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The Booth Brothers Enter New Season With StowTown Records Release, Speak Jesus

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SPECIAL STOWTOWN RECORDS

Nashville, TN (September 30, 2022) – StowTown Records has announced the highly-anticipated release of the newest recording from The Booth Brothers. Speak Jesus features the multi-award winning trio at their very best, delivering smooth harmonies with an energy and excitement that has catapulted them to the forefront of the gospel music genre.

The rich heritage of The Booth Brothers began over four decades ago as two young brothers, Ronnie and Michael, developed a deep love of harmony and chose to follow in their father’s footsteps, pursuing a career in the music industry. Before long, the brothers and their dad began to garner national attention and became one of the most awarded groups in gospel music.

In 2021, Ronnie made the decision to retire and longtime group member, Paul Lancaster, resigned after the passing of his precious wife, Michelle. After the departure of these great men from the group, Michael contacted friend and former group member, Jim Brady, to see if he would join him and the incredibly talented Buddy Mullins to forge ahead and carry on the ministry of The Booth Brothers. The three have joined forces and are taking the country by storm with the unmistakable smooth harmony that their listeners so dearly love.

This new recording from Michael Booth and his longtime friends offers twelve songs, most of which are written or co-written by Jim and Buddy, that appropriately convey the faithfulness of a loving Savior. “We serve an awesome God whose faithfulness has been proven time and again,” states Michael Booth. “Over the past year or so, The Booth Brothers have experienced our share of changes and uncertainty, but God has never failed us, and this latest recording is a testament to how He speaks to us as seasons and circumstances change, even through the chaos and uncertainty that often surrounds us.”

The first single, “Room Full of Stories,” can already be heard on radio stations across the country. Fans and friends of The Booth Brothers know how well they connect with their audiences, and this song is a nod to that. From the stage, Michael, Buddy and Jim see many faces in the crowd, but behind each face is a story, and each story differs from the next. While we all have our own stories, a common theme can be found: the grace and faithfulness of our loving God.

Speak Jesus reunites The Booth Brothers with Grammy®-nominated songwriter, engineer and producer Barry Weeks. Michael expressed his appreciation, “Barry’s leadership brought out the best in each of us, in addition to bringing out the best in the musicians and the songs. We absolutely love working with him. He’s worked with some of the most notable artists in the business, and we are honored that he would lend his talents to help us produce what we believe is truly one of our most meaningful projects yet. We are so thrilled with the finished recording, and we think our listeners will be as well.”

President and CEO of StowTown Records Landon Beene shares, “It has been my great honor to work with the Booth Brothers over the last several years, as both their former manager and a concert promoter. To now have them as artists on the StowTown Records label and to represent their music during this new era of ministry is an absolute privilege. Our team is thrilled to walk alongside them and cheer them on in this new season. We are excited to be releasing what we feel is one of their best recordings to date and can’t wait to see how the Lord uses this music to touch the hearts of those who will hear it.”

With Speak Jesus, The Booth Brothersdeliver a powerful message of hope during challenging times and seasons of change. This recording features progressive, tight harmonies that have become synonymous with The Booth Brothers. The album reaffirms that although situations and circumstances change, and chaos and uncertainty can bring about fear, God’s grace is always sufficient. Each song conveys that there is victory on the other side of the valley and encourages all who listen to simply Speak Jesus in those trying times.

Speak Jesus is distributed by Provident/Sony and is availableon all digital platforms worldwide, and wherever fine Christian music is sold, including christianbook.com, barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com. 

The Chitans’ Shoulder to Shoulder joyously embraces the power of God’s love

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (September 30, 2022) — Reminding us once again that the sounds of Southern Gospel and the timeless message of salvation they convey know no boundaries, The Chitans return with Shoulder To Shoulder — their second full-length album with Horizon Records — out now.

The title and opening track lays out the story almost as if it were written to order:

“We are brothers and sisters, we’re part of the family of God
We’ve faced many battles together, God brought us thru every one
Now we don’t always agree, we don’t always see eye to eye
But all of these things will not stop us, for we have made up our mind

Shoulder to shoulder, we will go forward, united together as one
We’ll not be divided, we’ll not be defeated, as a family we’ll keep standing strong
Shoulder to shoulder, we are helping each other make it home”

Set to a soulful, gently swaying rhythm, the song lifts up the entire group — sisters Kaiziah, Kayandra and Karlainah, along with brothers Jesse and Jayden — and sets the tone for the album, which reflects a joyously embrace of the Gospel spirit and the power of God’s love. And while there is room for expansive orchestral arrangements that underline the majesty and power of their message, most of the songs on Shoulder To Shoulder favor more organic sounds to match the simplicity of youthful belief, giving the album a warm, intimate family atmosphere.  

Similarly, while there are a few touchstone songs that listeners may recognize, including “Goodness Of God,” the group’s reworking of Charity Gayle’s take on “New Name Written Down In Glory,” and a nod to the family’s Caribbean origins in “Hush (Don’t Cry),” first recorded by the group Acapella, the bulk of the songs are fresh and new, carefully chosen by the group and their producer, Roger Talley. And though the glistening, heartfelt vocals of Kaiziah and Kayandra are most prominently featured — that’s Kayandra taking the lead on the first single, “God Like That” — there’s plenty of room for all of The Chitans to shine, emphasizing the close-knit feeling of the family as they stand shoulder to shoulder.

“We are so excited to announce the release of our brand new album,” offer The Chitans. “God is so good, and we are so grateful to be able to sing about Him. It was such a fun and enjoyable time working with our producer, Roger Talley, and the folks at Crossroads Studios. There are some awesome songs on this album, songs of encouragement, hope and peace — some songs you may know that you can sing along to, and some brand new ones that will have you singing along in no time. We are so thrilled to be able to share this with you all!”Listen to Shoulder to Shoulder

The Down East Boys’ “Ready To Leave”goes No. 1 on SGN Scoops chart

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SPECIAL: CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (September 20, 2022) — The Down East Boys have once again claimed the No. 1 spot on the monthly SGN Scoops Southern Gospel Chart with a song from their album, The Stories We Tell. “Ready To Leave,” a horn-driven cover of the popular Hemphills song, has quickly climbed the chart since its release, debuting at No. 13 before jumping to No. 1. The song follows the group’s last single,  “Your Sins Are Forgiven,” which was No. 1 on the SGN Scoops chart in May.

“Ready To Leave” talks about living a life that prepares you for heaven, as the chorus shares, “​​Ready to leave in a twinkling of an eye / making investments in the bank up in the sky! / I’ve made preparations — not a reason to grieve. / Are you in that number getting ready to leave?”

“We are overwhelmed by the response to this great classic song,” says Ricky Carden, the group’s lead singer. “Fifty years after it was first recorded, the message has become more real in the days we are living in. We are getting ‘Ready To Leave’!” 

The song is the latest single from the Down East Boys’ album, The Stories We Tell. The album is the first featuring the current lineup of singers (Carden, baritone Daryl Paschal, bass Alex Utech and tenor Doug Pittman), and offers a sampling of all the elements that have contributed to the success of the group’s musical ministry — uplifting songs; thoughtful, creative arrangements relevant to today’s faithful while keeping strong links to tradition; and, above all, singing that gives each voice an opportunity to testify within a tight-knit quartet setting.  

Listen to “Ready To Leave” and the rest of The Stories We Tell HERE.

About Down East Boys
For more than 30 years, the Down East Boys quartet has traveled from coast to coast, Canada and Mexico. Starting in eastern North Carolina the group chose the name from that region called Down East, but quickly expanded its ministry and has now recorded more than 20 projects and has had more than 40 songs reach the top of the Singing News charts. The Down East Boys features lead singer Ricky Carden, baritone singer Daryl Paschal, bass singer Alex Utech and tenor singer Doug Pittman, who each bring a richness to the group’s music and have been noted by industry leaders and singers as some of the best. The Down East Boys have been afforded many great accolades to their credit. Three songs — “Beat Up Bible,” “Testimony Time” and “I’d Like To Tell It Again” — from their album, One Day In The Past, reached the No 1. position on the Singing News Chart, and “Amazing Amounts of Amazing Grace” from their most recent album, Faithful Still, also made the top spot. From performing with many evangelists through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, singing at Southern Baptist State Conventions and Evangelism conferences all over the country, to all the awards and nominations and the hit songs, nothing changes the goal of this group and that is to share the gospel of Jesus unto all the world.

Lauren Talley’s This Is For You launchesa new era for the Christian music artist

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SPECIAL: CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (September 20, 2022) — Rarely has an album been so well named as This Is For You,Lauren Talley’s first collection in three years, and the first since The Talleys, the family trio in which she’d sung for more than 20 years, elected to retire from touring in 2020. From the opening line of the title track (and next radio single) to the last notes of the restrained, yet deeply emotional “Lord’s Prayer,”This Is For You is a finely crafted yet revelatory exploration of the wellsprings of faith through music.

The album is now available for pre-order, add or save ahead of its November 11 release.

“I’ve been making records for a long, long time,” says the artist. “But I think This Is For You may be the pinnacle of my recording career thus far. It’s the first album I have recorded as a full-time solo artist since the retirement of The Talleys, and working alongside producer Gordon Mote injected the whole process with fresh creativity. I love the songs, I love the sounds, and well, I’ve lived the lyrics.” 

“Several of the songs are from my pen and my life,” Talley continues. “‘This Is For You,’ ‘Say Yes I Am,’ ‘In The Room,’ and ‘That’s What I Love About Him’ contain bits and pieces of my story, and I sing them because I want you to know it, to know me, but most importantly, to know Him.”

That intent animates each of the Gordon Mote and Lauren Talley-produced collection’s 10 songs, which reach beyond Talley’s heartfelt originals to include a carefully chosen set that includes nods to African-American Gospel in a joyous, spirited reading of “How I Got Over” and to worship music in a ringing take of Charity Gayle’s “Thank You Jesus For The Blood.” With every song, Talley and her gifted team have created fresh, contemporary, yet varied arrangements that center her compelling voice, delivering a message of redemption that shines through each moment, whether in hushed or powerful passages, as the title track’s very first words make clear:

“This is for you, the ones who are broken
Deep down inside and you’re trying to hide
This is for you
….
I see every tear, I feel every heartbreak
I know every fear, And I love you just the same
….
Just look at my wounds
Just look at my blood spilled
I gave it for you”

“This album was crafted for you,” Lauren Talley concludes, “But our stories are all made possible by the One who gave Himself….For You.”Pre-order, add or save This Is For YouHERE.

About Lauren Talley
Lauren Talley is one of Christian music’s most dynamic talents and has inspired a generation of young people to serve the Lord.

Born into a rich musical heritage, Lauren sang her first solo at age 2 when she toddled onto the stage, interrupted her family’s concert and announced she wanted to “thing.” Lauren went on to make her own mark on the gospel music world as a member of her family group, The Talleys, with whom she received numerous awards, including a 2015 Dove Award for their song, “Hidden Heroes.” Lauren’s lead vocals shine on eleven number one hits for the group.

She has recorded seven solo albums, including 2019’s unprecedented release of two albums simultaneously, Glorious God: Songs of Worship and Wonder, and Loudest Praise: Hymns Of Mercy, Love and Grace. Her 2017 album, The Gospel, reached the number one position on Billboard’s Top Christian Inspirational chart. She is also the author of Songs In The Night, a companion devotional book to her 2010 album of the same title. Lauren performs solo concerts and is a featured singer and speaker for many women’s conferences and special events across the country. She is frequently recognized for her appearances on numerous Gaither Homecoming videos and concerts, RFD-TV’s The Music City Show and In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley. In 2014, she was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Worship Arts from John Wesley University.

When not traveling or recording her own music, Lauren often serves as a studio background singer and producer for other recordings and works with emerging artists as a voice and performance coach. Lauren is a busy lady but always finds time to cheer on her beloved Tennessee Volunteers, drink sweet tea and spend time laughing with family and friends.

“My job as a communicator is to give people the truth of the Gospel,” Lauren says. “I want people to know that Jesus is everything — He’s the Answer the world is searching for, He’s the solution to all problems and He’s the only One in whom we have real hope. He called me to give people His message when I was 12 years old, and fulfilling that call is all I’ve ever really wanted.”

Celebrate Christmas with albumsfrom The Kingsmen, The Lore Family

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (September 13, 2022) — Horizon Records artists The Kingsmen and The Lore Family are sharing their love for the meaning of Christmas with new albums now available for pre-order, add and save ahead of their October 14 release.

On their new Christmas EP, The Kingsmen waste no time in getting to the point. The title track and very first tune on ‘Tis The Reason is direct, with clarion horns punctuating lead singer Chris Bryant’s sympathetic reminder: “‘Tis the season to be frantic / The crazy time of year we panic / Countless greeting cards to send / Christmas parties to attend / But it’s not the time to fret / Over what we may forget / On the list to do, or make or bake or spend / ‘Cause in the end — it’s about Him” 

The song rises to a crescendo as Chris Jenkins, Alan Kendall and the group’s patriarch, Ray Reese, join in: “‘Tis the Reason to let our praises ring / ‘Tis the Reason to lift our voice and sing / To open up our hearts — and keep on believin’ / ‘Tis the Reason”

The collection seamlessly weaves together old favorites — the majestic “O Holy Night” and the warmly nostalgic “The Christmas Song” — and new songs that range from the upbeat “Here We Come A Caroling” to the thoughtful meditation on the infinite mercy of “The God Who Gives Himself Away” and the closing reminder of “There Is Peace,” with its timely message: “When we love and hold on to each other / When we give just like it’s still December / Every day the Christmas season stays with you and me / There is joy, there is hope, there is peace”

From start to finish, ‘Tis The Reason affirms that the spirit that has animated The Kingsmen’s legendary career is as strong as ever. “The last time the Kingsmen released a Christmas album was in 1994,” notes Alan Kendall. “With the tremendous response from the Christmas single “Tell It On the Mountain” in 2020, our fans and friends made it clear to us that they were way past ready for another collection of seasonal songs celebrating the birth of Jesus. Our producer Jeff Collins and the folks at Crossroads Music agreed with us, and we began preparing it over a year ago. 

“We’re excited about four brand new songs that not only sing us into our favorite time of year, but celebrate the very reason for the season. And with timeless classics like ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘The Christmas Song’ added to the mix, we feel like we have something for everybody. We are certainly proud and honored to present this recording, and we pray that it will be a cherished and spirit-filled part of everyone’s holiday listening for many years to come.”

“I love Christmastime,” says Darren Lore. “It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year.” That love for the holiday — and for the Savior whose birth is celebrated — made the creation of a Christmas collection a natural choice for The Lore Family and the result is sure to find its place among the most treasured of holiday albums.  

The cheery opener, “Sing A Happy Song At Christmas,” with its clever musical references to seasonal classics, sets the pace for the eight-song set, as Fayth Lore Whisnant leads the family through an expansive, sophisticated arrangement. Yet, as the following take on the venerable “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” shows, The Lore Family keeps the miracle of Christ’s birth at the center of its celebration, and indeed, the next song after that, “Make Room,” gets right to the heart of their message, as Sandy Lore offers its heartfelt chorus: “Make room this Christmas / Make room for Jesus / Make room in your heart for His love / There’s already a place in His heart for you / Make room this Christmas…for Jesus”

As the Roger Talley-produced collection moves on, through the majestic “Let The Faithful Come,” the bright swing of “Talkin’ ‘Bout Jesus,” which features spirited leads from Fayth and brother Samuel Lore, the moving narration by Sandy of the Christmas miracle set to a medley of traditional carols and more, the depth of The Lore Family’s devotion — and talent — makes an unforgettable impression.  

“There seems to be a renewal of relationships around the holidays,” notes Darren. “Families and friends take time to get together. Society seems to be more considerate, generous and kind. Laughter can be heard. Love can be felt. And, if you listen, you’ll always hear music. People love to sing loud when they celebrate. And since Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus, we have a reason to lift our voices and sing!

“Our family feels very honored to share The Lore Family Christmas with you — our first Christmas album. We thoughtfully and prayerfully selected the songs for this album. Our family, the writers, the musicians, our producer and staff at Crossroads worked hard to present this collection. We pray that you will fall in love with each song. We hope that our music becomes a part of your Christmas celebration. Learn every line to each song and join us as we sing.

“Most of all, we encourage you to ‘Make Room’ for Jesus in your heart. Keep Christ the center of it all. Until you know Jesus personally, you’ll never fully understand the meaning of this season. For those who know Him, share His love, peace and joy with the world. ‘His Name Is Jesus!’ My family wishes you a very, Merry Christmas.”