Gospel Music’s Leading man, Earnest Pugh, is joining forces with Washington, D.C.’s leading inspirational radio station, Praise 104.1 FM, to kick off the holiday season with an early Christmas party that is open to all. The big event revolves around the October 16th release of the new yuletide CD, “Christmas with Earnest Pugh & Friends” (EPM Music Group//$15.98 MSRP) that features cameos by Chrystal Rucker, Keith Williams, Martha Buries, Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis – all of whom will appear at the show.
There will be a 6 pm red carpet arrival for VIPs and talent, followed by a 7 pm concert and listening party featuring Pugh and his guest artists performing songs from the CD that will be available for purchase throughout the evening. The free admission event takes place at The Atrium At Treetops, 8181 Professional Blvd Hyattsville, MD.
Over the last half dozen years, Earnest Pugh has established himself as Gospel Music’s Leading Man with soul stirring, #1 radio smashes such as “Rain On Us” and “I Need Your Glory” that also hit the Adult R&B Airplay charts. Now, he’s joining the ranks of Johnny Mathis, Mahalia Jackson and Nat “King” Cole by creating a holiday album.
The fourteen-track set marks Pugh’s first time sitting in the producer’s chair and he shares the mic with some of his best and most talented friends in the music biz. The initial radio single, “Ring Dem Bells”, a rousing mid-tempo ballad features impassioned backing vocals by Charles Butler & Trinity. A soulful “Silent Night” features the smooth tenor of Quadrius Salters. Baritone Keith Williams joins Pugh on “Holy 2 U” while powerhouse soprano Chrystal Rucker does a majestic rendition of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” with a simple piano arrangement. Lisa Knowles of the Brown Sisters and Pugh trade adlibs on a churchy rendition of “O Come All Ye Faithful”. Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis create a warm and cozy groove on “Go Tell It” while newcomer Martha Buries brings a jazzy vibe to Ann McCrary’s “Remember Not 2 Forget”. Veteran vocalist Nikki Ross sits us down on the front pew of a Sunday morning church service to deliver a dramatic version of “Walk in the Light”.
