MULTIPLE INTEGRITY MUSIC ARTISTS NOMINATED FOR GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION’S 54th ANNUAL GMA DOVE AWARDS

Nashville, TN – Integrity Music celebrates nine GMA Dove Award nominations, which were recently announced ahead of the 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards.

 

Matt Redman’s powerful live album “Lamb of God” received a nomination for Worship Album of the Year, Sarah Kroger’s “The London Sessions” for Inspirational Album of the Year, and Sandra McCracken’s “Light in the Canyon” for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year. Children’s worship brand Shout Praises Kids saw “Great Are You Lord” nominated for Children’s Recorded Song Of The Year (cowritten by Leslie Jordan), while Mitch Wong is nominated for his contribution to Brooke Ligertwood’s “Honey in the Rock” (Worship Recorded Song of the Year) and “The Keepers” by Karen Peck & New River (Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year). Songwriters Dwan Hill (with Blanca, ft. Jekalyn Carr’s “New Day”) and Dee Wilson (with Jonathan McReynolds’ “Your World”) were both nominated for Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year. Lastly, Citizens’ “i can’t find the edges of you” was recognized for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year.

“Today, we celebrate the artistry and creativity we get to serve each and every day,”

said Integrity Music President, Jonathan Brown. “I am also proud of our team and the way they serve artists around the world and am constantly humbled that we get to see the power of music transform people’s lives.”

The association also announced this year’s theme, “Joyful Echo,” inspired by Isaiah 42:12, “Make God’s glory resound, echo His praises from coast to coast.” (The Message) The winners for the 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be announced during the Nashville event held on October 17th, 2023, and will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN app on Friday, October 20th, 2023. 

Worship album of the year Lamb of God – Matt Redman   Inspirational Album of the Year The London Sessions – Sarah Kroger   Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year Light in the Canyon – Sandra McCracken   Children’s Recorded Song Of The Year Great are you Lord – Shout Praises Kids (Writer: Leslie Jordan)   Worship recorded song of the year Honey in the Rock (Writer: Mitch Wong)   Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year The Keepers – Karen Peck & New River (Writer: Mitch Wong)   Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year New Day – Blanca, ft. Jekalyn Carr (Writer: Dwan Hill) Your World – Jonathan McReynolds (Writer: Dee Wilson)   Recorded Music Packaging of the Year i can’t find the edges of you – Citizens

NFN Music Review – HARVEST BASHTA : Glad. (GoForth Sounds)

Singer/songwriter Harvest Bashta says “”I am just overwhelmed by the kindness of God. He brought me out of the pit like it’s says in Psalm 40. He put a new song in my mouth and it’s a hymn of praise. That’s what this album GLAD is about. The celebration that what you sow in tears in a hard season you really will reap with joy in the next. I hope these songs bring encouragement and lift any heart that is heavy. He is able to deliver and bring you out. If He can do it for me He can do it for you!” Early listens had me thinking that Harvest’s sound was quite new and refreshing, in a pop sort of way. Certainly, ‘New Day’ became an early favourite of mine, complete with the artists’ vocal drawl. Musically, it’s got a light, electronic backing, and it hit the right spot with me. ‘You Have Made Me Glad’ is a song of praise that continues this fresh sound, which I found so appealing. We, then, move into a quieter period, with worshipful songs such as ‘Rest on Us’ and ‘Reminded,’ where Harvest sings; “You’re the living God; You’re my saving Grace; You will reign forever.” As the album progressed, I found myself quite hypnotized by the songs, in a meditational way. Harvest’s voice is really quite charming, especially on ‘Sacred Spaces,’ where her voice is joined by some exquisite violin sounds. The singer celebrates her Father’s House on ‘Rooms’ and sings that “there’s a place for me and you.” It’s catchy pop, yet still a song of praise & worship. It’s always nice to hear something a little different to the norm from an artist, and Harvest has done just that. A welcome addition to the world of CCM and a very good album release.   8/10.

NFN Review – BLANCA : The Heartbreak & the Healing. (Curb/Word Entertainment).

This album was written in the wake of Blanca’s painful divorce from Ben Callahan of Group 1 Crew after two years of separation. Here, the songstress vulnerably cracks her heart wide open on the 14-track collection that showcases the merger of her powerful voice and her transparent lyricism. Fittingly, this new release begins with an RnB number called ‘Start Over.’ The message of the song is that it’s never too late to start over again, no matter what you’re going through. Sharing the vocals with Jekelyn Carr. Blanca continues the theme with ‘New Day.’ Both opening tracks have that mellow, almost stuttering, beat that mainstream artists like Rhianna have used from time to time. There’s a little more melody to ‘Even At My Worst, when the singer praises God for His unconditional love. Of the three, this was my favourite of the initial songs. The ballad, that is, ‘In the Middle’ came over as rather melancholy. But, given the main subject of her writing, I guess that Blanca has every right to feel the reflected in the song.  Both ‘Uncovered’ and ‘Mi Amor’ have that Rhianna feel about them, while ‘Never Too Far’ sounds much better. Here, Blanca is joined by Ty Brasel, and the vocals work really well together. ‘Let the Light In’ is a reminder that even in the darkest times of your life, the light of the world is always with you. As the album title suggests, Blanca’s journey in song, moves from “heartbreak to healing.” Consequently, the second half of the track listing is rather uplifting, compared to the first. The effervescent ‘Bring You Home’ is quite glorious. God’s reminder that “No raging sea, no mountain high, could keep you from these arms of mine; ‘Cause my love   Is deep enough to calm the waters in a storm; When your waves are crashing down; you know I’ll bring you home.” Finally, Dante Brown shares vocals on ‘The Healing.’ Being so open about her struggles through the divorce and aftermath, leads this album to be a little dark at times. But, it’s also testament to her honesty, and to what she calls “The Healing” through the love of God. 7/10.

New Single and Music Video from Blanca

BLANCA has released her new single ‘New Day,’ which is part of her upcoming album ’The Heartbreak and the Healing’ (Release date 23^rd September). Blanca, is a Puerto Rican-born American Contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter. Until 2013, she was a member of Group 1 Crew.   https://officialblanca.com

‘New Day’ Danny Gokey Official Music Video

Contemporary Christian artist Danny Gokey reminds us that there is hope in the name of the Lord with ‘New Day.’ 

Danny Gokey – New Day (Official Music Video)

Description Danny Gokey has been finding empowerment through music, his faith, and knowing that he’s making an impact on people’s lives. Originally a truck driver from Milwaukee, Danny won American Idol Season 8 while fighting tragedy every step of the day. After deciding to audition with his wife, he lost her to a surgery gone wrong only one month before taking the stage by storm. Today, Danny is married with and a father and is a stronger and wiser. He poured his soul into his album “Rise,” and continues to use his faith, strength and passion to impact others as well as grow in his own life.

New Version of Old Favourite from Danny Gokey

Perfectly timed with the New Year, Danny Gookey’s new radio version of fan-favorite song, “New Day” is available now everywhere! Reminding us all that each morning brings us a new chance to seize hope, reignite dreams, be bold, leave behind fear and choose love.

The Review Zone – VARIOUS ARTISTS : Worship Anthems 2019. (Essential : 5021776233831)

This is the series which annually brings you, arguably, the best worship songs from events such as Keswick, Spring Harvest, New Day, and more. Songs are led by various artists, but no particular vocal credits are given. But, I think I’ve made a good guess at the ones I’m about to mention. A favourite of mine is the first track performed, “Your Kingdom Come.” Pete James seems to have a knack of writing (or co-writing) some great songs, and this is one of them. There’s a joyous feel to Bryan Torwalt’s “Sound of Adoration,” while a female voice provides excellent vocals on the anthemic “Who You Say I Am.” I was quite disappointed by the lack lustre versions of “Reckless Love” and “Grace Awaiting Me,” but buoyed once more by the excellent “Rock of Ages” – not the old hymn. The second half of this album didn’t really appeal to me, at first. Chris Quilala’s “Halls of Heaven” was typical Jesus Cutlure fodder, and “Build My Life” came across as being very repetitive. However, the purple patch began with two really moving songs of worship. “King Forever” (written by Pete James & Aaron Keyes) and “Mention of Your Name” (written by Jenn Johnson, Matt Redman, Jonas Myrin & Brian Johnson) are just terrific. I loved these songs so much! Of course, it would be improbable to like every one of the 28 tracks but I think you’ll find plenty that you do.   8/10.