About GRP
Gospel Revisited Project was created in 2017 by founder Ray Prince MMus, PgDip as a grass-roots project, designed to celebrate the history and heritage of gospel music through reinterpretation of masterpieces, in ways that would excite existing lovers of the genre, as well as engage new, diverse audiences.
Ray carefully reimagines classic gospel standards from the early 1800s to the late 1900s. The adaptations are considered, with drummer and percussionist Ray overseeing all elements to ensure that the essence of the hymns and songs are retained. The aim is not to create new versions of the soulful standards; rather it is to bring a contemporary flavour to classic through sympathetic modifications.
Now in its 5th year, GRP has a set of clearly defined aims and objectives:
· To re-visit songs which have impacted Gospel music
· To broaden participant’s musical knowledge and develop arrangement ideas around the genre of Gospel, with elements of Classical and Jazz
· To develop formal and non-formal music sharing and practice through collaboration with professional Gospel musicians
· To use music and music-making tools to address aspects of the social agenda helping to build confidence, team working skills and self-esteem amongst participants
· To develop links with professional organisations, educational institutions, and community groups, both as audiences for this project and for future outreach work
· To encourage and develop the attendance of diverse audiences to Birmingham city venues
As well as creating spectacular, soulful shows, Ray has ambitions to invest in artist development through the sharing of ideas, styles and working practices, including rehearsals of works for performances.
Ray is also keen to develop new audiences in new, diverse communities, as well as continue to create a collaborative community of musicians with both formal and non-formal backgrounds from across Birmingham. Musicians can contact Ray to discuss participation in future GRP events.
Gospel Revisited Project returns to Town & Symphony Hall
Gospel Revisited Project (GRP) returns to Birmingham’s Town & Symphony Hall with a celebration of soulful standards, honouring the scores of female lyricists this summer.
Ray Prince MMus, PgDip and Jonathan Silk present ‘Women In Gospel’ on Saturday 4th June from 7.30pm, a big band orchestra concert revisiting and reimagining classics from important gospel female pioneers, including Mahalia Jackson (1911 – 1972), who is often referred to as “The Queen of Gospel” and was heralded internationally as a singer and civil rights activist. The GRP Big Band Orchestra will revive popular songs with scores influenced by gospel and jazz, composed by innovators including Albertina Walker, Shirley Caesar, Tramaine Hawkins, Dannibelle Hall and Sandra Crouch.