THE Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) launched its 2014 Gospel Song Competition album, Moving Forward, at the Webster Memorial United Church on Half-Way-Tree Road in St Andrew on Wednesday.

The set, produced by Almond Productions, contains the tracks of the 10 finalists in this year’s gospel contest. The contestants were introduced to the gathering on hand.

“This year, before going into the studios to record, some rigorous workshops were held with the finalists with the intent to prepare them somewhat for what was ahead,” said Leighton Jones, coordinator of the JCDC Gospel Song competition.

Jones said this year saw over 190 entries islandwide, with the finalists coming from four auditions. Eliminations were held in Mandeville, Montego Bay, St Mary, and Kingston and St Andrew. Contestants were judged on lyrics, arrangement, performance, and musicianship. Jones lauded Almond Productions for their continued support.

“Almond Productions came to the rescue, having worked with the competition for over 20 years, so they decided to part-sponsor the production of the album being launched,” he said.

This year’s finalists are: Adrian Dell — Blessed and Highly Favoured; Anisha Sinclair — The Word of God; Orville Sutherland — Cool Shade; Servants — Free At Last; Stacy Ann Broks-Kristos — Give Me Jesus; Travis Gordon — Roll Back The Dark Clouds; Aneisha Walker — Unchanging Love, Chevon Nelson — Turn Around; Jerome Welsh — Rise Up and Stand; and Keneisha Smith — Prayer Warrior.

The Gospel Song Competition finals will take place on Sunday, July 27 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.

— Cecelia Campbell-Livingston