Airplay 360 April 2013 by AIRPLAY 360

April Cover

INSIDE April 2013

CONTENTS 3

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Be Bold and Courageous by Ace Alexander

RISING STAR: Lolitha Oliver

NEW MUSIC RELEASES

CANADIAN SPOTLIGHT: The State of Gospel in Canada by Kathy Grant

BLACK PEARLS: So You Say Your Anointed? Let’s Understand the Basics by Doris Stokes-Knight

YOUR IMAGE: Building Your Brand Solo - A One-Man Band Can Create an Amazing Symphony by Adrian Anderson

VOCAL HEALTH: How to Clear Your Raspy, Hoarse Throat by Dileesa Hunter

COVER STORY: Bishop Rance Allen – Standing the Test of Time by Louise Moore

On The Cover: Bishop Rance Allen – Tyscot Recording Artist

Rising Star

International

Vocal Tips 15

The State of Canadian Gospel Music 23 21

By Kathy Grant

Lolitha Oliver DONTAVIES BOATWRIGHT Tina A. Fears Ace Alexander Wins! 2

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AIRPLAY 360

Everett Drake

Dileesa Hunter

Wincey Terry-Bryant

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Be Bold and Courageous! uthor H. Jackson Brown, Jr. said the following: “Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did.” Never have truer words been spoken. Do you ever think about all of the mistakes you’ve made in your life and how you’ve begged for forgiveness? I’m sure you have, but what about all of the opportunities and things you could have, should have, would have done but found excuses not to do? Now those are the things that will irritate you as you pass through life and realize that you should have taken that chance, that risk. In most cases, you wouldn’t have lost very much by not doing it. In life, you must be bold and courageous as Mr. Brown suggests. Be bold about your goals and dreams. Be courageous about how you want to leave your mark on the universe. Pursue your dreams with a passion. Leave no stone unturned. Everything you do may not pan out but when you breathe your last breath, you want to be able to say, “At least I did my best.”

April 2013 / Vol. 5 No. 6

PUBLISHER Ace Alexander ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Michelle Slater EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Louise M. Moore TEAM OF EXPERTS Adrian Anderson Tina A. Fears Kathy Grant Angela D. Green, Esq. Dileesa Hunter Roderick Jemison Pam Perry Nicole B. Simpson, CFP Chris Squire Mark A. Williams, M.D., Ph.D. SPECIAL EVENTS REPORTER Letita Martin

ADVERTISING LTL Entertainment LLC

AIRPLAY 360 Online Magazine published Monthly www.airplay360.com

Ace Alexander Publisher/Founder Follow on Twitter @acealexanderVIP

Reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Readers are free to forward this web magazine to friends and colleagues. DISCLAIMER: The articles and resources in AIRPLAY 360 are not intended to be a substitute for professional consultations. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this web magazine, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.

Ace Alexander is a Stellar Award winning Nationally Syndicated Radio Host and a two-time recipient of the Central South Distribution REACH Award. He is a two-time nominee for the R&R / Billboard Achievement Awards for Radio Personality and National Music Director of the Year and also a 2011 and 2010 Radio Stellar Award nominee. He is also a Music & Entertainment Consultant and Founder of Airplay 360.

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April 2013

5 TIPS to Help You Develop as an Artist 1. COLLABORATE - Joining forces with another growing artist is a great way to elevate your artistic potential. This includes teaming up for live appearances and collaborations on recorded music. Take a forward approach that will pay off with a broader listening audience and a live performance that will include two great artists instead of one. 2. IDENTIFY YOUR DREAM Your dream team consists of individuals that understand and support your vision. This group may start as family and friends, yet can easily expand to a thriving fan base. Stay connected with this group because they will be your most important promotional tool. 3. PUT IN THE WORK - Create a physical fitness regimen that will help you build stamina and maintain healthy living. In order to belt out a powerful note or perform a high energy crowd favorite a tight fitness regiment will support these demanding activities. The results of putting in work can produce a solid artist inside and out! 4. FACE FUNDAMENTALS - It's easy to rely on talent alone; however, facing the fundamentals ensure your gift is polished and presented the right way. Spending time with a vocal coach and choreographer can be like secret weapons when attacking the stage. Investing in all areas of your presentation are ways to ensure longevity. 5. ADD VARIETY - There may come a time where you may need to switch things up based on your audience or even technical difficulty at the venue. By adding a wide range of material to your repertoire, you expand your performance range and your live show will remain interesting. Showing flexibility and creativity is a sure way to keep your audience engaged and excited about what you next appearance has in store. -Tina A. Fears, Choreographer & Artistic Director

inging since she was a small child, Lolitha Oliver became a member of the church choir at the tender age of 5. As she grew, she continued to sing for the Lord, beginning with a gospel group that focused on community outreach and sang at the shelters, prisons and for the elderly. Well-traveled, Lolitha has toured in Nashville, TN, San Diego, CA, Los Angeles and Atlanta. While in the group, she opened for Shirley Caesar at the Houston Cup concert in Houston. Early in her career, Lolitha Oliver sung at the Peoples Workshop in Houston and was a two-year nominee for The Sammy Davis Jr. Award. It was also during that time that she met the legendary gospel group, The Mighty Clouds of Joy. In college, Lolitha studied Theatre Arts and began to pursue interests in acting. She appeared in the movie Jason's Lyric with stars Allen Payne and Jada Pinkett Smith. In addition, she appeared 6

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in The Directors Cut and other small films. She recently appeared in The Preacher's Daughter and Zombified released in 2012. Despite her endeavors in the secular world, Lolitha always puts God first. She sung at The Gospel By The Sea for several years in Galveston, TX. working with the youth choir as well as singing in the Ensemble headed by Mathew Stanford. She opened for artists such as Bobby Jones & The Nashville Star Choir and Vickie Winans. Lolitha's music ministry has given her the opportunity to spread God's word and glory to people throughout the world. Guided by her personal motto, "Singing To Reach Souls" Lolitha hopes to inspire others to develop a relationship with God. A great composer, writing songs to touch hearts, Lolithaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is to continue to use her talents to reach and motivate others. Visit lolithaoliver.com for more information on Lolitha.

Alexis Spight

Dixie Hummingbirds

BenJah

Greater Allen Cathedral

L.O.L. March 12 Music World

Platinum Gospel March 12 Sonorous Entertainment

Vanity Fare March 19 Jahmen Music Group

Rev. Floyd Flake Presentsâ&#x20AC;Ś March 19 RCA

Larnelle Harris

Fred Hammond

Shirley Caesar

Todd Dulaney

Live in Nashville March 26 InPop

United Tenors March 26 RCA

Good God March 26 Light Records

Pulling Me Through March 26 Goldstreet Gospel

Andy Mineo

Jamie Simond

Jonathan Nelson

Alvin Darling

Heroes for Sale April 16 Reach Records

Collage April 16 EMI

Finish Strong April 23 EMI

Waiting Right Here April 23 Emtro

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CANADIAN Spotlight The State of Gospel in Canada t’s the year 2013 and it seems like the more things change, the more they stay the same. Some things like the times have changed; the music production has certainly changed. The video production qualities and content has changed, technology has changed, fashion has changed, record labels and executives have changed, promoters have changed, but one thing remains the same. Canadian gospel artists have, by and large, stayed fixed in the past and have not transformed with the millennial times. Artistic growth, career expansion and expression continue to be stifled by a lack of boldness, funding and artistic creativity. Thirteen years ago, the world had just come through a great technological upheaval with Y2K. It consumed everything—even gospel music. Artists such as Donald Lawrence, Dorinda Clark-Cole, J. Moss and Mary Mary incorporated some aspect of the Y2K predictions in their songwriting or production values. These artists and their musical offerings helped to change the shape of gospel music as it matured from its Thomas A. Dorsey beginnings towards greater 'urbanization' of gospel music in the new millennium. Along with the music from these artists came the often anticipated live tours which every artist knows must accompany a new release. These tours became increasingly popular in Canada trickling in with the eagerly anticipated Winans’ appearance in Toronto, followed by Commissioned in the late 1980’s. These tours grew increasingly successful as the Canadian gospel populace supported their favorite gospel artists signaling that the floodgates were opening in Canada, and so it was. In the years following, Canada has seen a plethora of both Christian and gospel music acts

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and events. A-listers, B-listers, independent gospel and Christian artists as well as virtually unknowns on the verge of launching their careers cross the border. Canadian gospel artists, rather, choose to draw from the fountain of inspiration brought by the likes of Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Israel Houghton and Donnie McClurkin who completely astounded the Hershey Centre February 2013 during their single Canadian stop of King’s Men tour. Billed as the “concert experience of a lifetime”, this recent live event was a new evolution on the world of Gospel music tours produced by the secular Live Nation Entertainment and was a real testament to Canadian artists and the power of coming together as one. Hundred More Years Tour artists Francesca Battistelli, The Afters and Jodi King are the latest collaborative tour effort to hit Canada. To truly progress, Canadian gospel artists must glean from the best of those on whose shoulders we stand, while we continue to look towards a bevy of fantastic concerts and events going forward as well as to the growth and expansion of our own gospel franchises. Kathy Grant is a popular Canadian gospel artist, radio personality and TV host. She is also CEO of KGM Enterprises and founder of the Canadian Gospel Music Conference. Kathy is heard on-air on Canada’s #1 Christian radio station CHRI 99.1 FM where she hosts the program ‘Gospel Groove’ which airs Sundays from 7pm – 11pm.

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April 2013

Black Pearls So You Say You’re Anointed? Let’s Understand the Basics BY DORIS STOKES-KNIGHT

wonder in a year, how many times do I hear about how "Anointed" people are? In the church world, the term is almost over-used to some degree. But sometimes I ponder, “Do we really know what being anointed is all about? Now for some, they may gage a person's anointing by how well they can sing, riff, run and do hoops and gymnastics with their vocals. For others, it may be how well they can dance, preach or play an instrument. While that may be true as well, there are some areas that are not so specific to talent, that I believe the Lord has anointed all of us as kingdom folk to operate in. I believe God has graced all of us who know Him, with an anointing to treat each other right. All this takes is some basic home training and the ability to know how YOU would like to be treated in return. I remember as a small child learning the "Golden Rule" in Sunday School: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." To me, that seems simple enough, but the way I witness "supposed to be Christians" treating each other in the Church as well as outside of the church on social networks, etc. quite honestly gives me a headache! I mean, Zion, we gotta do better. On some of these social networks, the saints be quoting scriptures until the cows come home, but if you're cussing everybody out in your next six status updates, or putting up pictures where you’re half dressed and out at the club at a bar with a bottle of Hennessey in your hand, what has all that "scripture quoting" done but zero out everything you've previously said? God gets no glory out of that. As kingdom people, we must learn how to use social networking more effectively and more responsibly, but also learn how to control our pure, raw unbridled tongues as well. According to the Bible, the tongue is the most wicked part of our bodies (James 3:8), it can't be tamed, but we can learn to utilize restraint BEFORE we use it against someone. Now we're all guilty (myself included) of flipping' off at the mouth at someone who has taken us to another stratosphere of anger. But the Bible urges us in Ephesians 4:26 to: "Be angry and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath." The Lord encourages us when conflict arises, to try and make things right (if that's possible) before the day ends. Quick resolve, done privately and with respect, is the way conflict should be handled, not out in public or in social media for all to see and witness. Some of this very behavior is why the Lord had me to go on sabbatical from social networking for a season. He wanted me to focus on other more positive, ministry goals He had set for me to do, instead of daily being grieved by the blatant

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disrespect I witnessed SAINTS doing to each other in public and online. It's this type of rude, non Christ-like behavior on display that keeps those that aren't saved outside of the kingdom. Why should they want to be "saved" when those that profess Christ are acting like Hellians? I would like to encourage all of you that may be reading this, if you are having an issue with someone, as a Saint of God and to protect your personal witness, PLEASE don't use public social networks to run down other people's reputations and character. I can admit, I’ve been the victim of this type of ignorant behavior from a couple of people and those that witnessed it would call or email me and say: “Doris, you should do this, or say that or call them out on this or that.” But you know what I did?...NOTHING. I’m wise enough to know, when others display this type of immaturity against other people on social networks, it says more about THEM than it does about me. I also know from personal experience, that when others wrong you, if you allow God to deal with them and that unwarranted situation, trust me…HE WILL in His own way take care of it. I don’t have to retaliate against foolishness; you may feel like it but DON’T, because the Lord has already assured me (and you) that vengeance belongs to Him…He owns it. The Bible teaches us to go to our brother or sister IN PERSON to resolve conflicts and to even take a witness with you to talk it out. God is a God of peace; in fact, that's one of the names He is known by in the Old Testament: Jehovah Shalom, the God of our peace. He's such a God of peace and tranquility, that the Apostle Paul urges those that may be unequally yoked in their marriage, if you can stay with that person in peace, then stay to protect the covenant of the marriage, but also so that the one that IS saved may be able to win over the soul of the one that isn't. God blesses the marriage anyway because of the one THAT IS saved! Let's make a conscious decision and effort going forward, to behave as Christians ought. Hanging out all of your own or your neighbor's dirty laundry on social websites is very inappropriate for the people of God. There's a fine line between being "transparent" and inappropriate . If we are to win others over to Christ, it will be by our witness, the love we share with others and the life we live and sing about. Doris Stokes-Knight is President and CEO of Black Pearl Enterprises and Voice 1 Music Ministries. She is also an ordained kingdom pastor, author, psalmist, worship leader, worship arts workshop facilitator, recording artist, songwriter, and gospel stage play actress. For more information email bpe1voicemusic@gmail.com

YOUR Image Building Your Brand Solo A One-Man Band Can Create an Amazing Symphony

BY ADRIAN ANDERSON

fter the changes in our industry, the evolution spoke for itself and now a new level of awareness is present in the minds of us all especially as it pertains to artists. Executives, for the most part, understand the necessity of of being qualified for more than one aspect of a career. It's just that they had to execute with expediency if they had become comfortable in the old system. The artist lost an entire support system and found that aspects of those systems were still needed to promote them and their products. Once the reality set in and the shock subsided, those who really wanted their career to continue and grow decided to learn what they needed to learn and rise to the occasion. I commend such artists as the age of the artist/employee/executive has arrived and one must be a one-man army to create the partnerships allowing for an amazing symphony. Let's look at a checklist of what benefits an artist has to have in place aside from their product. 1. Management 2. Booking Agent 3. Agent ( to pitch you to sponsors, for TV appearances and other opportunities) 4. Publicist (to secure magazine,TV and events that raise your public profile) These four allow for the artist, product or project to be present, visible and positioned in the marketplace for profitable gain. You should participate on panels, committees and volunteer so that you, not only stay busy in a positive way that

ADRIAN ANDERSON you meet people and allow for opportunities to present themselves through these connections. One must serve first then the reward shall come if you are sincere. When technology caused budgets to diminish it quickly became a "singles" game opposed to albums then your approach had to change as well. The artist had to get to the people behind and in front of the scenes to connect and demonstrate their commitment to doing their part until someone wants to be a part of what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing easing the load and allowing the ship to rise. You have to be willing to make cold calls to companies, brand headquarters and promoters to introduce yourself, then ask what they are looking for. Propose business partnerships. You never know who may answer. Gone are the days of just showing up to sing. You better get engaged with many branches of this tree! Stay connected while being a shade to up and coming seedlings trying to sprout through. I have been on stage receiving awards and then on a plane to assist in an office in between my Continued BRAND Page 14

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April 2013

BRAND Continued From Page 13 breaks all to learn, contribute and build relationships because I love what I do I care to be connected while shaping my future and contributing to the future of others. I care that others succeed so I sow my time well helping those who are willing to help themselves. I became part of a symphony from meeting one-man bands and becoming my own. I know that anyone willing to do this for themselves is good soil to sow into because they have a true appreciation for help. See how you feel after making 100 calls to garner opportunities. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never take anyone or any service for granted again. When you get that "YES" you will feel accomplished and stronger knowing you can get things done for yourself. Sometimes you have to be alone to really be together. You will become a magnet and attract more to you everyday, then you will find yourself in a position to pick and choose. No one can take a foundation you laid from you. You must leverage what you have and build upon that foundation to take you forward and higher all the while keeping your feet on the ground. Yes initially the world knew me as Adrian from Trin-i-tee 5:7 which is beautiful as our music will bless many endlessly; however, now people are knowing me more and more as a business woman, artist educator, motivational/inspirational speaker, songwriter, corporate/entertainment executive and founder of Halo Tu' Beauty which is coming soon. This is the result of years and years of diligent work. I can honestly say that I have earned my career and continue to earn it everyday as I build the vision God has given me for my life. I look forward to speaking with you at your events to share this education. In the meantime, grab a tambourine and start playing. â&#x2DC;ş

Adrian Anderson is a motivational speaker, beauty entrepreneur and former member of the award winning urban gospel group Trin-i-tee 5:7. She is also CEO of Halo Tu' Beauty . To book Adrian for speaking engagements contact nicole@creativeclassic.com.

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VOCAL Health How to Clear Your Raspy, Hoarse Throat BY DILEESA HUNTER

aspiness plagues many singers. Some get a raspy voice because they are suffering from a cold or sinuses. Others have raspy voices from short term vocal fatigue and long term overuse. There are things you can do to help preserve and strengthen your voice when it is hoarse. This article will discuss how to clear your raspiness in singing. The activity that yields the most immediate results is breathing in steam. The great thing about steam is that it immediately reaches the vocal cords when you breathe it in. A few ways you can breathe in steam is by drinking hot tea, taking a hot shower or wrapping a hot wet towel around your neck. Steam paired with lemon and honey, hydrates the vocal cords and clears phlegm to make your voice much clearer and easy to use. Another way to overcome raspiness is to monitor how much you talk. Singers need to realize that the vocal cords they use to speak are the same vocal cords they use to sing. If you talk loudly or often throughout the day your voice will not be at full capacity when it’s time to sing. Take note of how loudly you speak. You may find that you talk with the windows down or over mucous while riding in your car. You may also find that you talk over loud cafeteria noise at work or school. All of these things wear on your voice. Lastly, a way to overcome raspiness is to sing off the voice. There is a technique called singing in the mask, singing in mixed voice or singing in the ‘middle voice' that helps you to overcome raspiness. This technique allows you to place your

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“Singers need to realize that the vocal cords they use to speak are the same vocal cords they use to sing.” voice in a highly resonant area of our face so that you are using natural acoustics which is your skull, to project the sound. The technique makes you feel a ‘buzz' in your lips, nose and eyes. You are essentially singing ‘over' the raspiness to produce a clearer sound. Raspiness or hoarseness can happen for many reasons. Very few voices are naturally raspy. Most voices have become raspy due to illness or misuse. In any case, these are some great ways to overcome raspiness. Hot steam, monitoring your speech and singing in the mask will help you speak or sing with a clearer, more resonant voice.

Dileesa Hunter is an international vocal coach and consultant based in Atlanta, GA. She also records and tours with several recording artists and performs in various stage plays. Born in Manchester, England, she has always been exposed to different music styles. Dileesa’s vocal repertoire includes Gospel, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Barbershop Quartet and Opera.

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April 2013

Standing the Test of Time 16

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BY LOUISE MOORE

egendary, award-winning gospel artist, musician and pastor Bishop Rance Allen has stood the test of time. Along with his brothers, Steve and Thomas, Bishop Allen formed the highly successful Rance Allen Group that recently celebrated 40 years in the music industry. “Amazing Grace” a three-disc set—CD and DVD documentary—was released on Tyscot record label Nov. 2012, commemorating their incredible four decades of powerful, soulstirring music. In an interview with Airplay 360, Bishop Allen discusses his group’s latest project and how they have survived through so many years. A360: Congratulations on your most recent release “Amazing Grace”. How do you feel to still be releasing music more than 40 years after the start of it all? Bishop Allen: Well you know it’s almost like that saying, “Better late than never.” So it’s been a long, long, long time—decades of years but when things happen, even though it may seem late, that’s a great sign that God is not through yet. There’s still more that he wants to do with you and for you. A360: I absolutely love your new take and rendition on “Amazing Grace”. What inspired you to title the CD “Amazing Grace”? Bishop Allen: When you look back over the life of the Rance Allen Group and you notice how we started and how we’ve been able to maintain for 40 or more years, you can’t put that under any other category other than amazing grace. God just brings favor to you. He’s always done it for us and we wanted to take this time to actually honor him, letting the world know that we understand how we got here and how we’ve been able to stay here— it’s amazing grace. A360: You’ve used some more traditional artists on your current CD but how do you go about selecting who will collaborate on the CD? Bishop Allen: That’s usually done through relationship, fellowship or friendship. The person has to be somebody that I have adoration for and they have the same for me. You know it’s kind of a mutual respect for the person. That usually sets the criteria. We pick them and go from there.

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A360: How did you and your brothers end up forming a group? Bishop Allen: The way it came together was they noticed that I had the talent to play music, and I didn’t know it at the time but to even write music and sing, and my brothers liked what they saw in me. And my older brother Thomas joined me in the singing and the writing and my brother Steve saw how the music brought me and Thomas so much closer together and he liked that closeness and he joined us with the idea in mind that it couldn’t hurt to be close to your two older brothers. A360: The Rance Allen Group really pioneered the contemporary gospel. What influenced you guys to come up with that particular sound? Bishop Allen: It was not anything done intentionally but it was just the leading of the Lord. We lived in Monroe, Michigan which is about 30 miles south of Detroit and that was back in the day when Motown was super, super strong and we were boys raised in the church but we loved that Motown sound, so we would experiment. We’d play the Motown music with gospel lyrics and everybody liked it so we started putting songs together with that emphasis. Although we didn’t know that we were doing it, it has now turned into a contemporary style of music. Continued RANCE ALLEN Page 18

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February 2013

The Rance Allen Group – (L-R) Brothers Steve, Rance and Thomas.

RANCE ALLEN Continued From Page 17 A360: The late Bishop G.E. Patterson who was Church of God in Christ Presiding Bishop when he died, seemed to love your music ministry. As I recall, you were often a musical guest at his church, Temple of Deliverance in Memphis. Tell me about your relationship with him. Bishop Allen: He actually became my mentor, my Godfather. He made the name Rance Allen a household name in Memphis, Tennessee. A360: With Bishop Patterson being your mentor and Godfather, how does he even impact you today, even with this most recent project? Bishop Allen: When a person is influenced it shows itself now and even for the rest of that person’s life. I will be forever influenced by (Bishop Patterson) because of certain things he taught me personally and then there are other things I learned from him just by osmosis, just by sitting and being in his presence. So you need not be surprised when you hear me sing a song that sounds like his or try to preach a message that sounds like his

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because I was, since 1980 up until the time he passed away, very heavily influenced by him and excited to have him as my mentor and my Godfather. A360: What do you really want the body of Christ or even the un-churched to get from this new project? Bishop Allen: I want those people who may not be not be in church or may not even know Jesus as their Saviour, I want them to hear it, first of all, for music’s sake. I believe that we’ve got a project out right now with some of the best arrangements of music out there. I believe that there is nothing we held back on. I believe that it doesn’t matter what a person may be dealing with, I believe that if they can somehow hear this project and then pick up on what is being said, I believe that it will be comfort for years and years to come just from having this music. For more information on Bishop Allen and the Rance Allen Group visit theranceallengroup.com.

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