On Tuesday, March 27, 2012, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise will release the highly-anticipated album After This (Light Records/eOne). One of gospel’s most highly-acclaimed choirs, led by longtime songwriter, arranger and producer JJ Hairston, Youthful Praise marks their sixth live recording, the first since the highly celebrated Resting On His Promise, with the release of After This.
Recorded live in July 2011 at The First Cathedral in Bloomfield, CT, After This showcases Hairston’s captivating gift in mixing traditional gospel with urban, contemporary and mainstream influences to create the distinctive sounds that have elevated JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise into one of gospel’s preeminent choirs. Featuring the title track as the first single, “After This” has been
climbing the singles chart in gospel radio, vaulting into the Top 15 as listeners hail its high-energy rhythms and uplifting lyrics encouraging faith and joy through troubled times. Setting the stage for the rest of the 13-track album, other dynamic songs include “The Victor,” “Lord of All” featuring Bishop Hezekiah Walker, “Love Lifted Me” featuring Tye Tribbett, and “My King.”
As Youthful Praise’s director, songwriter, arranger and producer, Brooklyn native JJ Hairston has written, produced and led the choir since its beginnings in 1992 at its home church, Cathedral of Praise in Bridgeport, CT. Since releasing their first album in 2001, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise have garnered critical acclaim and numerous Stellar Award nominations for their blend of memorable praise and worship with traditional choir harmonies. JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise have performed with gospel greats Dorinda Clark-Cole and Pastor Shirley Caesar, SWV, Destiny’s Child. They have performed on national stages including a smash opening performance on the 2011 Stellar Awards; on Bobby Jones Gospel, TBN, Lift Every Voice and more.
With a catalog of hits “Lord, You’re Mighty,” “Awesome God,” “Resting on His Promise,” and their 2004 worship anthem “Incredible God, Incredible Praise” JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise continue to impact the sound of contemporary gospel around the globe today. JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise deliver another smashing live performance on their latest album After This and will appear in select cities on their upcoming promotional tour.
To learn more about JJ HAIRSTON & YOUTHFUL PRAISE, please visit: http://www.youthfulpraise.org
