Christopher Page and the Dream Keeper's Ensemble
Fort Washington, Maryland, United States
Music
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Christopher Page & the Dream Keeper’s Ensemble
A Page from My Heart
Restoration Records 2008
www.myspace.com/christopherpageandthedreamkeepers
A former professor of gospel music at the University of Maryland and an ordained minister of the Church of God (Anderson, IN), DC-based Christopher Page demonstrates his knowledge and understanding of music and Scripture on A Page from My Heart.
A Page from My Heart contains a potpourri of musical styles. It takes listeners by surprise at every turn with shifts from RnB to Holy Hip Hop to praise and worship to inspirational to ambient to jazz. The RnB-flavored pieces, such as “Sanctified Slide” (reminiscent of Dana Divine’s “Gospel Slide” but without the TSOP backdrop) and “I Come” are the most compelling; the former has the greatest chance at radio play but the second is a lovelier composition. Having said that, “Even Me,” a medley of gospel hymns, stands out as an island of formal hymnody in a sea of musical experimentation.
The Dream Keeper’s Ensemble, a group Page formed in 1997 to bring arts education to underserved communities in the DC area, anchors the project. Ensemble member Jeanne Nicole Ruffin is an especially important asset. While Grammy-winning Delious Kennedy from the RnB vocal group All-4-One (“I Swear,” “So Much in Love”), Tina Meeks Parcher and Tamara Fingal also contribute quite nicely, it was Ruffin I looked forward to hearing. The group functions as a true ensemble cast, with singers talented enough to step out and lead a song and step back on the next track to support someone else.
One constant throughout the album is its interpolation of lyrics from popular hymns, spirituals and gospel songs. Like a treasure hunt, pieces such as Doris Akers’ “Lead Me, Guide Me” and the congregational song “In the Name of Jesus” lie hidden here and there, waiting for the listener to find it and smile with familiarity.
Christopher Page’s narration and reflections are resonant and genuine, though if given the choice, I would have favored less spoken word and more musical lyricism to get across the spiritual message. Regardless, A Page from My Heart is musically complex and jam-packed with material thoughtfully arrayed (as "chapters," natch).
Four of Five Stars - The Black Gospel Blog
I guess it was just a matter of time before the saints got their own line dance! Most church folks try to act like they don’t dance, but get them to a wedding with a good DJ or a family reunion and they are the first ones on the dance floor! (LOL) Ain’t nothin’ wrong with a good two step! So who do we have to thank for creating this holy rollin’ slide??? That would be none other than Christopher Page, an ordained minister of the Church of God in Anderson, IN. .... Once I saw the video it brought everything together. It actually looks like a lot of fun and I can totally see everybody at the youth night social gathering in the gym out back or in the church basement and getting their slide on! It’s also easy enough so Mother Daniels and Deacon Simpson could catch on real quick! (lol) Check out DATRUTH TUBE to see the “Sanctified Slide” in action and visit http://www.myspace.com/christopherpageandthedreamkeepers
- Da Gospel Truth
Discography
Soulful Meditation- 1998
A Page From My Heart- 2009
Sanctified Slide Single- 2009
Sanctified Slide Remix Single-2009
Sanctified Slide Club Mix Single- 2009
Sanctified Slide Quiet Storm Mix Single-2008
Photos
Bio
Under the direction of Stellar Award Nominated Christopher Page, this anointed singing group is destined for greatness. Christopher, a former professor of Gospel Music at the University of Maryland, is taking the theory and putting it into practice. In other words, he is taking his years of experience in the ministry and expressing it in this project. Christopher Page is a nationally known professor, minister, artist, clinician, and songwriter. He is a native of Washington, DC and has released his latest gospel project “A Page From My Heart” which he feels is “a true worship experience through song and word.” He’s rapidly rising to national acclaim as a gifted and anointed gospel recording artist. He is also a prolific songwriter and superbly skilled producer. Christopher recently won the 10th Annual Great American Song Contest’s Finalist/Honor Award.
Christopher, a former DC Public School teacher, formed the Dream Keeper’s Ensemble in 1997 to assist him in his goal of providing arts education to underserved communities. Through this endeavor, several youth under Christopher’s tutelage have graduated from college. The group now features some of the most gifted and talented musicians and singers from across the country. The group includes members such as Grammy award winning artist Delious Kennedy from All-4-One and legendary drummer and producer Jay Nichols. Christopher Page and the Dream Keeper’s Ensemble’s repertoire includes traditional and contemporary gospel songs along with an occasional gospel ballad. The combinations of a traditional and contemporary repertoire with a progressive vocal style make for a highly energetic blend of the old and new.
Currently, Christopher is an ordained minister of the Church of God, Anderson, IN. He serves on the ministerial staff at Dayspring Community Baptist Church in Greenbelt, Maryland and Third Street Church of God in Washington, DC. Over the past ten years, he has ministered extensively throughout the United States. He has delivered stellar performances with some of the world’s greatest and celebrated gospel artists including Kirk Franklin, Vanessa Williams, Maurette Brown Clark, Trin-i-tee 5:7, and All-4-One and has been featured on Bobby Jones Gospel.
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