam Ross’s work.

Sun King Rising’s single “One More Story to Tell” is a brilliantly crafted piece that encapsulates the heart of Southern rock with a twist of country and soul, demonstrating John Blangero’s exceptional talent as
a singer-songwriter. This track, drawn from his acclaimed album “Signs & Wonders,” shows a mature grasp of musical narrative and stylistic finesse.

Musically, “One More Story to Tell” showcases a rich tapestry of sounds that blend seamlessly to create a song that is both familiar and refreshing. The guitar work by Steve Schuffert is notable for its expressiveness, weaving through the track with both fiery solos and subtle accompaniment that perfectly complements the storytelling.

The rhythm section, with George Elliott on bass and George Perilli on drums, provides a solid backbone that drives the song forward, while the backing vocals from Stevee Wellons, Joy Brown, and Bernice Wilkerson add a layer of depth and soulfulness that elevates the track.

Lyrically, the song is a vivid portrayal of a charismatic yet manipulative musician, using his lyrical prowess to sway the emotions and decisions of others, particularly women. The imagery is rich and detailed, with lines like “Metaphor and rhythm make you fair weak in the knees / Promises and miracles and mudflat symphonies,” painting a picture of seductive deception through musical talent.

This narrative adds a layer of intrigue and complexity to the song, inviting listeners to delve into the psyche of the protagonist and the consequences of his actions.

Sun King Rising Crafts a Brilliant Southern Classic with “One More Storyto Tell”

Stream & Enjoy

The production, handled by Ace Acker and engineered by David Granati, is polished, with a clear focus on letting the organic quality of the instruments and vocals shine through. The mixing and mastering by Brian Foraker ensure that each element of the song is heard clearly, maintaining the raw energy that is a hallmark of Sun King Rising’s style.

“One More Story to Tell” is not just a song; it is a storytelling experience set to music. It stands out as a prime example of how music can be used to tell complex stories, making listeners not only hear but
feel the narrative. This single is a testament to Sun King Rising’s ability to blend musical genres and lyrical depth into a compelling auditory experience.

For fans of deeply narrative and musically rich compositions, “One More Story to Tell” is a must-listen. It encapsulates the essence of Southern storytelling with a musical backdrop that is equally evocative and
memorable, making it a standout track in Sun King Rising’s repertoire.

-Sonny Sinclair

If there is one thing the Gospel music industry can count on from Marvin Sapp, it’s consistency. With seven consecutive #1 albums released between 2007 and 2022 (15 albums released in total) Sapp is preparing to record his next magnum opus.

On May 31^st, Marvin Sapp will record his 16^th album live at Valley Kingdom Ministries.

“Chicago has always been a great market for me. It’s been a while since I’ve been there, so when I decided to record this album live, I thought it was the perfect time to return,” says Sapp.

Marvin Sapp is known for delivering rich live recording experiences that translate into musical masterpieces. His platinum-selling album Thirsty was recorded live, in addition to Here I Am (2010), You Shall Live (2015), and Chosen Vessel (2020).

“Live recordings are a unique experience because you get to feed off of the energy in the building,” says Sapp. “Sometimes a song will take on a life of its own because of how it shifts the atmosphere and how people respond to it. Recording live is very special and I’m excited about what will happen on May 31^st.”

Expected to be released early fall, this album will be the follow up to Substance, which yielded two #1 singles.

Tickets to the May 31st live recording can be purchased at www.marvinsapp.com.

It Never Gets Old, the acclaimed 2023 release from celebrated Thoroughbred Records bluegrass ensemble Chosen Road, is the top-selling album in the genre according to Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums chart dated April 15. The collection leads releases by such music icons as Marty Stuart, Bela Fleck and Willie Nelson, as well as breakout sensations Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, in the Top 10.

With fresh originals and updated arrangements of familiar favorites, It Never Gets Old showcases the hit single “I Want To Be Just Like You,” as well as “Awake My Soul,” “That’s What Heroes Do,” “Jesus Wear The Crown,” and current single “The Storm Still Knows His Voice,” among other selections.

The project, which reached #2 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums chart following its release last year, was produced by Chosen Road’s Zachary Alvis, Tyler Robertson and Jonathan Buckner.

“We want to express our sincere gratitude for our fans’ incredible support for It Never Gets Old,” shares Chosen Road founding member Jonathan Buckner. “After a break from touring earlier this year, we are back on the road, and it’s been truly touching to witness the dedication of our fans, who know the lyrics to songs even before hearing them live.”

“The tracks on this album hold deep meaning for us, and it’s truly inspiring to see how these songs now resonate with listeners on a personal level as they navigate through life,” he adds. “This album is a collection of heartfelt songs that came from a place of deep emotion within us, and we are overwhelmed by its impact on others.”

CCM artists and listeners alike have taken to social media to share heartfelt messages of support and prayer following the passing of GRAMMY, Dove Award and two-time K-LOVE Fan Award winner Mandisa at age 47. She was found in her home deceased on Thursday, April 18th 2024.

According to a statement posted on her social media accounts, the cause of death is not known and no further details have been released. Mandisa was a voice of encouragement all around the world, especially to people facing life’s challenges.

Stellar Award winning Crystal Aikin sets date for first-ever live recording – Saturday, Jun 29 in Nashville, TN.

Crystal Aikin is the inaugural winner of BET’s hit gospel singing show “Sunday Best!” Sparking national acclaim, her recording musical career was launched. With her debut album’s heart gripping single “I Desire More” she hit charts, awarding her a GMA nomination and winning two Stellar Awards. This gifted artist, writer, actress, speaker knows no boundaries.

Along with being a Registered Nurse she believes her mission is holistic, healing the broken from the inside out. With recent singles as “Trouble Don’t Last” & “He Can Handle It” she’s a testament to God’s promises. With a life committed to change and transparency, Crystal Aikin is and forever will be an example of “Every day’s Best”!

Crystal Aikin Sets Date For First-Ever Live Recording

Stream & Enjoy

https://youtube.com/watch?v=p2a9q8WESZI%3Ffeature%3Doembed

CM United proudly announces Arielle Nichole as the Songwriter of the Year in their 21st annual songwriting competition. Nichole, whose song “Rest” clinched first place in the fourth quarter, excelled among a group of remarkable songwriters to earn this esteemed title.

This annual competition hosted by CM United consistently highlights and supports the burgeoning talent within the Christian music community. This year’s competition brought together a wide array of talent, with winners across all quarters contributing to a rich tapestry of musical expression.

Annual Contest Winners:

▪ 1st Place Winners:
▪ 1st Qtr: Amanda Nolan – “Broken Pieces”
▪ 2nd Qtr: Adura – “Wait on You”
▪ 3rd Qtr: Clayton Thomas – “Wholly Loved”
▪ 4th Qtr: Arielle Nichole – “Rest”
▪ 2nd Place Winners:
▪ 1st Qtr: Katie Flemming – “Who I’m Meant To Be”
▪ 2nd Qtr: Stacy Riddle – “If You Only Knew”
▪ 3rd Qtr: Curtis Ray Kokenos – “He Already Knows”
▪ 4th Qtr: Darin Shipley – “Irrevocable”
▪ 3rd Place Winners:
▪ 1st Qtr: Clayton Thomas – “God of the Redeemed”
▪ 2nd Qtr: Beloved – “Where Your Spirit Goes”
▪ 3rd Qtr: Kate Hurley – “The Whole World is Waiting”
▪ 4th Qtr: Jamie Meyer – “Rolling Waters”

Nichole’s grand prize package includes comprehensive radio promotion, Spotify playlist placements, a specialized press release, and a development deal to further her career in music.

The competition’s integrity and high standards were upheld by a panel of judges including Cale Kight, Clay Crosse, John Katina, and Paul Wright, all distinguished figures in the music industry.

Additionally, CM United’s various contests have served as a pivotal platform for many artists who have entered, not only in songwriting but also in talent showcases.

Notable participants include Jordan St. Cyr, now a major label artist; Mark Alan Schoolmeesters, a songwriter for prominent Christian artists like Chris Tomlin and Jesus Culture; Shay Mooney from the successful country duo Dan + Shay; and Dustin Smith, a well-known songwriter and Integrity artist.

Arielle Nichole Awarded Songwriter Of The Year By CM United

Moreover, Sam Hart, along with his wife Christin, who were our 17th Annual Songwriters of the Year, have continued their ascent in the music industry. Since moving to Nashville, Sam has expanded his career by signing with Curb/Word Publishing as a songwriter and has also become a producer working with several major artists.

Cale Kight, another alumnus of our songwriting contests, has achieved notable success, including several top Billboard hits as an artist and songwriter. He is actively collaborating with notable Nashville songwriters and contributes his expertise as a current judge for our contests. These stories illustrate the transformative opportunities provided by CM United’s diverse range of contests, fostering growth and achievement in the music industry.

Entries for the 22nd Annual, 2nd Quarter Songwriting Contest are now open, inviting a new wave of songwriters to share their talents and possibly join the ranks of these successful musicians.

The Christian & Gospel music communities are mourning the passing of Gabe Patillo who passed away late last week from his battle with cancer. Patillo was a kind-hearted industry veteran who began his career at age 10 as a dancer for multi-platinum-selling DCTalk.

He spent most of his adult career sharing a stage with seven-time GRAMMY winner TobyMac as part of Diverse City singing, dancing, choreographing and co-producing tours.

Gabe Patillo was also the son of GMA President Jackie Patillo. He is survived by his wife, Jenni Patillo and three children, Amara, Milo, and Remy Patillo. A GoFundMe has been established to support Gabe’s family. Please see below for full statements from TobyMac as well as the Gospel Music Association (GMA).

TobyMac:

I wish everyone knew Gabe Patillo.

I wish everyone could walk with him, get challenged by him, collaborate with him, laugh with him, pray with him, meditate on scripture with him and be loved by him. You would be a better person. You would learn to care for others. You would learn to listen. You would hear the hard truth delivered compassionately (most of the time ) You would not get by with foolishness but you’d laugh with joy til your belly hurt.

You would learn that we can see things differently, but still have respect for one another. You would not be scared of tough conversations about race and politics and social issues or apologetics and interpretations. No, you would dive in and talk it through to find the common ground or respectfully disagree while treating one another with dignity. 

You would know his warm smile. You would know that he lightens a room that is heavy with his quick witted observations or deepens the moments that shouldn’t remain on the surface. His eyes offered love, not the “I want you to like me” kind but the “I see you” kind. The kind of eyes that find the people behind the scenes that do the hardest work but get the least recognition. 

Sure, Gabe could sing, he could rap, he could dance, and he could play trumpet onstage. He’s one of the best performers I’ve ever been around.  He embodied the heart of every song we sang, every night. We thought through every moment of every show together for the last 24 years. We pushed each other to be intentional with every move made, every note played and every word spoken or sang on that stage.

But what I will treasure for the rest of my life is behind the curtain; on the bus, in the dressing rooms, at rehearsals, and at home. I saw him become a man, a husband and a father that I respect. A guy that went from being like my lil bro to a man that continues to inspire me in every aspect of my life. What an utter privilege it has been to call him friend.

Please pray for Gabe’s family and our community as we have lost a genuine load-bearing pillar of our village.

Christian & Gospel Music Communities Mourn Passing Of Gabe Patillo

Gospel Music Association:

The Christian and Gospel music community today is mourning the loss of a great talent and even greater friend. Gabriel Patillo passed away Friday, April 12th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Son of GMA President Jackie Patillo, the entire GMA staff knew and loved Gabe like family.

He will be hugely missed. We know heaven is rejoicing but are praying for Jesus to be near to the many friends and family who loved Gabriel so very much.
 
Known for his enormous talent, generous spirit and unending energy, Gabe began honing his creative skills at the young age of ten. As a child he danced for dcTalk, appeared in multiple videos for Brentwood Music and worked as a theater kid at Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee.

As an adult, Patillo worked with GRAMMY and GMA Dove Award-winning artist TobyMac as part of Diverse City where he sang background vocals, was a choreographer and dancer and co-produced TobyMac tours. 

Gabriel is survived by his wife, Jenni Patillo, three children, Amara, Milo, and Remy Patillo, his brother, Marcel Patillo and mother, Jackie Patillo.

Most of all, Gabe was known for his lifelong love for Jesus. His faith was part of his every day and the reason for his infectious smile. To know Gabe was to know how much he loved the Lord and his family.

Aaron Cole:

My man Gabe. Remember meeting you at 14, 15 and ever since that day you always looked out and been in my corner. Touring with you and coming to hang and play all my new songs with you and Toby after every show was one of the highlights of my life.

You were a great husband, father, son, artist, creative and i was honored to know you. Anybody can attest that you lit up a room and made everyone feel so comfortable. Hate you’re not here with us anymore but know you’re in no more pain. Gonna miss all of our debates about music and sports. Love you brudda. Rest well.

Jordan Feliz:

Been really hard for me to find the words to write, so I’m gonna try to keep it short.

@gabepatillo you played more of a role in my career than you ever probably knew. You were such a massive encourager for @ajtgrams and I as we started down this crazy life of music. You were an even better friend. I loved watching you on stage every night on @hitsdeeptour I’m gonna miss you so much my brother, but I’m so glad that you aren’t in pain anymore & that you are safely in the arms of Jesus. Love you so much. Please pray for the Patillo family ❤️

If you can, PLEASE GO DONATE TO THE Patillo Go Fund me in my story

Terrian:

Gabe, my brother. I’m sad and struggling to believe this is reality. The memories of joy, laughter, honesty, the dancing, being in the studio, being on stage, just all of it. They’re flooding in and I’m heartbroken and upset that you’re gone. Life will not be the same without you. Ian and I love you, Jenni, and the kids deeply. You guys mean the world to us.

Thanks for always looking out for me from day one. You’re forever my big brother.

Thanks for loving my husband the way that you did. I hadn’t seen Ian look up to someone the way he looked up to you, in a while.

Thanks for pouring into every aspect of creativity with me. My music wouldn’t be what it is without you. Sometimes, you were more passionate about it than I was ha.

Thank you Lord for the gift that was Gabe Patillo. I love you brother. To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord. That’s what we’re holding onto amidst these moments of pain and moments of shock. We will see you there someday.