* ♦ * * *» • 5v SS■’ «• ■tr V • -.. •►vi*. r » » ■ ■ s- * •» - ? > ìF *:*** toì J uly 2 1997 • T he P o r tlan d O bserver P age B4 _________________________ ______________ —---- —------ -------------------------------- - r> r [O li r‘ Marvin Sapp, Grace and Mercy Marvin Sapp has one o f those voices that is instantly recognizable During hissix-years with th e a w a rd -w in n in g group C om m issioned, Marvin became a distin­ guishable vocalist with a style all his own. But Elder Sapp is really a preacher at heart, deliv­ ering a fervent message o f sav ing grace to a world often unwilling to hear. And whether he is deliv­ ering that message on the streets o f urban America or singing it in the larg­ est concert halls, Marvin conveys it with a fervor few possess. And on his sophomore album. Grace and M ercy, M a rv in ’s zeal for the message is evident as he swings, sways, rolls and rocks through some o f the stron­ gest music o f his already estimable career Marvin has been a long-stand­ ing member of urban Gospel super­ group Commissioned until the ex­ plosive growth in his own Joy Min­ istries, based in his hometown o f Grand Rapids, Michigan, and his burgeoning career as a solo artist forced him to leave the group at the end o f 1996. M arvin’s debut album last year soared out o f the box with No. I radio hits with Calling Me and In His Presence. Grace and Mercy promises to follow in the steps o f its hit-filled predecessor. Marvin S a p p even though Marvin says this time he consciously moved things in a different direction. “T his album is m ore for the church,” he says. "T here’s still a strong, funky rhythm section hap­ pening — you know I’ve just got to have that - but the vocal arrange­ ments are more choral in nature. My choir, the Joy Crusade Chorale, and I recorded this live, so there’s a very different energy happening. It’s also the kind o f songs that local church choirs can sing on Sunday and make their ow n.” Seeking to break down barriers between traditional and contempo­ rary music, Marvin co-wrote three ofthe album’s nine songs with some o f the major hit-makers in Gospel to­ day. Marvin and Aaron Lindsay joined forces on the Gospel quartet-fla­ vored ballad. For the Rest o f My Life. “This is a song about a relationship with G od,” says Marvin. “This is a guy sitting down think­ ing about his life and how God has met all his needs. And his conclusion and commitment is that for the rest o f his life, he’s going to live for G od.” S in g in g in c h u rc h since the tender age o f four, Marvin has lived a life o f music. Gospel greats from D.J. Rogers and the Winans mixed with the m ainstream sounds o f Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway and Teddy Pendergrass as the young Marvin forged his own unique vo­ cal style. When challenged by his mother at a young age to choose either Gospel or the music o f the world, Marvin chose to sing for the Lord and has not looked back since. Marvin spent his teenage years sing­ ing with a number o f Gospel groups and ensembles before accepting a call to a ministry o f evangelism in 1988. Two years later. Gospel king­ pin Fred Hammond was on the phone, offering Marvin a job sing­ ing with Commissioned. J4 tir a d e in diariem Shirley Caesar did not come by her crown as the “First Lady o f Gospel” lightly. She earned it... every step of the way. l ong recognized as one of Gospel’s truly great and historic fig­ ures, Shirley is one o f but a handful ot artists qualified to share the legacy of such legendary talents as Mahalia Jackson and the revered forbearers ot Gospel music. With the release o f her new album, A Miracle in Harlem, and her autobi­ ography, the Lady, The Melody and The Word, set for publication in Au­ gust ‘97, Shirley’s sense o f herself and her purpose has never been clearer or communicated with more author­ ity As she continues to bring the roots of traditional Gospel alive to contem­ porary audiences, it’s easy to under­ stand why The Washington Post called Shirley Caesar "one o f the greatest signers o f our time,” adding, “she can twist, compress and enhance a lyric a dozen ways without abandoning her central m essage o f affirm ation.’ Whitney Houston, a Caesar fan since she was a little girl, says "If you want anyone to sing gospel on a record, you’ve got to have Shirley because she knows how to deliver. She’s anointed with a power and force that runs through her.” Shirley Caesar has flourished for over four decades. And with each successive year, the accolades and accomplishments continue to pour in. A 16-time Grammy Award nominee, Shirley has compiled more nomina­ tions than any G ospel artist in Grammy history - and won more than any female Gospel artist -- winning Shirley C aesar her ninth Grammy Award this year for the Shirley Caesar’s Outreach Convention Choir album. Just A Word. Shirley was also a featured artist on the Grammys in 1996, per­ forming to an international audience o f over one billion people. Bringing the auditorium immediately to its feet. Cox Funeral Home Inc. Celebratione! James R. Waldon Sr., ¡919-1997 ß ir th A n n o u n c em en t June 4, 1997; Male 8 lbs9oz ; 20 l/2 Mother: Jessica I. Spencer Father: Anthony Tyrone Bradley Sr. \ ____________ ________________/ FOOD & DRUG Look For Your JEROME G. TANNER A. Funeral Director The Loss o f a loved one is always a traumatic experience. 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Lung, and Dlood Institute I--- I CHARLENE COX TANNER Manager Fresh Oregon Grown Fryers SAFEWAY If You Have Coronary Heart D isease, H ere’s Something N ew To Look Forward To: Living Longer, < A.A. COX, SR. M o rtician & Funeral D irector PRE-HOLIDAY SAVINGS! Anthony Tyrone Bradley Jr 4 (503) 281-4891 James worked hard throughout his life but pursued other interest with equal vigor He enjoyed viewing and partici­ pating in all manner o f sports. Many o f you may recall hearing o f his experience in the Negro Leagues ot profes­ sional baseball and o f his brief stint as a professional stock car driver. James was also very active in the Prince Hall Masons, achieving the 32nd degree. His membership in the Prince Hall Masons was one o f his most prized personal accomplishments. James leaves to cherish memory : Daughter Faye Powell o f Dallas, Texas; Son, James Waldon, Jr. o f Portland. Oregon; Son-in-l aw Cincy Powell, Sr. o f Dallas, Texas; Two Grandchildren, Kimberley Powell o f Lake Forest, California and Cincy Powell, Jr. o f Santa Rosa, California; Daughter-in-Law Adriane Powell o f Santa Rosa, Califor­ nia; One Great Grandchild, Trevor Waldon Fuller o f Lake Forest, California; and long time friend Phyllis Smith of Portland, Oregon. James R. Walden Sr., the only child born to the late Mr.