Marvin Winans, Jr. and Director Joel Kapity's Dreams film due for release in September
By Eunice Moseley

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"I'm the big bad wolf Donte' trying to impose my will or those around me," Marvin Winans, Jr. said about his character in the film Dreams, which he produces - along with the film's director Joel Kapity.

The movie Dreams, due out this fall, is a collection of stories based on real-life situations of a dancer, rapper, ex-boxer, singer and hustler. Dreams stars Tommy Ford ("Martin"), Terri J. Vaughn ("The Steve Harvey Show"), Geoffrey Owens ("The Cosby Show"), singer Angie Stone, Mel Jackson ("Soul Food"), Gospel singers Vicki Winans, Deleon Richards-Sheffield and Dayna Caddell, and Syesha Mercado (Dreamgirls). Choreographer Dave Scott (Stomp The Yard) choreographed the dance scenes in the movie.

A faith-based film, Dreams take place in the coldest winter in Chicago as each story's lead character tries to obtain their dream. Marvin said the film teaches you to be more patient - in obtaining your dreams - and compassionate.

"(It's) how we see ourselves and how God see's us," Winans, Jr. added about the film.

When discussing his partner in the film, Director Joel Kapity, Marvin said, "We always knew we'd work together. Joe did my (music) video."
For more on the exact date of the faith-based film's release log onto www.DreamsTheMovie.com.  

Donald Lawrence's new album, ‘Your Righteous Mind,' debuts #1 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums
The August 9, 2011 release of the new Donald Lawrence "Your Righteous Mind" (Verity Gospel Music Group/Quiet Waters) album debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums Chart. As of August 25th "YRM" drops to #2, replaced Kirk Franklins newly released CD.

"The news put people in a low place," Donald Lawrence said about the theme of the new project, "Your Righteous Mind." "God made everything...God makes no mistakes. God can only bless you as far as your mind can take you."

The first single off the album is the title track "Your Righteous Mind," featuring Dorinda Clark-Cole. Israel Houghton, Bishop Tudor Bismark and siblings Tobbi White-Darks and Tommi White are also featured on the project.

"I'm a Clark Sisters fan, Dorinda was an easy call," Donald said about his choice of featured guests on the CD. "I may do a remix with the Clark Sisters."
Grammy Award winning producer/singer/songwriter Lawrence said he wanted listeners to receive hope from the "YRM" release. I believe they did with the album debuting at #1 and currently at #2 on Billboard's Top Gospel Album Chart.

"Don't go by what you see, but by the unseen," Donald added. "Find a way to enjoy life....take a moment and breath."

For more information on Donald Lawrence and his current album release, "Your Righteous Mind," log onto www.DonaldLawrence.com.  

Everette Harp blows audience away with performance at the 2011 Long Beach Jazz Festival
To say I enjoyed the performance of saxophonist Everette Harp at the 2011 Long Beach Jazz Festival is an understatement, his performance was mind blowing. The energy and skills (not to mention the "air") Harp used to blow his horns were very impressive.

Joining Everette on stage were guitarist Daryl Cooks; Bass player Ricky Garrett; keyboardists Don Zamolin and Max Roady, and drummer Raford Griffin. Each musician was just as incredible as Everette.

Some of the songs performed by Harp included a Marvin Gay cover, "What's Going On," were Everette makes his horn actually sing; "Texas Groove," from his new CD, had a solo performance by his guitarist Daryl - whose fingers were remarkably fast on the strings; "Old School", "Where Were You When I Needed You," which actually made me tear-up just listening to him blow - using flips and turns on his horn.

Some of the other, just as creative, performers at the Long Beach Jazz Festival included Najee, Howard Hewitt, Brian Culbertson, Amel Lurrieux, The Whisper, Kim Waters & Kenny Lattimore, Jackie, Joyner, KEM and Charlie Wilson.

"It's another way of serving the community," said Darrell Brown, Sr. VP of US Bank - one of the major sponsors of the jazz festival - when questioned about sponsoring such a massive event during an economically stressed economy. "Thirty thousand people from all communities come to take part."

Earnest Pugh's ‘Earnestly Yours' debuts #1 on Billboard and iTunes, makes history at record label
Must be a sign that our country is in need of music that gives us hope, for yet another Gospel leading man's album debuts as #1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Album Chart upon its release - that man is Earnest Pugh. Pugh's new album "Earnestly Yours" (Black Smoke Music Worldwide), his forth project, was released on June 28, 2011 and debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums Chart. It is currently just below Donald Lawrence and Kirk Franklin, who is currently #1.

"I had a very traumatic experience with some people," Earnest Pugh told me when asked about the motivation behind the album "I wondered why and God revealed to me, ‘No test, no testimony'. When someone gives you evil, God turns it around for the good."

Out of that experience came "Earnestly Yours." The current single, "I Need Your Glory," has reached #8 on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs Chart.
Pugh, who was named by Billboard last year as the #4 Gospel Radio Airplay Artist, made history for his Houston-based label - Black Smoke Music - for this project is their first #1 album in its' 16 year history.

"Approach God with an earnest heart and pair of hands," Earnest said about the meaning behind the title of the album. "This caught me at a more seasoned time in my life. I sing (on the album) about the mountain top and the valley low experiences."

Though the entire album is golden, my favorite cut - which I find myself play over and over - on the "Earnestly Yours" project include the current single "I Need Your Glory." "I Need Your Glory" is a beautiful love song to God which shows-off Pugh's remarkable vocals (he has a five-octave range).

For more information on Earnest Pugh and his latest album, "Earnestly Yours," log onto www.EarnestPugh.com.