Gospel: Spring 2024

Monarch Gospel Recommendations

JASON NELSON
Yahweh

Jason Nelson’s “Yahweh” featuring Melvin Crispell III is a powerful gospel ballad that lifts the spirit and touches the soul. Nelson’s impassioned vocals soar alongside Crispell’s stirring piano accompaniment, creating a deeply moving and worshipful atmosphere. The song’s lyrics exalt the name of God, proclaiming his majesty and sovereignty with reverence and awe. With its heartfelt sincerity and rich harmonies, “Yahweh” invites listeners into a sacred space of praise and adoration. Nelson and Crispell’s collaboration is a testament to the transformative power of music to connect hearts to the divine, making “Yahweh” a standout anthem of faith and devotion.

CECE WINANS
More Than This

CeCe Winans’ More Than This is a soul-stirring gospel album that showcases her unparalleled vocal prowess and heartfelt lyrical depth. Each track is a testament to Winans’s unwavering faith and devotion as she delivers powerful performances filled with emotion and conviction. From the stirring balladry of “Never Lost” to the uplifting praise of “Believe for It,” the album exudes a sense of hope and resilience. Winans’s impeccable vocal control and nuanced delivery captivate listeners, drawing them into moments of worship and reflection. More Than This is a testament to Winans’s enduring legacy as a gospel music icon and delivers a spiritually uplifting listening experience.

KIRK WHALUM
Epic Cool

Kirk Whalum’s Epic Cool is a masterful fusion of jazz, R&B, and soul showcasing his virtuosity as a saxophonist and composer. Each track is a sonic journey blending smooth melodies with intricate rhythms and lush arrangements. Whalum’s expressive saxophone playing takes center stage, effortlessly weaving through layers of instrumentation with precision and soulful expression. From the infectious groove of “Get Your Wings Up” to the intimate balladry of “Now ‘Til Forever,” the album is a testament to Whalum’s versatility and artistry. Epic Cool is a captivating listening experience that reaffirms Whalum’s status as a preeminent figure in contemporary jazz.

ME’KAYLA & CHURCHPPL
Werking

Me’Kayla & ChurchPpl’s “Werking” is a dynamic blend of gospel, R&B, and hip-hop pulsating with infectious energy and spiritual fervor. The track exudes confidence and celebration, with Me’Kayla’s commanding vocals leading the charge. From the vibrant instrumentation to the tight harmonies of ChurchPpl, every element comes together to create an uplifting and empowering listening experience. “Werking” is more than just a song; it’s a declaration of resilience and determination, inspiring listeners to embrace their identity and purpose. With its irresistible groove and powerful message, Me’Kayla and ChurchPpl deliver a standout track that leaves a lasting impact on the heart and soul.

ACE CLARK & MALI MUSIC
9 To 5

Ace Clark and Mali Music’s collaboration, “9 to 5,” is a soul-stirring anthem that captures the struggles and triumphs of everyday life. Mali Music’s smooth vocals blend seamlessly with Ace Clark’s introspective lyricism, painting a vivid picture of the grind and hustle to make ends meet. The track’s laid-back groove and melodic hooks draw listeners in, while its poignant lyrics resonate deeply, touching on themes of perseverance and chasing dreams despite adversity. “9 to 5” is more than just a song; it’s a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of music to inspire and uplift.

SEPTEMBER GRAY
Proprietor of September Gray Fine Art Gallery

BIO 

Gray’s life’s work is a reflection of her enduring passion for the arts. Following a noteworthy career in the performing arts, Gray launched a successful fine art consultancy practice wherein she was celebrated for her ability to assist corporate and private collectors with articulating and executing single acquisition and long–term collecting strategies. Gray’s career in the arts and decade as an art consultant inform her role as gallerist. An avid collector, Gray has a talent for “speaking the language” of both artist and collector and a knack for connecting the gallery’s clients to works by artists whose vision and methodologies resonate with their individual tastes, complement their existing collections and honor their overall investment strategy and appetite for risk. Gray holds a B.A. in Art History from DePaul University. A committed art education advocate, Gray serves on a number of non-profit boards and is co-founder of The Gray Foundation, an organization committed to building a world of enriched life options for youth through the promotion of art and education. Gray shares art news and collection strategies in her electronic quarterly journal, The Gray Book.

https://septembergrayart.com/

JUSTIN SULIVAN, CFP
Senior Vice President Market Leader

BIO 

Justin oversees a team of professionals striving to achieve the highest level of client satisfaction. His top priority is that the team not only meets, but also exceeds the client’s expectations. Through Justin’s leadership and commitment, he helps ensure that the client benefits form a full complement of investment, trust, financial planning and private banking services to help them achieve their financial goals.

XAVIER DANIELS

BIO  

Paintings are influenced by his experiences with brotherhood at both Morehouse and as a firefighter. In creating his art, he is actively thinking about the perception of black men and attempting to be a catalyst for a different view on the black male experience. According to Daniels, the conversations happening in popular culture about black males leave them invisible in discussions about themselves. The portraits of black men Daniels creates are large in an effort to symbolically assert black male presence into those conversations. His work has been shown around the world through Almine Rech and Richard Beavers Gallery. Xavier lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia.

https://xavierdaniels.com/

MARRYAM MOMA

BIO

A Tanzanian-Nigerian visual artist based in Atlanta, GA, is renowned for her prolific exhibition history. Moma’s dedication to her art has earned her prestigious residencies at The Migration Artist Residency, Atlanta, GA, and a blended residency and teaching opportunity at The Swimming HoleFoundation in Upstate NY. The Hambidge Center for the Arts awarded her a Distinguished Artist Fellowship, enriching her narrative-driven solo exhibitions like “ICONoclasts.” This showing intertwines paper cut elements to celebrate and empower revolutionary Black figures. Moma continues to innovate within her practice, expanding her presence through murals, public art installations and exhibitions including an indoor mural for Clark Atlanta universities student innovation lounge sponsored by Dell Technologies and Home depot, ICONoclasts Atlanta building-wide public installation sponsored by Dashboard and If Not Us then Who public digital art mural sponsored by A&E Atlanta. 

https://www.marryammoma.com/

DL WARFIELD

BIO

Atlanta-based artist DL Warfield, a veteran artist who has consistently proven himself a talent of the highest caliber – one who has delivered at the highest levels repeatedly throughout his life and career. Yes, many artists are talented; DL Warfield is prolific.

Warfield’s body of work proves his instinctive knowledge and understanding of pop culture and has given him a permanent place at the cutting edge of the new and next. From St. Louis to New York City, Atlanta and worldwide, his talent, skill and endless creativity have taken him to the top of his field again and again, and he intends to push forward wherever a path to artistic excellence can be forged.

The following is a snapshot of his works and clientele. 

Nike, Sprite, Heineken, Anheuser-Busch, Geffen Records, Sony Entertainment, DreamWorks, Sony Music, OutKast Inc., Universal Records, Boys & Girls Clubs, HBO, Virgin Records, Coca-Cola, Adidas, Vibe Magazine, automotive giant Ford Motor Company. He designed the branding for the City of Atlanta’s Film and Entertainment office and at the same time, His fine art has been featured at national landmarks, including the Time-Life Building in New York City, and the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, KY, which he loaned two original pieces for three years.

https://dlwarfield.com/

EDDIE FONTNO

BIO

A native of the Bronx, New York, is most inspired by the brilliance and uniqueness of excellence within the African American culture. The subjects of his work have all possessed a transformative greatness, which paved the way and changed the lives of many, providing a guiding light for the world around them. Fontno takes a subtle approach and focuses on that “light” to capture the detailed nuances through his usage of graphite and oil paint (black and white) that enhances the contrast between light and dark. Fontno’s never-ending quest to find truth and beauty in its most natural form is reflective in the choice of figures in his pieces; paying homage to those who have in some way shaped his view of the world and positively affected his evolution as an artist, father and man. Fontno attended the High School of Art & Design in New York, New York and Howard University in Washington, DC. His work has been displayed in the White House (Madam Vice President Kamala Harris’ private office) and the much-acclaimed October Gallery in Philadelphia, Pa. He has also been commissioned for portraits throughout the Northeast region. 

www.eddiefontno.com

RSVP

We are no longer accepting RSVPs for the Art of Luxury Lifestyle Dinner, but you are welcome to RSVP Here for the Portrait Reveal Event from
9:30PM to 11:30 PM!

ROBERT KOOL BELL| LE KOOL CHAMPAGNE

BIO

For many years, Robert Kool Bell, Leader and Co-founder of Kool & The Gang, sought out Grand Cru Vineyards from owners that have been selling for generations and decided to work with Paul Berthelot a Multi-Vintage producer since 1884. Voila The Celebration Champagne was born! 

https://lekoolchampagne.com

EDDIE FONTNO

BIO

A native of the Bronx, New York, is most inspired by the brilliance and uniqueness of excellence within the African American culture. The subjects of his work have all possessed a transformative greatness, which paved the way and changed the lives of many, providing a guiding light for the world around them. Fontno takes a subtle approach and focuses on that “light” to capture the detailed nuances through his usage of graphite and oil paint (black and white) that enhances the contrast between light and dark. Fontno’s never-ending quest to find truth and beauty in its most natural form is reflective in the choice of figures in his pieces; paying homage to those who have in some way shaped his view of the world and positively affected his evolution as an artist, father and man. Fontno attended the High School of Art & Design in New York, New York and Howard University in Washington, DC. His work has been displayed in the White House (Madam Vice President Kamala Harris’ private office) and the much-acclaimed October Gallery in Philadelphia, Pa. He has also been commissioned for portraits throughout the Northeast region.

Website: www.eddiefontno.com