Gospel aficionados can rejoice with the knowledge that a stellar new release from a veteran of the Michigan area has made its way into select Gospel music and Christian bookstores across the country. 

Kenneth Martin & The Voices In Praise, a seasoned director that benefited from Detroit’s Gospel renaissance of the 80’s, is back and bringing that verifiably vintage sound reminiscent of such stalwarts as legendaries Thomas Whitfield and Benny Cummings.

Kenneth Martin & The Voices In Praise have endured the test of time and weathered the discouraging setbacks usually associated with maintaining professional choirs (ie. Membership turnover, waning interest levels, collective visions).  Minister Martin has found a way and means to rally his talented set of vocalists, musicians and well-wishers together to produce his first album in 10 years called Season Of Worship that will surely earn him accolades throughout the industry.

BLACKGOSPEL.COM recently sat down with Kenneth Martin and picked his mind and soul for some insight on what keeps The Voices In Praise praising the Lord over the last 15 years.  His sincere words on ministry and music will certainly provide fodder for the souls of many aspiring Independent artists today.

Christopher Heron:  Kenneth, you’re a product of the wealth of talent that overflows in Motown. What is your earliest recollection of falling in love with God’s music? Who was the artist or what was that defining moment from early on that turned on the light to your soul and made you commit to a full-time music ministry?

Kenneth Martin:  Since I can remember, I’ve enjoyed “Church!”  (especially the music). My dad was a quartet singer and a soloist in our church choir, and being a daddy boy, I always supported him and his musical endeavors.  I enjoyed the spirit that flowed during the ministry of music and I longed to be a part of this.

CH:  The music of Kenneth Martin & The Voices In Praise on Season Of Worship is reminiscent of a Detroit legend who influenced and mentored so many in Detroit – the late Rev. Thomas Whitfield. How important was his ministry on the music ministry of Kenneth Martin & The Voices In Praise and other aspiring choirs from the Mecca of Gospel music?

KM:  Upon hearing the sounds of Thomas Whitfield, I was definitely impressed with his distinct harmonies and unique approach to Gospel Music.  I was especially fond of his worship style!  What a prolific writer!  Listening and experiencing the ministry of Thomas Whitfield made me long for a more intimate relationship with God…for many reasons!  I had the opportunity of meeting Thomas Whitfield and he really encouraged me and the gift God has placed inside of me!

CH:  It’s been nearly 10 years since the release of your last album – The Voice. What have you been doing to sharpen your artistry and ministry over the years?

KM:  Personally, I’ve been sharpening my ministry and artistry by remaining faithful to my local church, where I serve as the Minister of Music.  Staying progressive in my mindset  towards God’s music and not allowing myself to get stagnant..  The group continues to evolve musically and spiritually as we grow in our calling as Ministers of Music.  Jerome Threlkeld, our vocal technician and business manager, has been a tremendous blessing  to our ministry.  His deliberate approach to vocal exercise and technique has helped us a great deal!

CH:  Season Of Worship, the album, is a marked difference from your previous three releases, both in terms of its production value and its level of artistic and spiritual maturity as heard on the CD. What do you believe have been the key ingredients that have allowed your ministry to grow to this level of excellence? And how would you define the tone, texture and testimony of your new release?

KM:  The “steady progressions” tell the story of the spirit of excellence that permeates this project, Season of Worship!  The key ingredients to this project was God-given material, a wonderfully talented producer and refined vocals..  Season of Worship was birth out of my spirit as I realized what God was speaking to me.  “To everything there is a Season…!”  During the initial conversations to do this project, Jerome suggested that we contact Tyrone Dickerson…and the rest is history!  Tyrone was who God predestined for this project.  He was accommodating, diligent and creative in his performance..  What Tyrone brought mixed with what Jerome was doing with the group’s vocals, made for a wonderful project.  I would describe this release as the real Kenneth Martin & the Voices In Praise!

CH:  It’s been quite a journey to this point for your music ministry. Where do you see the Lord taking Kenneth Martin & The Voices In Praise in the foreseeable future?

KM:  I truly believe that God has so much in store for us.  As you know, we’ve begun our own productions company/recording label, Season of Worship Productions, and we are believing God to connect us with other artist who desire to go to the next level in God through the avenue of Gospel Music.  Also, we would like to travel and promote this current project through concerts, workshops, etc.  We are availing ourselves to go wherever God sends us.

For more information on Kenneth Martin & The Voice In Praise, visit their official website at www.seasonofworship.com.  To contact Kenneth Martin for booking, workshops and questions, email him at seasonofworship@hotmail.com.