Album Release Party for
Bishop Michael V. Kelsey
And The New Samaritan Mass Choir's
"Masterpeace"
(Featuring the Hit Single, "Run and Tell That")
From the front pew to the balcony of the 1,240-seat, New Samaritan Baptist Church, people anxiously packed the Washington, DC, sanctuary to experience Masterpeace, the second album of Bishop Michael V. Kelsey and the New Samaritan Mass Choir. The star-studded album release party, which was held on June 29, 2004, featured a winning ensemble of songwriters, producers, musicians, and artists.
The host of the evening's event, LeNair Holton of Heaven 1580 AM asked the crowd, "Can anything good come out of Northeast, D.C.?" Without a second thought, the audience gave a resounding "Yes" as they knew that a high standard of musical excellence was about to be unveiled. Without a doubt, Bishop Kelsey and the New Samaritan Mass Choir did not disappoint anyone that evening as they made the Lord, and Northeast, D.C., proud.
Throughout the evening, the audience partook in a musical experience that crossed all color, socioeconomic, and creative lines. Masterpeace features an eclectic group of artists from near and far, who masterfully merged classical music with contemporary and traditional gospel music.
"Power in the Blood," the first song of the evening, set the stage for Masterpeace. The 153-member choir joyously belted out the powerful and rousing piece, which was arranged by Leroy "Scooter" Taylor. Bishop Michael Kelsey greeted the audience with an inspirational Word from the Lord, which soon led to the up-tempo, "Work it Out" that was sung by Elvin Thomas, Jr.
Shifting artistic mediums, the University of Maryland's Terrapin Praise Drama Guild mesmerized the audience with short vignettes, demonstrating painful experiences in the lives of people. With a powerful fusion of music and drama "Let the Healing Begin," which was sung by Brian Boddie and written by David Frazier, moved everyone to another level of praise and worship, and allowed everyone to see how the healing can truly begin.
The thirteen-piece string ensemble was introduced during, "He's in the Midst of it All," which was sung by Samarifest winner, Daniel Austin. The song that was written 15-years ago by William Becton and Marvin McCoy, was yet another moving piece that embraced the entire audience.
Taking it, yet again, to a higher level, Bishop Kelsey and songwriter, Isaiah Thomas led "Run and Tell That." This signature song had every man, woman, and child on their feet. During this upbeat song, the NSBC Judah and Hannah Praise Dance Ministry performed a breathtaking, high-energy dance that had everyone gasping for air!
During the intermission, the choir came out of their beautiful red, black, cream, and gold robes to help sell the Masterpeace CD to the audience. No one had to wait in line because they came to you, now wearing their "Run and Tell That" t-shirts.
The album's producer, Isaiah Thomas went on to introduce the band and songwriters in attendance, including the talented, Calvin Rodgers (Musical Director and Percussionist); H. Buddy Larkins (Organ); Jonathan Dubose, Jr. (Lead Guitar); Corey Baker (Bass Guitar); Marvin Thompson, Will Spence, and Clifton Brockington of Mo'Horns (Horns). During Dubose's introduction, the "Prophesing Guitarist" gave everyone a rousing rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner on guitar. It was a true experience.
Thomas also introduced Associate Producer, Paris Hollins of Studio House North, Inc. as well as the company's CEO, Bob Shaw. He gave special kudos to Co-producer, Dr. Carla Bowens and Orchestra arranger, Gylchris Sprauve, as well as recognized the songwriters in attendance, such as David Frazier, William Becton, and Marvin McCoy.
Everyone enjoyed a 3-minute video, entitled "A Small Taste of Prague," which was shot by Dr. Bowens in the Czech Republic. The video showed the producers in Prague, the conductors studying Gylchris' arrangements, and the Orchestra trying out what was before them.
"Great Jehovah God," which was written, produced, and sung by Isaiah Thomas allowed one to experience a spectacular combination of the instruments and voices. It was the perfect blend of instruments, forming one melodious sound. However you felt as though you could still hear each and every instrument making its own statement on just how great, Jehovah God really is.
As the evening was coming to a close, Tia Harris' sweet voice came through in "There is None Like You." Reginald Hurt's exuberance during "Jesus is Lord," ended the album release party with a true spirit of high praise. This final song, which was inspired by Andre Crouch and arranged by Isaiah Thomas, had such a lasting impression on the band that they continued with an all out jam session, while the audience made their way home.
Truly an evening that one could never forget, the album release party left you feeling the Master's perfect peace in your heart. From Bishop Kelsey's words of encouragement and praise to the passion with which the choir sung, you felt the Master's perfect peace. From the synergy between the musicians to the God-made instruments of over 100 raised voices, you felt the Master's perfect peace. From seeing an entire sanctuary on its feet to knowing that God molded this entire project from D.C. to Prague, and back, one truly experienced a Masterpeace.
Written by Kimberly S. Varner, Sweet Finesse Entertainment
Quotes
The leader of New Samaritan Baptist Church, Bishop Michel V. Kelsey said the following about the rapid distribution of Masterpeace's first shipment of 2,500, "It's called favor. We don't have anything to do with it." On their second order, he added, "We started with church distribution and then we'll move to the stores."
"I'm so proud of the level of excellence and for exceeding our ability," said Sheila Kelsey, the first lady of New Samaritan Baptist Church. "It's an evangelistic tool to grab the unsaved and unchurched. She added, "We can worship in all ways and it be authentic praise and worship."
Masterpeace's Producer, Isaiah Thomas of Good Fellas Music Group, said, "My prayer is that every person will experience what I have experienced with this album." He added, "The songs are heartfelt and go down beneath the surface."
"We are very excited about Masterpeace, said Dr. Carla Bowens, Co-producer of the album and Music Administrator for the New Samaritan Baptist Church. "We are planning a promotional tour for the fall through our in-house ministry, SAMARIGROUP."
Bob Shaw, CEO of Studio House North, Inc., the studio that recorded the album said that they took on this project because of the "music, the message, and the musicianship."
Associate Producer, Paris Hollins of Studio House North, Inc. said, "The leadership of New Samaritan Baptist Church has its eyes on the prize and knows where its heart is." He added, "I was honored to be asked to work on this project."
Bishop Sam Williams, Vice Chairman of the Radio Announcer's Guild of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, and Chairman of Tehillah Music Group of Full Gospel said, "Bishop Michael Kelsey and the New Samaritan Mass Choir are definitely, off, off, off, the divine chain. Now run and tell that!"
"We said that we wanted to write a song together, so he came over to the house and we put our ideas together," said songwriter, Marvin McCoy of his colleague, William Becton. The co-writer of the 15 year-old song, He's in the Midst of it All added, "Dr. [Carla] Bowens heard the song and wanted it on the album."
Gylchris Sprauve, who with Ashton Conklin was responsible for the Orchestra arrangement and bowing for the Prague recording said, "I've gone to Prague before and Carla [Bowen] was looking for someone to work on this project." The native of the Virgin Islands added, "Paris Hollins recommended me for Masterpeace."
"I love the project," said David Frazier, songwriter of Let the Healing Begin. The world-renowned artist who said that spiritual inspiration, rather than experience helps him write songs added, "They took the idea and ran with it."
"They did a remarkable job on Masterpeace," said the incomparable William Becton. "They took the CD to another level higher.
William Becton, co-writer of He's in the Midst of it All said, "The song has been recorded three times and it keeps blessing us over and over again."
Talented organist, H. Buddy Lakins said, "I've done projects before with this group and it's a sweet marriage." He adds, "Masterpeace is off the hook. On a scale of 1 to 10, it's a 15!"
Lead guitarist, Jonathan Dubose, Jr., who is also known as the Prophesying Guitarist said, "I was able to learn what God has begun in their ministry. This is just the beginning of something great, in Jesus' name. Amen!"
Daniel Austin, winner of the 2003 Samarifest contest, which landed him lead vocals on He's in the Midst of it All said "I've enjoyed the opportunity to work with legendary artists, such as Jonathan Dubose, Jr."
LeNair Holton of Heaven 1580 said, "Masterpeace is taking the Sunday Morning Choir Praise to another level by merging classical an contemporary with funky beats. He added, "It's taking praise and worship to heights unknown and it's not just for Sunday morning."
Keisha Jackson, a member of the choir and of SAMARIGROUP, the ministry responsible for numerous aspects of marketing the CD, said "We've been working on this project for over a year. It's been a great experience and great favor."
"None of us knew what to do when working on this CD," said Lisa Creech, a member of the choir and of SAMARIGROUP. "God kept hooking us up with people in the industry that we never could have met on our own."
Read more...