| There are many gospel music artists in the metro area and Metro Connection is committed to highlighting these musical talents. Several of gospel music's top names have been influenced by sounds that originated right here. Artists like the late Donald Vails, Victor Johnson & Free, John Stoddart, William Becton and gospel music giant Richard Smallwood have already put the area on the map musically. Others like the late Olanda Draper (I will remember him for his personal integrity and dedication to music ministry), called Washington, D.C. home at some point in their careers. New singers like Maurette Brown Clark and Warren Jones-Phillips may not be household names yet, but they are also "working in the vineyard," keeping it real and telling the old, old story. Local artist Kevin McFadden calls First Baptist Church in Glenarden, Md. his church home. He has a urban contemporary new project entitled {Kevin McFadden & Redeemed}(AIR Records). The sound is fresh, but the message is Word-based and rings with clarity and truth. Strong tracks are "Work While It's Day" and "It's Written." For the romantics who haven't stopped dancing, but have just "changed partners," there is a Luther Vandross influenced track entitled, "Worthy is the Lamb." The project has a mellow vibe with a prayer-filled message and if you like music that speaks to the heart and ministers to your soul, you can stop right here. |
