CD takes Christian gospel music to broader audience

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Feb 1, 2003 by ERIC GORSKI

On the second track of the new CD "Relevant Praise," 16-year-old soloist Nadia Ortiz-Harris sings about peace, new life and the Lord, traditional themes of gospel music.

But her voice is more Whitney Houston than Mahalia Jackson.

The music is more urban-contemporary radio than Sunday-morning service.

The genre-bending project produced by the multicultural Colorado Springs church Relevant Word Ministries seeks to take the Christian Gospel to a broader audience, spotlight young local talent and raise money for a church building project that's been years in the making.

Most of the eight musicians and vocalists featured on the CD are in high school or college. All are members of churches in and around the Hillside Neighborhood southeast of downtown Colorado Springs.

Several have recorded as solo artists and harbor dreams of music careers.

The CD was released Tuesday; the 2,000 copies pressed by the church are for sale in several local stores and on the Internet.

The project is a natural for Relevant Word, where music at Sunday services flows from a "praise team" instead of a choir and modern hymns about Christianity's redemptive power are favored over traditional Negro spirituals.

The Rev. Promise Lee, 44 , founded the church in a storefront on South Hancock Avenue to "reach those others don't reach - ex-gang bangers, dope dealers, prostitutes," he said.

The preacher can offer his own testimony - he was born again after serving four years in prison, having been convicted at age 16 of killing a Fort Carson soldier.

The 200-member church raised the money to produce the CD, recorded at Northstar Studios in Colorado Springs.

The church hopes proceeds can help pay off its purchase of 6.5 acres at 1090 S. Institute St. , where it plans to build.

It needs to raise $120,000, Lee said.

Lee describes the CD's sound as unique. He said it promotes the Christian message, "but in a way where every other word mentioned isn't 'Jesus.'"

"It's uplifting, empowering."

All but one of the CD's nine tracks are originals. Most were written by Daniel Stephens , who also plays guitar - not an instrument associated with gospel music.

"I grew up in a Baptist church with a Hammond B-3 organ and a full- blown choir," said 29-year-old Ta'Mella Pierce, who contributed background vocals. "This is more urban, but with old-school flavor."

Gospel music burst forth from black churches in the early 20th century, drawing influences from jazz, ragtime and the blues.

Sung with full-throated joy, the music is central to the black church experience.

The CD liner notes describe the tradition like this: "An album should be like a good book or a good meal. A gospel album should be like a great meal prepared by your grandma."

Recording gospel music was a new experience for Jemond Gaulden , poet, rhythm-and-blues songwriter and producer who sings in the local secular group Perfect Harmony.

He wrote a song on the CD, "I'm Going All the Way," which Gaulden said is meant to inspire people who are struggling in their walk with God.

It begins with a few piano notes, which are quickly joined by an electric guitar, then drums, and a choir singing about going to the highest place, going all the way.

"I believe all music can change lives," Gaulden said, "but gospel music does to a greater degree."

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0304 or gorski@gazette.com

FOR MORE

Artists featured on "Relevant Praise" will sign posters and CDs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Family Christian Stores at the Citadel Crossing Shopping Center, 687 N. Academy Blvd.

The CD is available for sale at Independent Records, Poor Richard's Bookstore, Family Christian Stores, HB Records, the Arsenal at the World Prayer Center and the Relevant Word Ministries Bookstore.The suggested retail price is $13.99.

For more information, call 635-6640.