LeChateau Earl Records announced the release of God Bless America, an arrangement of the American classic by Damien Sneed and Chorale LeChateau featuring Chenee Campbell.
Sneed had this to say of the release of the single. “It feels as if our nation is under siege. Senseless gun violence plagues our inner city neighborhoods with no regard for the lives of the innocent. Fires, floods, tornadoes, continually test us – our hope and faith are daily diminished. If there was ever a time that we needed to join together in continual prayers for our nation, that time is now. It is our hope that hearing this arrangement of God Bless America will draw us to prayer.”
Chorale Le Chateau is developing a remarkable reputation for its vivid interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance period pieces to jazz, spirituals, gospel, and avant garde contemporary music. This musical ensemble will join legendary jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis for a multi-city tour of the Abyssinian Mass.
The “God Bless America” release is one of several projects from Le Chateau Earl Records. In June, the label will release, Spiritual Sketches, another eagerly awaited project featuring the lead single “All Night, All Day” by Sneed and world-renowned tenor Lawrence Brownlee. In addition, a live recording from Damien Sneed featuring The Levites is scheduled for the summer as well as the album debut of newcomer Tekesha Russell.
Lawrence Brownlee carries the distinction of being one of the most sought after singers in classical music today. The international opera star paired up with his friend, Grammy award nominated producer and pianist Damien Sneed for Spiritual Sketches, a ten song set containing traditional spirituals scheduled for a June release on Sneed’s LeChateau Earl record label.
Brownlee used his experiences growing up as a child in church as a backdrop for the disc. “My musical background started with exposure to church music. I come from an extremely musical family, with both parents being gifted singers. My father was also the church choir director. There was a love of music that was passed on to me and my five siblings; all of them are still involved in music to varying degrees. That early exposure in addition to a strong music education throughout all my years of schooling allowed me to be influenced by so many styles of music including classical, jazz, gospel. As a singer of color, I felt the unique responsibility not only to carry a torch that has been passed on by my predecessors, but to expand on the traditional negro spirituals.”
Brownlee and Sneed have performed selections from the disc as part of his solo recital tour. Their captivating rendition of All Night All Day has been met with standing ovations at each performance. Brownlee will do a special in store performance on June 9th at the Apple Store in New York and the disc will be available on iTunes on June 11th.
Damien Sneed announced a Live DVD taping for his group, The Levites in Baltimore on July 6th. Sneed and The Levites took top honors at this year’s Gospel Heritage Conference Showcase and their hit Broken To Minister featuring Bishop Iona Locke is touching the lives of people across the country.
His latest offering, the LeChateau Earl Records Compilation featuring the hit singles Broken To Minister and Here With You is available via iTunes and Amazon.com
Music Lovers Rejoice as the wait is over (well kinda). Tye Tribbett’s Same God single that caused a stir at this year’s Stellar Awards drops on iTunes on April 2nd. Also hitting the marketplace is Javen releasing his single (the) Worshipper In Me featuring Jonathan Nelson and the LeChateau Earl Records compilation featuring the hit Broken to Minister from Bishop Iona Locke and Here With You from Damien Sneed and the Levites featuring Anaysha Figueroa Cooper.
Master songwriter, pianist and conductor Damien Sneed is one of the headliners for the 2013-2014 Concert and Education Season at the prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center. JALC announced its new season and Abyssinian: A Gospel Celebration featuring Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with the 70-voice Chorale Le Chateau conducted by Damien Sneed is one of the highlights.
Marsalis composed the Abyssinian Mass in 2008 in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Abyssinian Baptist Church on West 138th Street in Harlem. The JALC Orchestra and Chorale Le Chateau will embark upon a multi city U S tour during the month of October. Sneed will also host 2 Jazz Meets Gospel concerts as part of the Jazz for Young People Series.
Great things are happening for Damien Sneed. Following his tenure as Season 4 Music Director for BET’s hit show Sunday Best, Sneed joined Wynton Marsalis in performance at the opening of the 2012 Olympics, accompanied opera diva Jessye Norman at the International AIDS conference Gala, made his debut at Carnegie Hall, toured Spain with the Coro de Gospel de Madrid and accompanied Rhonda Ross at the Presidential Inaugural Ball.
In addition to his travels as music director for Karen Clark Sheard, Sneed now gears up for the imminent release of a compilation on his newly formed LeChateau Earl Records label on February 12th. With music from his own Introspections CD featuring his group The Levites and Kingdom Victory Live, the musical debut of Bishop Iona Locke, LeChateau Earl Records is poised to take its place as a gospel music staple.
At radio is Here With You , featuring an unforgettable guest vocal performance by Light Records’ recent signee Anaysha Figueroa Cooper. Both Bishop Locke and Damien Sneed will tour in support of the CD release.
2013 is taking shape as the last day of January marks the release of great gospel music into the marketplace. After a few problems with iTunes yesterday, things finally got “Better” for Charles Butler, Jr and Trinity. Better is the first single from the DC based group on the EPM Music Group Label and the full project is slated for a February 26th release. GOSPELflava caught up with Pugh and Butler at this year’s Stellar Awards Weekend. http://blog.gospelflava.com/2013/01/27/earnest-pugh-introduces-new-artist-charles-butler/ (more…)
Now when it comes to singing preachers, there are a few that come to mind (shall we call the short list?): Shirley Caesar, Marvin Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Paul Morton, Dorinda Clark Cole, Kim Burrell Marvin Sapp, John P Kee, Smokie Norful and the list goes on. Today, we extend the list.
Gospel wunderkind Damien Sneed made his Carnegie Hall debut in early December as part of the “Amazonas” concert series. The series features the Azlo Orchestra along with guests and soloists that have works inspired by the ancestral power of the Amazon Forest with the purpose of raising awareness and bringing attention to the Amazon rainforest through the universal language of music.
Last night in the heart of Harlem(NYC) JJ Hairston, Damien Sneed, and Kim Burrell graced the stage at First Corinthian Baptist Church for the culmination of its Visionary & Dreamers Weekend. Special guest Ayana George, also offered musical selections contributing to a beautiful array of sounds during the concert.
JJ Hairston served as Master of Ceremony and worship leader for the night’s event. He set the tone for a night of worship and honour to God and the Pastors (Michael& LaKeisha Walrond) that have worked tirelessly to create a thriving church. Ayana George was up first with a wonderful medley of the Forever Jones hit “He Wants It All“, and William Mcdowell’s chart topping single “I Give Myself Away“. Damien Sneed followed with his group of singers “The Levites“. They sang some well known hymns and an original piece. The musicality and vocal blend was nothing shy of amazing! Their performance was a definite highlight of the night. Last but certainly not least, Kim Burrell stepped onto the stage and inspired, encouraged, and pushed all in attendance to worship God. Her vocals are simply amazing and equally amazing is her ability to usher people into God’s presence. JJ Hairston wrapped up the event with the classic church ”war cry”. It was a beautiful night and we’re looking forward to more appearances by these great artists!
