Gospel Goes Classical

[KiwiCoromandel]

Gospel Goes Classical, an inspirational new double CD, debuts September 26, 2006. A promotional tour will commence on September 21, in Washington DC and continue thru November 17, in Birmingham AL.

Flow Records and Maranatha! Music presents an extraordinary and enchanted night in Birmingham Alabama, when Classical, Jazz, and Gospel music came together to produce a sound that was nothing short of miraculous. Combine the pure anointed voice of gold recording artist Juanita Bynum, and the smooth sound of Jazz great Jonathan Butler, couple them with the 60-piece Gospel Goes Classical Symphony Orchestra and the seventy-five voice mass choir, and you have a live recording that transcends all musical genres -- Gospel Goes Classical, an inspirational new double CD, that debuts September 26, 2006.

The orchestra and choir were led by renowned arranger/conductor, Dr Henry Panion, III, who has worked with legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and the Winans. This talented visionary brought together singers from across the state to create a choir with the soulful sound of one great gospel singer, and merged them with the full resonance of a world-class symphony orchestra. This combination is the musical backdrop for Juanita Bynum and Jonathan Butler's Gospel Goes Classical.

Live performances include favorites such as the new single "One Night With the King" and "Psalm 121" performed by Bynum, and Butler's popular "Falling In Love With Jesus" and "Don't You Worry." Both artists premiere new songs -- Juanita introducing "X" and Jonathan performing the new single "We Need You Lord." The CD is capped off with a special duet featuring both artists, "I Don't Mind Waiting, " an affirmation of love and trust in Jesus.

Bynum is a gifted vocalist, internationally acclaimed Bible teacher, prophetess and psalmist. She is fueled by a passion to fulfill God's mandate for these turbulent times. Her thrust on character building by merging spirituality with everyday living provokes people to pursue a life of integrity. Wherever she goes, Bynum exhorts and encourages her listeners to deepen their intimacy with God and arise to their divine calling and destiny.

"The evening was spectacular, " said Bynum whose record company, Flow Records is partner in the project with Maranatha! Music. "This CD will truly usher listeners into the presence of the Lord. The fantastic orchestra and the various cultures and backgrounds of people who participated in this live recording truly speaks to music being universal, and I believe that this project will transcend to all music genres and will be appreciated by all humankind."

Butler, multiple Grammy Award nominated, Gold-selling, international recording artist, has had successes over his twenty-five year recording career in pop, R&B, smooth jazz and adult formats. His canvass is even more expansive than the above mentioned genres, he masterfully dips his brush into vibrant hues of Africano, world music and gospel colorings. Butler, is a soulfully inspired man, who sees music as his salvation and "the purpose and tool which God has used for my life." If we must label and define this individually gifted artist and his music, "Soul Jazz" seems to be the most fitting.

"Gospel Goes Classical was such an exciting project to be a part of. It is more than gospel; it brings together all forms of music and shows that you can bridge all genres. Not only is this an anointed project but also a message that transcends age, color and background, " said Butler.

source:jazz press service

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