Real Gospel with the Xman Podcast

Anita Faye Radio Interview

Anita Faye is my guest on the show and she’s an awesome women of God! You don’t want to miss any of this dynamic interview! 
“Giving back is a quality that was instilled into my soul while I was still a child,” says singer/songwriter Anita Faye, with a quiet confidence that glows like a single candle against the pitch darkness of midnight. It is a confidence that compels listeners to lean in and nod in agreement. 
“My mother was a shining example of giving back," says Faye. "I learned a lot from her, and from the different ways that she used the gifts God gave her to uplift the body of Christ. I was raised in the church, and being active in the church was just a part of my life—everything from singing in the choir to cleaning up after service. I learned to take whatever God gave me and use it for His glory.” 
It was that spirit of “Giving Back” that birthed a desire in Anita and her husband to help heal their community in the aftermath of the 2017 mass shooting incident in her hometown of Las Vegas. 
Moved by the pain and suffering it caused, “my husband Robby and I sought a way to help bring a sense of healing to victims, their families, and the Las Vegas community,” Anita explains. “This was not our first experience with this kind of tragedy. We were living in Boston during the time of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, so we already had a sense of how life can change in the blink of an eye. We understand how those who are affected by such a senseless act of violence may never be the same. And while no amount of compensation will ever be sufficient for those directly impacted, we felt a deep sense of compassion and wanted to do what we could to honor the victims and encourage our community to persevere in love.” 
“Anita had co-workers who were at the concert and whose friends were injured during the shooting,” Robby adds. “As Christians, we knew in our hearts that the aftermath of the Las Vegas tragedy would be horrific. We knew there would be tremendous pain, suffering, and loss. We also felt a sense of compassion and duty to the people of this amazing city and were inspired to use our gift of music to help bring some sense of healing to the victims. We wanted to honor those who lost their lives, and to encourage the survivors while ensuring it was done in love and with a sense of profound respect for those who are still in recovery.” 
Turning to their artistry for inspiration, Anita and Robby wrote, produced, and performed the tribute song, "Angels in Heaven (Vegas Strong)" to honor the victims and survivors of that fateful day. 
“The song promotes a musical energy of love, compassion, and collective community resolve,” Anita muses. “It was crafted to empathize with our loss, encourage those who survived, and pay tribute to those no longer with us.” 
That stirring anthem is just one of the stellar tracks on Anita’s newest album, Kingdom Journey, a 13-song studio project that highlights Anita’s twin giftings as both an accomplished singer and songwriter. 
The project’s first single, the smooth, jazz-inflected piano ballad, “Cast My Cares,” is an intensely personal confession of faith in the midst of trials. “Life hasn’t always been easy,” Anita confesses. “We tend to gravitate toward the façade of, ‘everything is okay.’ We quote positive scriptures and, while that’s a good thing, it’s not a substitute for being real. Testimony is not always pretty. Sometime there are tears involved. Sometimes there are crises. I’ve had my share of hard knocks.” 
The album’s highly anticipated radio single, “All of the Above,” features Anita’s collaboration with Grammy Award winner Betty Wright, who wrote and produced the track. “What can you say about having the opportunity to work with a legend like Betty Wright?” says Anita. “Her resume speaks for itself, but beyond that, she is such as sweet person. She grew up in the church, she is humble, and she is just so grounded. I was so honored to record her song, 'All of the Above,' for my new CD. It is a cleverly written song that encourages listeners to pass their tests in life by making the right choice. And when it comes to God, the answer to the question is not just A, B, C, or D, but 'all of the above!'” 
Anita continues the recurring theme of trusting God in the hard times on “Anchor of my Soul,” a jazz-inflected Gospel number that effectively showcases the singer’s multi-octave soprano, and on the more electrified dance track, “My Destiny,” which insists on giving praise to the Savior despite the storms of life. 
“I Gotta Know,” an unapologetic, deeply personal tune, explores those times when nothing goes right and life seems to be nothing but disappointment after disappointment. “I’ve gained and I’ve lost, but my womb is still a grave,” she cries out in the song. “I gotta know—is God there? Does He care?” 
“I had a miscarriage when I was in my early 20s,” Anita explains. “I’ve never conceived again. Something dies inside of you when you carry that loss. Sometimes we experience trials and struggles that we don’t have answers for, and sometimes God doesn’t give us the answer we want. But God still loves us. 'I Gotta Know' is a song about questioning God, about almost giving up on my faith. It's about dealing with the aftermath of life’s disappointments, and seeking answers to those disappointments. Ultimately, it is me being transparent and sharing that difficult process, and finally discovering that God still cares—regardless of what I’ve been through or how I feel.” 
A singer/songwriter with a wealth of influences, Anita injects a bouncy, hip-hop vibe in “P.U.S.H.,” a clever twist on the saying, “Pray Until Something Happens.” She allows swaying Caribbean reggae rhythms to drive the beat on the joyous praise song, “With Gladness,” and pays homage to the legendary Ella Fitzgerald on “Untraceable,” a sweet tribute to her husband Robby’s grandmother. “With tears running down her face, I can hear Grandma say, ‘you can run this race, sufficient is His grace,” she croons. 
The title track, “Kingdom Journey,” gives Anita full rein to explore both her remarkable vocal range and skills as a jazz stylist. “Sugar Rush” encourages listeners to seek spiritual meat rather than settling for a superficial sugar high, and Anita showcases her genre-defying vocal prowess on her fresh interpretation of the beloved hymn, “Take my Hand, Precious Lord.” 
Anita Faye burst onto the national consciousness in 2007 with the release of her critically acclaimed, independently released CD, R U Willing, which earned a Gospel Album of the Year nomination from the International Independent Music Awards. Since then, she has continued to hone her considerable skills as a song crafter and vocal stylist by sharing the stage with some of Gospel music’s legends, including Martha Munizzi, Kim Burrell, and the Edwin Hawkins Youth & Young Adult Mass Choir, among others. Along the way, she wrote, produced, and performed the title track to the independent feature film, Mama’s Eyes, made history by becoming the first singer to perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (the Negro National Anthem) at a Major League Baseball game, and released her EP, Late Bloomer, which included Anita’s fresh, inspirational take on The Carpenters’ classic, “Close to You.” 
A self-professed late-bloomer, Anita says that like many people, she had her whole life planned out. “If you want to make God laugh, just tell him your plans!” she quips. “The years roll by, and you begin to wonder what happened. Now, when I see things coming to pass that I had envisioned happening years before, I just have to laugh. Our society tends to applaud people who achieve remarkable things at a very early age, but we often don’t give as much respect to those who achieve success later in life. Sometimes I think you appreciate things more once you have some life experience under your belt. It makes you more thankful for what you receive, and better prepared to give back to those in need.”
#AnitaFye #RealGospelwiththexman #radio #radiointerview #preciouslord

Marcus Jordan Interview

Marcus Jordan is my in studio guest, he stopped by all the way from Texas to talk about his new music, ministry, and sharing plenty of knowledge on multiple topics. 
Bio:
Marcus Jordan was born to Pastor Emanuel and Bridget Jordan on May 8, 1986. Music has been in the forefront of Marcus’s life since the tender age of seven. At this young age, Marcus insisted that he could play the piano although he had never been taught. Once his mother realized he had been blessed with the gift of music, she encouraged him by allowing him to become the official musician of the church. Thus, his musical journey began by playing the piano, and shortly thereafter his gift of vocal ability was discovered. He honed his musical abilities by singing background and playing the keyboard with Sister Biggs and the Glory Singers, (age 7) and The Anointed Messengers, a quartet group from Houston, Texas as a young child. It was during that time of traveling and performing with these groups, that his musical and songwriting abilities, as well as his keyboard skills, were developed. He quickly became known throughout Houston as a skilled keyboard player, and began playing for various churches.
At the age of 18, he became the Minister of Music for New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Clute, TX. Here is where his leadership skills were developed. He learned how to lead a congregation in praise and worship, which would later transfer to his solo performances. He faithfully served New Hope for eight years, and is very grateful for that opportunity which helped develop him into who he is as an artist today.
Marcus has always had a passion for ministry; it has been the driving force in his life. Through his close fellowship with God he learned God’s perfect will for his life. He was born and created for ministry, and God equipped him with the necessary tools to minister to His people. Marcus has had the distinct opportunity to play with Music World Entertainment. He has played for artists such as Solange Knowles and IB3 as a House Band keyboard player. He has shared the stage with Brian Courtney Wilson, Pastor Sheryl Brady, Kurt Carr, Juanita Bynum, Angie Stone, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Trinitee 5:7.
On October 9, 2015, Marcus was installed as the Pastor of St Paul Missionary Baptist Church, succeeding both his grandfather and father. As Pastor, he and his wife, Michelle Jordan, are dedicated to building up the Kashmere Gardens community both spiritually and physically. St Paul strives to serve their community, and through their service, represent the love of God.
In 2017, his goal of becoming a police officer was finally accomplished. After obtaining his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, Marcus completed the University of Houston Downtown’s Police Academy. After successfully completing the Police Academy, Marcus became an HISD Police Officer, where he faithfully protects and serves the students, faculty and local community.
In January of 2018, Marcus released his album entitled “I Will Bless the Lord”. The album is currently available on ITunes, Spotify and CD Baby. His first single from the album is entitled “You Are Here”. It is a song that ministered directly to him during those times when he felt alone. The song reminds him of God’s omnipresence. His desire is for it to do the same for others. There are times in everyone’s life when encouragement is needed. He has poured his heart into this project, and believes that people will feel that, and be able to relate to his struggle, as well as be inspired by his victory in Jesus Christ. 
Marcus Jordan is a husband to Michelle Jordan, and a devoted father of three to Saniya, Mikaela and Marcus Jr. 
Endorsements
“He is an anointed singer with amazing vocals, and he will do well in the industry.”- Melanie Pratt, Radio Announcer of Radio One
“He has as very unique tone, and I look forward to hearing more from him. His single is powerful and it is going to open doors for him.” – Stan Jones, Celebrity Gospel Producer
“His musical talent is amazing, his tone is beautiful, and he is definitely going to be a star.” – Solange Knowles, Music World Entertainment
“I love his tone and his vocal ability, especially when singing in a lower register. I enjoyed working with him. I expect for his catchy single, I Can, to do very well.” Nikki Ross, Celebrity Gospel Artist 
#marcusjordan #realgospelwiththexman #gospelmusic #music #Iwillblessthelord

Shree Isabell Interview

Shree Isabell returns as my guest on Real Gospel! She and I will find out what she’s been up to these past years and get the story behind her song “The Great I Am’! 
Nashville, TN -- Evangelist Shree Isabell is a woman powerfully rooted in singing and ministering.  Her voice is unique in texture, opulent in tone and primarily heard through traditional tunes that she skillfully executes in velvety smoothness.  Through preaching and singing, Shree’s anointed voice is taking her into deeper levels of kingdom work and musical endeavors including a new single and being a highly sought after guest speaker. 
In 2011, Shree released her debut indie album LIFE OF A WORSHIPPER.  A few years later, Shree received a personal invitation from Dr. Bobby Jones asking her to join the Nashville Super Choir.  “Dr. Jones thought I would be an asset to the choir to bring a ‘Pentecostal’ flavor similar to that of Beverly Crawford,” Shree states.
Via Shree's and her husband Quentin Isabell's indie label Kamasia Music, she is preparing for a new single release “The Great I Am”.  Produced by AyRon Lewis, “The Great I Am” lends true to Shree’s traditional gospel preference, but is laced with the contemporary savvy musicianship Lewis adds as producer. 
“The Great I Am” also exhibits her artistic growth, vocal stamina and her consistency in delivering theologically sound music.  Shree is known for powerfully belting out a churchy tune, but  she approaches songs now with much more musical and doctrinal maturity.  She penned “The Great I Am” after including Exodus 15:3 in one of her sermons. 
“I don't have to start on the mountain or preach hard in every song,” Shree explains.  “I've had some musical maturity take place in my career, but there is still a part of me that is the same churchy, country girl that people enjoyed on the LIFE OF A WORSHIPPER project.” 
Through all of her evangelistic assignments, Shree aims to authentically share and preserve the traditional sounds of Gospel music.  Her “The Great I Am” single can be pre-ordered on iTunes now and will be available September 28 on all digital and streaming platforms.  
You can keep up with Shree's preaching and speaking engagements by visiting www.ShreeIsabell.com
#shreeisabell #thegreatIam #realgospelwiththexman #thebellamygroup #benitaballamy #gospelmusic #music #praise #praiseandworship #choirs

Lonnie Hunter Interview

Lonnie Hunter returns as my guest on Real Gospel, this is truly and interview you will be blessed by listing to!! 
Bio:
Days of Elijah, is written by Robin Marks,  and arranged and produced by Dr. Lonnie Hunter. The single will be available on all digital outlets, Friday, May 25th, 2018. Hunter is expecting to garner strong support from his 34,000 plus Instagram followers upon the digital release of the single.
Hunter has hit the mark with this collaboration, Days of Elijah features multi-Grammy nominated, Soul Train Award-winning powerhouse and living legend, Vanessa Bell Armstrong. "What an honor to collaborate with Lonnie on this single his professional and anointed approach to God's music and his people is incredible," says Armstrong.   Several artists have shown their support for Days of Elijah as the digital release date approaches.  "Kudos to Lonnie for putting his own spin on one of my fav praise songs!" "I'm always excited to hear from Vanessa Bell Armstrong, she's one of the most iconic voices of our time," says VaShawn Mitchell.
"Lonnie Hunter never fails to bring cutting-edge content that preserves the choir sound yet invokes corporate worship amongst praise & worship lovers," says Earnest Pugh.  "Lonnie Hunter is a fire starter who always brings his experience and energy to bear to heat up the atmosphere for an encounter with God. Things are no different here as he and his group Structure team up with the legendary Vanessa Bell Armstrong to reignite the classic Days of Elijah"says, Brian Courtney Wilson.
#LonnieHunter #daysofelijah #radio #music #gospelmusic #realgospelwiththexman #VanessaBellArmstrong 

Alvin Darling Radio Interview

Alvin Darling is back with his new song, "Good, good God" It's an awesome song that will have you dancing, praising, and shouting! 
#alvindarling #GoodgoodGod #RealGospelWithTheXman #Radio #Music #radiointerview

Brandon Camphor & The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir Interview

Brandon Camphor is my guest on Real Gospel and guess what, his hands are on this dynamic project by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir! In fact, he’s been on my show before but with a different group, check out the Podcast and find out what group he was with, how he ended up with this great choir and much more! 
Bio: 
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir is directed by Carol Cymbala, the wife of Pastor Jim Cymbala. The 270-voice choir, which for the most part is composed of vocally untrained church members, has recorded three videos, three DVDs and numerous albums, winning five Dove Awards and six Grammy Awards. Their concert venues in New York City have included Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and the Madison Square Garden Theater. They also had the honor of singing at the Billy Graham Crusades that were held in New York City’s Central Park and Flushing Meadows Park. The choir sang at the 2012 Presidential inauguration in Washington, DC before an estimated viewing audience of 1 billion people. The recognition that the choir has received has provided them with an open door for ministry in presenting the gospel message through music to people all over the world.
Six Grammy® Awards, Millions of sales, multiple appearances on ABC’s “Good
Morning America,” and they sang at President Obama’s 2nd Inaugural
Swearing-In Ceremony on The National Mall. 
#TheBrooklynTabernacleChoir #gosplmusic #BrandonCamphor #RealGospelwiththexman #music #choirs

Johnathan Nelson Interview

Johnathan Nelson returns as my guest on RealGospel, tune in or check out the Podcast and find out what he’s been up to!
Bio:
Jonathan Nelson is free from fear. He is brave and he is bold. As a father, husband, brother, son of a preacher, minister, worship leader and artist/producer, for all that he swiftly embraces with grace, it is no wonder that his fifth and latest release is entitled FEARLESS. For his Light Records/Entertainment One Music (eOne Music) debut, Jonathan set the tone in an audacious way with a live recording at his home church in Sunrise, Florida, The Faith Center, a self-described “melting pot of sound.” FEARLESS is anchored in the call and response of praise and worship, alongside the participatory style of audience inclusion. Through the God-inspired songs of hope, inspiration and strength, Jonathan is confident his listeners will receive the music by “embracing the messages, melodies and songs. Activate the lyrics and expect God to change their situation.” 
#realgospelwiththexman #music #gospel #gospelmusic #radiointerview #radio #JonathanNelson #Iagree

Sidney Buckner Interview

Sidney Buckner returns as my guest on Real Gospel to talk about his latest project "Young & Strong"! Find out what this Chicago native has been up to and Sidney will give advice to youth directors, on how to keep your youth engaged in the things of the Lord. 
#SidneyBuckner #Youth&Unity #Young&Strong #Gospelmusic #Youthchoirs #Youthgroups #RealGospelwiththeXman #radiointerview #radio  #Chicago