With the release of Spirit & Truth: Bishop
Eddie Long Introduces the New Birth Total Praise
Choir (EMI Gospel), Gospel fans everywhere
can now encounter what thousands of New Birth
members have been experiencing for years…the sound
of spirited music and anointed ministry in bountiful
supply from within the ‘house’.
Bishop Eddie Long, acknowledged as one of the
leading spiritual leaders of our day, has gathered
an incredible pool of talent from his membership and
circle of friends to deliver one of the finest
Praise & Worship CD’s of the year. The result is a
chart-topping release that’s turning the hearts of
thousands of men and women back towards God.
BLACKGOSPEL.COM
asked Bishop Long to share just a few words on his
new, inspirational CD, his trusted music minister,
Elder Kevin Bond and the connection between
Gospel music and the church he serves.
Christopher Heron:
Spirit & Truth, the CD was
certainly long overdue. The public has known for
some time about the abundance of music talent that
emanates from within the New Birth sanctuary. Why
was now finally an acceptable time to release the
church’s highly anticipated album?
Bishop Eddie Long:
The CD was released in God's time. Having the right
people, in the right place, at the right time
created an atmosphere where preparation met
opportunity and the CD was produced.
CH:
You’re now officially label mates with your
friend and spiritual brother – Bishop T.D. Jakes.
Did you have an opportunity to share any ideas and
direction with him for this album, as you planned
the release of Spirit & Truth?
 BEL:
I didn't, however I fully trust that God directed us
to EMI. Kevin Bond, my spiritual son
introduced us to the EMI family. Bishop Jakes, my
spiritual father, has opened up many doors in
ministry and I trust that through all these
relationships God is allowing us to speak to the
nations through this CD.
CH:
Elder Kevin Bond has humbly served as the
Minister of Music for your church and the producer
for your church choir’s latest album for the last
few years. Tell us how important Minister Bond’s
involvement has been in the growth of the church’s
music ministry and spiritual development.
BEL: Elder Kevin Bond came in with a holistic
approach to lead and develop all facets of the
Worship & Arts Ministry at New Birth (the choirs,
the band, the dance ministry, etc.). His talent,
creativity, experience and extensive background in
the music industry enabled him to take the
department to another level and produce a high
quality CD.
CH: It is so
good to see pioneering church’s like
New Birth Missionary Baptist
Church offering its creative input
in today’s Gospel music scene. Bishop Long, by your
standards, how important is it for Gospel music to
remain a music that still has its roots and
foundation in the church?
BEL: Gospel music is the root and foundation of the
church. It's important in today's society to be
creative and have a variety of sounds to draw all
different types of people and age groups. The
purpose of the music is to lead people to Christ and
amplify the preached word of God.
CH:
And finally, Spirit & Truth,
the album, has a very strong Praise & Worship sound
and spirit to it. Is that reflective of the new
direction in Gospel music or is it more indicative
of the sound and spirit of New Birth Cathedral?
BEL: What makes this CD different from most is that
it is a direct reflection of New Birth and the Word
that is spoken in the "house". The title of the CD
"Spirit & Truth" was birthed from the Spirit & Truth
conference that is held annually at New Birth. The
songs written and produced by Elder Bond all relate
to messages that I've spoken to the congregation.
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