::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

By Mona Austin (The Slice -- Chesapeake, VA): Anyone who questions the relevance of traditional gospel music in today's music marketplace that is over-saturated with contemporary forms of inspirational music need only examine the current release from the legendary Rev. Luther Barnes, "The Favor of God." Barnes played the Musical Soulfood Festival in Chesapeake, VA June 23 where he performed a set of classics and  his latest hit single, "God's Grace" from the come back album. The crowd readily embraced every selection, both old and new.  Live strings and horns arrest the listeners' attention on several compositions on "The Favor of God," backed by the Restoration Worship Center Choir.  Not only does the album affirm the acceptance and continued popularity of traditional gospel, but also it asserts Barnes' significance as a voice in the genre. The son of Rev. F.C. Barnes ("Rough Side of the Mountain"), the younger pastor B...

buzzz worthy. . . NEW ALBUM FEATURES TOP 20 HIT SINGLE “GOD’S GRACE” AND RE-AFFIRMS THE CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE OF TRADITIONAL GOSPEL ON " THE FAVOR OF GOD " The Reverend Luther Barnes comes from a notable gospel background. His father, Bishop F.C. Barnes, wrote and scored a hit with the gospel standard “Rough Side Of The Mountain.”  Raised in the church from a young age, Rev. Barnes felt called to music ministry and embarked on a hit-making career as lead singer, producer, songwriter and director of the “quartet” gospel group Luther Barnes & The Sunset Jubilaires. He also founded The Red Budd Gospel Choir which also scored a string of hits, including the Stellar Award-nominated “Somehow Some Way.”  Now Rev. Barnes steps forward with a brand new choir, the Restoration Worship Center Choir, and a stunning set of new compositions. The Favor Of God, his first choir project in a decade, is to be released by Shanachie Entertainment/SRT Entertainment on Sept. 9, 2016....