|
I'm Encouraged [1986] Sound of Gospel CAMEO APPERANCES: none
 J's OVERVIEW: Recorded in Cleveland, OH, this album was the perfect return for Whitfield and his ensemble since their 1983 Hallelujah Anyhow album. Whitfield produced and wrote five of the nine cuts. Rudolph Stanfield, who worked on Whitfield's previous projects and the Maestro's right-hand man on the Hammond organ, presented one of his finest works; "Never Alone". The late John Askew also presented Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up" and became one of the choir's popular ballads. The title track was a gentle stroke of sassy balladry; fancy vocals was rendered by Gwen Morton, one of Tommy's favorite singers. The closing worship moments captured on "Dear Jesus" proves strongly Whitfield being before his time; by presenting strong, intimate lyrics and worship leading comparable to modern-day worship music. Not a dry track existed on this vibrant collection. That year, Whitfield received several Stellar award nominations - but was knocked out by Rev. Milton Brunson and the Thompson Community Singers for their gospel contribution entitled "There Is Hope".
HIT SONGS: "I'm Encouraged", "Never Alone", "Wrapped Up,Tied Up, Tangled Up", "Dear Jesus" SPECIAL AWARDS: #1 - Billboard Gospel Music Charts; #1 Gospel Album of the Year (Billboard) STATUS OF ALBUM CIRCULATION: only available on cassette tape And They Sang A Hymn [1988] Sound of Gospel CAMEO APPERANCES: none
J's OVERVIEW: Whitfield records this sentimental tribute to the traditional gospel (mostly to the hymns and spirituals). This is not the first time he embarks on an album paying homage to the strong foundations of gospel music - but this one remains the most distinguished and complete. This collection gives Whitfield's audience the opportunity to marvel at his arranging abilities -almost crafting new faces for these classic standards. "Higher Ground", first presented by Aretha Franklin on her "One Lord One Faith One Baptism" project, opens up this churchy album. Cuts like "What A Fellowship", "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and "Nothing But The Blood" became successful radio-play tunes on the Gospel circuit - and became very popular for contemporary gospel and church choirs. Rudolph Stanfield, Whitfield's right-hand man, delivers the goods on "Down At The Cross" and the soulful hymn arrangement of "I'm Going Through". Both writers deliver a mighty presentation here. Traces of R&B, soul, jazz and pop are more obivious on this project than previous Whitfield collections. This time around, Whitfield records this one in the studio. People wondered if it was recorded live - it probably would have gained more respect than it did. HIT SONGS: "Higher Ground", "Down At The Cross", "What A Fellowship", "Nothing But The Blood" SPECIAL AWARDS: grammy nomination for best soul gospel performance - duo, group, choir or chorus STATUS OF ALBUM CIRCULATION: out of print  The Christmas Services[1988, 1990] Sound of Gospel CAMEO APPERANCES: none
J's OVERVIEW: SOG released this project out of desperation to keep up their sales as they embarked the 90s, especially since Whitfield was planning on taking the Company to Benson for their next project. Strangely, the Company was still signed to SOG and could not violate their agreement until the contract expired. This raw recording, which was not mastered and had no studio overdubs added, was first released in 1988 and re-released in 1990. The album did have a few highlights; mainly with Whitfield's arrangement of "Drummer Boy" and "Go Tell It On The Mountain" (the latter was sheer gospel). A few original cuts seasoned this collection as being unique for Christmas gospel projects. But it is the obvious arrangements of the classics that make this project so special. Yes, this album wasn't really supposed to be released - but it was.HIT SONGS: "Drummer Boy", "Go Tell It On The Mountain" SPECIAL AWARDS: none STATUS OF ALBUM CIRCULATION: available on cassette tape and compact disc  My Faith[1990] Benson CAMEO APPERANCES: Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Karen Clark-Sheard
J's OVERVIEW: Norbert Putnam joined alongside Whitfield to produce this stellar collection of studio tracks. The raw, authentic sound of the Company was magically restored through state-of-the-art technology. And the choice of boards on this one was quite revolutionary. The sounds of new jack swing and Contemporary Christian/pop ("Preach The Gospel", "Oh, In My Spirit") were brought on board - but Whitfield remained true to his roots by providing that rich, distinguished contemporary choir sound and spirited performances from Karen Clark-Sheard and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. "Glorify The Lord", penned by Edwin Hawkins, became the standout track for gospel listeners. But without tunes like "We Need A Word From The Lord" and the jazz-funk/fusion instrumental "Saints In Flight", this project would not be the collector's item that it is. Truly, a complexive, poignant delivery from Whitfield.
HIT SONGS: "Glorify The Lord", "The Grass Withereth", "Lift Those Hands And Bless Him", "Oh, In My Spirit", "My Faith" SPECIAL AWARDS: Billboard Gospel Music Charts- Top Ten STATUS OF ALBUM CIRCULATION: unknown  Alive and Satisfied[1993] Benson CAMEO APPERANCES: none
J's OVERVIEW:The final project of Whitfield can be viewed as being the finest project of the extraordinaire - but with this kind of talent, anointing and brilliance, you are bound to wonder what Gospel would be like if Whitfield was still around. This project opens with the fanfare of "Precious Jesus"; which by itself is legendary for most choral repitoires. "Oh, Hallelujah" is also a jubilant worship number and features wondrous musicanship from Whitfield, along with Michael Neuble on drums and James Neuble on bass. "Nothing But The Blood" is a dynamic arrangement and proves to stand the tests of time when it comes to hymn arrangements. Whitfield resurrects "In Case You've Forgotten" (featured on the "My Faith" album) and sings only to a piano accompaniant; revealing a sweet, sensitive Whitfield on vocals. The closing segment is a 10-minute long medley of most of his infamous hits; twisted in a marvelous arrangement and presented in sing-a-long formation. This album is well produced and still stands today as being one of contemporary gospel's finest releases.HIT SONGS: "Precious Jesus", "Let Everything Praise Him", "Nothing But The Blood", "In Case You've Forgotten" SPECIAL AWARDS: gold status (in 1992) STATUS OF ALBUM CIRCULATION: available on cassette tape and compact disc |
the bio 
BACK TO HOME PAGE