Anthony Hamilton and Travis Greene give great praise together

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    One of gospel music’s recent innovators, Travis Greene, has been expanding the canvas of praise and worship without sacrificing the scriptural principles.  With his warm soulful inflections and his acoustic tinged arrangements, Greene draws from his biggest inspiration – a contemporary gospel architect of the millennium, Kirk Franklin. 

    As his clever mix of pop and urban developed following his 2007 debut release The More in 2007 (sparked by his first major single several years later, “Intentional”) Greene’s international ministry was affirmed.  And this Delaware born singer/songwriter’s ultimate desire is encouraging those to seek Christ, especially those who may not experience the more traditional church service. 

    One of gospel music’s recent innovators, Travis Greene, has been expanding the canvas of praise and worship without sacrificing the scriptural principles.  With his warm soulful inflections and his acoustic tinged arrangements, Greene draws from his biggest inspiration – a contemporary gospel architect of the millennium, Kirk Franklin. 

    As his clever mix of pop and urban developed following his 2007 debut release The More in 2007 (sparked by his first major single several years later, “Intentional”) Greene’s international ministry was affirmed.  And this Delaware born singer/songwriter’s ultimate desire is encouraging those to seek Christ, especially those who may not experience the more traditional church service. 

    Backed by multi-Stellar Award wins and a few Grammy nominations, Greene keeps pressing on in the name of faith for his latest project, Oil & Water, recorded thru the pandemic season.  Though Greene surrounds himself with gospel music’s elite, he’s also brought in soul man extraordinaire, Anthony Hamilton.  And this collaboration that is the title track of Oil & Water is our latest First Listen focus.  

    The companion video takes place at a juke joint transforming into a house of praise. steered by Greene’s ministry vision.  In this mostly acoustic arrangement driven by steady guitar strokes, the passionate cool of Greene makes sure Hamilton’s zealousness shares the glorious atmosphere. Despite the opposing vocal approaches, their commitment to the message of Oil & Water stands firm: “I remember/When I needed help/Out of nowhere/You came running/Now I’m running out to tell.”

    Once the duet is established, Greene and Hamilton’s stage presence in the video radiates with the praises above.  Check it out and enjoy.

    By Peggy Oliver