Undeniably, Ricky Dillard’s significance to gospel music is considerable and his impact on choir music has been unrivaled. Throughout his 20-year career, Dillard has remained committed and serious about advancing music exclusively for the choir. The musical backbones of the church, choirs are mainstays, and Dillard continues to serve them with relevant and contemporary music.
“I’m not tired and I want to continue exactly what I’ve always been doing … it is vital because there are choirs all around the country and they need music for Sunday. That’s my niche,” said Dillard.
Known to many as “the Choir Master,” Dillard is the quintessential showman. He brings his resolve; his energy and his dynamic delivery to his 8th CD entitled KEEP LIVING.
While the moniker, ‘choir master’ is weighty, Dillard steps right into the role. “I feel the Lord shifting me into a father / mentor position,” said Dillard. “Ministers of music and choir directors are looking to me for mentorship and counsel and people look at us to see what we [New G] are doing next.” New G has consistently been influential in look, sound and energy and is one of our most respected choirs.
KEEP LIVING was recorded live in Detroit at Dillard’s ‘Red Party.” The concept, developed by Dillard, was created to “celebrate the Kingdom and to let the world know we [Christians] believe in the shedding of the blood – we’ve been washed by the Blood of Christ.”
Dillard explains, “My goal was to win souls that night … we were in sync with the plan of God and I wanted to empower all those who entered the recording to take what happened that night and continue their own red parties within their lives and music ministries.” This album captures the spirit of that night offering listeners the same experience and Dillard hopes it will inspire and challenge.
KEEP LIVING presents Dillard’s signature choir vocal arrangements and melodies at another level. Producing songs that are mature, discriminating and wise, it is clear that Dillard and long-standing choir New G have grown in their approach to music.
“The more you grow in the word of the Lord the more you change and the Lord really ministers to you in your new place … and the sound of New G has matured because we are maturing in Him, and we are even more comfortable in our call,” said Dillard.
The lead single, “God Is Great,” is an instantaneous classic. Lyrically, from the simplicity of the drive, ‘God is Great’, to the intricate verses, the song immediately gets the listener going. Dillard himself is featured on the song giving it life while New G’s dynamic vocals and modulation are executed flawlessly.
“God is always going to give me something new,” Dillard said. Including the title track “Keep Living,” a literal command that reminds us that we always have something to live for with God on board. “As long as you have breath you have something to live for,” explained Dillard. “The lyrics spoke to our spirits” and industry favorite, Chrystal Rucker simply soars on the lead vocals. On target to meet the needs of today, this song truly speaks life.
Chock full of hits and music for all situations, KEEP LIVING includes straight up church jams including the high-powered shout of “My Soul Says Yes,” and the potent “Because of the Blood.” Among the other highlights on the 12-song project are “The Sweetest Name” with surprise guest, the legendary Karen Clark Sheard, whose signature and expressive vocals blast this song to the next level, the hard-rocking “He Turned It,” with a rhythmic, driving beat and powerful vocals, and the affecting praise ballad led by Nikki Ross, “He’s Been Just That Good.”
“Destined For Greatness,” is a definitive Ricky Dillard sound. Dillard arranges the vocals masterfully on a song that motivates our purpose in life. Drawing from personal experience, Dillard is now comfortable in his call. “It really ministers to me … because despite everything … I’m destined for greatness,” he said. “I’m going where He said I’m going.”
Ricky Dillard and New G have become synonymous with the Sunday morning choir sound. His hope for this CD is to present songs that offer and reveal the joy of being saved and showing hope in living a life for Him.
KEEP LIVING In Stores and On Line everywhere April 26th
Source: http://www.lightrecords.com/artists/ricky-dillard/ricky-dillard-bio
