David Blakely Talks to Hallels About His Hymns Album & Working with Natalie Cole

Gospel music singer, choir director, and songwriter David Blakely has recently released The Hymnal (My Interpretation). On Friday, January 22nd, members of the Gospel Music community gathered at the Valley Bible Fellowship Church in Las Vegas for a concert celebrating the CD's release. Joining the maestro for the evening of unforgettable music were Worship Pastor Giloh Morgan, KurtCarr Singers' Nikki Potts and Lena Byrd Miles. 

"The Hymnal", which is his interpretation of the hymns we all have grown to love was recorded live. The night was filled with powerful arrangements and riveting vocals, a night to remember indeed. He also invited some of his friends to lead the songs, in the likes of Le'Andria Johnson who led the hymn "What A Friend We Have in Jesus." Nikki Potts presented "Yes God Is Real", Zacardi Cortez putting his signature vocal stamp on "Sweet Holy Spirit", the legendary LaShun Pace singing "The Lord Will Make A Way", and Giloh Morgan of Champion Center Las Vegas giving us a new cultural experience on "Pass Me Not." 

Hallels: Tell us a little about your calling and ministry? 

Well a little bit about my calling and ministry. I moved to Vegas in 1984 because I was hired as a musician for a church, but then being a musician became being the choir president then turned into the minister of music. I really realized my calling when those that I worked for and with would always tell me that I was so easy to mesh with and that ministering with me made ministering to the people easier.  

Hallels: Why record a hymns album? What are the values of hymns to you? 

I love hymns we are at a period of time where churches are leaving hymns and singing songs that will make you just move to a beat. What I mean by that is a lot of the newer churches are doing a lot of CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) and no hymns. I am not saying that CCM is meaningless but I remember in Church when a good hymn was sang the church would erupt.  

The value of Hymns to me are priceless. Hymns are heart piercing they reach the soul. The writers of the hymns wrote out of their experience and what they were going through at that time. I chose to mix the old with the new, hymns with a little spin but they keep their meaning. 

Hallels: What were some of the highlights of the recording session? 

 Some of the memorable highlights of the recording session were, definitely being able to capture my Mother in Law (My Buddy) Mother Loyce Hall who passed away December 2015, leading the song Walk on by Faith. Each artist relating to the words of the hymn and making my interpretation come to life. I am in awe of the people being blessed and  able to relate to the songs. To witness the move of God's spirit after each song ministered was also a highlight of the recording session. 

Hallels: You have lots of special guests singing with you on the record. Can you tell our readers who some of them are?  

Le'Andria Johnson, Zacardi Cortez, Lena Byrd- Miles from the New Edwin Hawkins singers, Nikki Potts from the Kurt Carr singers. 

Hallels: In your bio, it says that you've worked with many artists in the past including the late Natalie Cole. Can you remember what it was like working with Natalie who just passed away recently? 

It was a wonderful experience. She has soul and is a church girl at heart. She was very easy to work with. It was a honor and privilege to work with her. 

Hallels: What's next on your agenda? Are you planning your next record? 

I plan on returning to Gary, IN which is my hometown to release The Hymnal. I will also continue conducting workshops for musicians as well as singers, and produce, write, and play music that will last a lifetime. 

(laughing) Not at this moment I have to see how this one does first. 

Hallels: For our readers who would like to find out more about you and your music, where can they go?

They can go to FaceBook and like my page David Blakely Presents "The Hymnal", Twitter and Periscope David Blakely @DavidABlakely.  

davidblakelypro@gmail.com, then on Instagram @ David Blakely. 

 

 

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