New Releases, April 2026
A sampling of new releases from the Abbington African American Church Music Series edited by Brandon A. Boyd
We are proud to present this sampling of new releases from the Abbington African American Church Music Series edited by Brandon A. Boyd.
Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel
This arrangement began as a piece for baritone solo and piano, but was rewritten for SATB choir. It declares emphatically God’s assurance of deliverance and triumph. Be careful not to rush, although the choir should still sing with drive and vigor over the underlying rhythmic march of the accompaniment. -Robert L. Jefferson
Balm in Gilead
According to renowned theologian Howard !urman, the setting of the Negro Spiritual “There Is a Balm in Gilead” takes place in the book of Jeremiah. After reaching a “Dead Sea” place in his life, the prophet cried out, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” !e question mark in Jeremiah’s sentence is straightened into an exclamation point—“there is a balm in Gilead!”—which notes a creative triumph. !is arrangement solidi”es the clari”cation of hope being fed with a conviction deeper than the dreams of peace on earth, but for the nourishment of the human race. This conviction is revisited with the title “Balm in Gilead” to signify the healing of the sin-sick soul. -Emmanuelle Brunson
God Answers Prayer
In the mid-1990s, while traveling to ministry gatherings with Maranatha Music and meditating on the words of our Savior, Jesus Christ, in John 14, a melody was placed within my spirit. As I lingered over Scripture, it seemed as though music from heaven itself began to whisper in my ear.
As Colossians 3 reminds us, the Word is meant to dwell richly within us, shaping our hearts as we teach and encourage one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. May this spiritual song stand as a firm testimony that God is glorified when prayers rise in faith, then return fulfilled and answered according to the perfect will of our Wise Creator God. -Stephen Michael Newby
About the Abbington African American Sacred Music Series
Founded in 2000 by Dr. W. James Abbington, the African American Church Music Series, now the Abbington African American Sacred Music Series, celebrates the treasured musical heritage of the Black church and Black experience. Celebrating works by African American composers and arrangers across spirituals, hymn settings, gospel, and classical-inspired styles, the series preserves the stories, sounds, faith, and resilience embodied in this tradition while honoring Dr. Abbington’s enduring legacy. Designed for choirs in church, educational, community, and professional settings.