Reverend Luther Barnes Chats About His New Record "Look to the Hills"

The Grammy nominated Reverend Luther Barnes returns with another beautifully-rendered album with his Restoration Worship Center Choir, with the lead single "Look To The Hills," a rising Top 20 gospel radio hit. The song is right on time as it delivers a  much-needed message of hope and inspiration in a world devastated by a pandemic. "The song 'Look To The Hills' presents a timely message  of hope that things are gonna get better. It also seemed like the perfect album title for what we are all collectively facing right now," confides the optimistic Barnes.

The gospel world may evolve musically from one period to the next but the Reverend Luther Barnes for more than three hit-making and award-winning decades, has delivered the essence of gospel music no matter what the current musical fashion may be. This precious gift stems from the Reverend's uncanny ability to create traditionally-rooted music in contemporary, finely-wrought  productions. 

Barnes will release his brand new album Look to the Hills on May 29th.

Q: Rev. Barnes, thanks for doing this interview with us.  You have been leading worship for many decades now, how have you grown as a worship leader over these years?

Thank you. As a worship leade, I have grown to understand that worship is not biased. We all can be a part of praise and worship regardless of our varied lifestyles. I have also learned to appreciate the different forms, the modern tunes as well as the old hymns.     

 Q: With your experience, what advice do you have for younger and new worship leaders?

My advice to young worship leaders is to be versatile. Enlarge your repertoire to be sensitive to little Erica as well as Mother Annie. 

 Q:  Congratulations on the forthcoming release of your new album. When you were making this. record, were there any specific types of songs you were looking for? 

Thank you! Yes, as I was working on this new release I wanted to make sure that I stayed true to the Luther Barnes style while exploring new possibilities.

Q:  What were some of the highlights in the making of this album?

One of the main highlights of this CD was having artists like Huey Williams, Doc McKinzey and Jerel Smalls, readily work with me.  

Q:  Tell us a little about the title track "Look to the Hills."  Why are you excited about this song?

"Look To The Hills," was birthed from a previous song that I had written with the same lyrics. Derrick Adams gave me the tune and I just fit the words in. It is personal as most of my songs are. I am just happy that others can see themselves in my music.   

Q:  My favorite song off the new record has to be "Best of Me."  Tell us more about this song and why you recorded it.

The Song "The Best Of Me" was written late at night at my piano. It was just between me and the Lord. I dare not offer him just anything to just get by, but the very best of me. It is one of only two solo tunes on the CD.

Q: In this age of the coronavirus pandemic, what words of encouragement do you have for your listeners? 

In the age of this pandemic I encourage everyone to trust God and draw nearer to him. Be kinder, more loving and patient with your loved ones. Know that in the midst of it all God is yet blessing. We must remain thankful while being creative in presenting God to the masses. 

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