REVIEWS Raisin’ the Standards, Spreadin’ the News somehow is the perfect combination of contemporary music with a Jazzy feel. Its multi-faceted versatile style is taking traditional praise music into the new millennium. It’s Worship Music that’s soothing, and edifies into my spirit. Free flowing in the Holy Ghost, each song is both pleasing and palpable to the ear and refreshes the soul. If you’re looking to praise Him and enjoy these sweet melodies while relaxing, then this is the album for you. Sr. Pastor Russell & Min. Lorna McAfee Kingdom Christian Center Hammond, IN Floyd & Felecia, what an awesome project that has increased our hunger for the Lord! Spirit renewing songs with a Jazzy flair. A God inspired work that takes us back to where we first believed. Pastor John & LaShonda Harris Kingdom Christian Center Hammond, IN Get ready... Get set… to enter into the presence of God. The Johnson’s have done it again. It’s another level of smooth Jazz but with the "Anointing". You will love it too! Pastors James & Tracey Bell Word Works Ministry Gary, IN This CD has a touch of elegance in the remaking of old ballads. This is an easy listening, must have CD that is crisp, clear and soothing to the heart. Pastors Lester & Brenda Dennie Reconcilers of Christ Kingdom Ministries, Inc. Merrillville, IN I enjoyed listening to the husband and wife duo. Their years of musical and vocal experience, plus training reflect their middle of the road Jazzy, Classical, variations of “Hymns & Spirituals”. With a consistent tempo this project can complement any environment it is exposed to. “Raisin’ the Standards, Spreadin’ the News” identify with the ministry of music. Marvin Lyles GOSPEL SUNRISE PRODUCTIONS Gary, IN On-Air Radio and TV personality. Gospel Sunrise WGVE 88.7 FM Top of the Morning Glory WLTH 1370 AM NOTES We spent many years in and around the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana area, on the Jazz Scene. Though our gifts have been directed towards a “HIGHER CALLING”, our gifts and our roots cannot and should not be denied. It was July 25th, 2012 when the Holy Spirit gave us the concept for this project, the title of the project and the selections contained therein. These selections are interpreted from our background, with the goal of touching as many lives as possible. Most of us are familiar with these songs of tradition and they should be enjoyed and appreciated in fresh or even unexpected ways. The message of the “Good News” of hope will never be outdated. When the enemy “came in like a flood” against us, we Raised these Standards against him with the weapons God placed in our arsenal. This album has been three years in the making, seemingly opposed on every hand, fought to a standstill and almost killed. But with God’s help we have risen to overcome! Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies. Psalm 60:12 NKJV Though we have updated the arrangements, the message is still the same; “What a Friend We Have In Jesus”, “Great Is They Faithfulness”, and we’re still in awe of His “Amazing Grace”. Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever. Hebrews 13:8 NKJV If we don’t raise the standards, bring back those foundational Christian songs and continue to spread the “Good News”, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, how will they know? How will they ever hear? So now, we present to some and introduce to others… Raisin’ the Standards Spreadin’ the News Be Blessed By Our Praise Photography: Noah Segrest Recording & Mastering: Royal Priesthood Studios Gary, IN To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: Eccl.3:1 NKJV Special thanks to: Pastor Brenda Dennie and Eld. Diana Dicks; thank you for introducing me to the song, “It’s My Desire”. Whenever either of you sang it, the “Glory” fell and I was deeply moved. Rev. Dr. Jeff Edwards: Freedom Christian Center Church, Kansas City, MO Jeff Edwards Ministries International (JEMI) I have never forgotten your phone call many years ago some time after Floyd and I ministered at your church. You said, “the Holy Spirit told you to call to let me know that “HE gave me my singing style, that HE put that in me and to keep on singing”. ” We have come to know; “The Anointing” may be rejected but it cannot be denied! Praise God !! To the Prophet whose word to us in Milwaukee, WI to “keep on making CDs”. Praise God, seven more CDs later now with a total of ten. To God be the Glory!!! Believe in the Lord Your God, and you shall be established; believe His Prophets and you shall prosper. 2nd Chronicles 20:20 NKJV And let the beauty and delightfulness and favor of the Lord Our God be upon us; confirm and establish the work of our hands-yes, the work of our hands, confirm and establish it. Psalm 90:17 AMPLIFIED In Loving Memory of Our Friends: Pastors Howard and Jacquenette Siggers; thank you for the freedom of Spirit while serving nine years as Ministers of Music at Word Works Ministry, Gary, IN. That level of confidence and support is precious and rare. Pastor Dave Felton; whose work in prison ministry showed him to be “a Man after God’s Own Heart”. As Musical Directors for twelve years, Praise and Worship was never so liberating as from behind prison walls. Floyd & Felecia Johnson