Biography of an Up and Coming Gospel Music Artist

Gospel Music Review by Ceci Bell

Jolly has a long line of musical experience from which he draws many of his strengths. His musical and faithful background comes from his humble church beginnings in Florida. After serving our country honorably in the Navy, Jolly continued in his pursuit of music. Many haven't heard his name, and in fact, there are those who are typically shocked to hear the voice that he's able to propel in music. As a member of the vocal group VOR (Voice of Reason), Jolly's experience as a performer took him to another level of performance. VOR began showcasing their acapella-inspired style alongside other local groups in and around the Tampa area, and further lent their talents to various civic, college, and charity events. Their talents led them to their first album, self-titled VOR.

By the grace of God, however, Jolly was brought back to his gospel roots. Since 1996, Jolly has made NYC his home. His surrendering to the Lord's will has brought him back to his square one -- but this time -- being fully clothed in the armor of God! Jolly is a member of the International Christian Center located in Staten Island. He began seeking the Lord to inspire his song writing, and the Lord responded -- bringing the hearts of committed people into Jolly's life. He began working with equally anointed and talented musicians, composers, and engineers. Each member brings their own dynamic to Jolly's current project: So Strong! It's an amazing thing to see what the Lord has done in such a short amount of time. From humble beginnings in his home studio to the production of his first CD, Jolly realizes the blessing that the Lord has bestowed on him, and acknowledges that "with God, all things are possible." His style has been influenced by gospel, inspirational, jazz and funk, Motown, blues, and the best of urban pop. His ability to infuse these genres into his own style is what makes him unique.

A soft-spoken person, Jolly knows that he is truly blessed -- many plaques of honor and recognition adorn his walls, but those things are no value when the work of God is concerned. A generous soul by nature, Jolly is happy when others have what he has -- the joy of the Lord. This is his goal through music, and it means a lot -- especially in this day and age where "stars" forget where they came from. Jolly is truly an up and coming, rising star and will give back to his community.

Jolly is in the process of working on several new projects that involve some very talented people in the church. He has made plans to work on a tour that will include his brother, the Dr. Reverend Kevin Jolly, and the minister of music, Jerome Jolly. Both of his brothers are also very talented young men who are involved with the ministry.

It is Jolly's prayer that he will continue to create music that will touch the world. He believes that God has called him for such a time as this to reach the poor, and the disheartened. With God's grace and provision, he has plans of starting up several organizations that will enable him to do so.

To order Jolly's music, visit CD Baby, Amazon, and iTunes. For more information, visit his website: http://www.jollytimeproductions.com/.

Jolly offers his listeners a chance to reflect on God's purpose and His works. This CD is a serenade to God and His life-changing, awesome power. So Strong is a chill and relax type of CD to vibe to. Jolly reminisces over his appreciation of how his life has changed with God in his life. So Strong allows you to wrap yourself up in the comfort and peace of knowing all your problems are in God's hands.

Jolly's music is not your “typical” gospel sound with the spiritual spoken word and accompanying choir background vocals (not knocking the norm because it’s an important part of any praise whether in church, at home, or in your car; I love ALL Christian music that conveys God's message). When trying to place Jammie Jolly in one particular subgenre of gospel music; it’s hard. A few possible popular Billboard chart topping gospel artists that he may be similar to in sound would be J. Moss, Mary Mary, and Deitrick Haddon, but not really, because J. Moss dabbles with hip hop and classic R&B flavors and uptempo beats, while Jolly’s sound is more smoothed out on a jazz tip. D. Haddon’s music is a mixture of R&B/rock/neosoul/latin rhythms, sort of like the Michael Jackson/Prince/DeAngelo of gospel music (check out D. Haddon's “Sinner’s Prayer” or “Ungrateful”).

So Strong definitely fulfills Jolly's mission; his expression of love to "show the power of God" and remind us that He's always with us. To sample Jolly's music and watch music videos, visit his Web site at jollytimeproductions.com. 

Gospel Track 1 – “Choose Me” - 5 stars

Nice, upbeat catchy song. Nice lyrics. “Choose me, use me, make me, shape me, Lord.” 

Gospel Track 2 – “God Has Changed Me”- 5 stars

Old school feel. Instant hit. This one will definitely get your hands up in the air, waving back and forth, praising and uplifting the Lord. I loved this one on the first spin. Lovely piano accompaniment. Sample lyric: "God has changed me; I'm a new creation; I'm a living testimony."

Gospel Track 3 – “Question My Faith” - 5 stars

Definitely a track you can jam to. Nice Christian groove. Funky, hip guitar groove with percussion. Sample lyrics: "People talk about me . . . why you question my faith . . . I presented my case, I decided to try and God heard my cry."

Gospel Track 4 – “My Jesus” - 5 stars

A love song to Jesus celebrating our blessed relationship with God and His goodness. Sample lyrics: "Call on that name, that sweet, sweet name, and watch how your life will change . . . my Jesus . . . He'll meet you wherever you are . . ."

Gospel Track 5 – “Saved and Sanctified” - 5 stars

Neosoul, jazzy uptempo song that talks about how life is much better with Jesus and how he doesn't want to go back to life without Him. Sample lyrics: "I'm saved. And I'm sanctified."

Gospel Track 6 – “Strong” - 5 stars 

Sample lyrics: "You have to be strong in times of trial."

Gospel Track 7 – “God Said” - 5 stars 

Classic reggae accents reminds us that God is universal. Sample lyrics: "God said . . . just trust in Me and it will be allright."

Gospel Track 8 – “Calvary” - 5 stars 

Some songs you just know from the opening notes that you’re going to connect with the song. This is one of those songs. Includes some vocals in Spanish by a member of his praise team. Sample lyrics: "Calvary, He paid the price for me . . . He died for you and me."

Gospel Track 9 – “Tell Me”- 4 stars 

Latin rhythms and jazz accents. Sample lyrics: "Don't you know my God is real . . . my God is always on my side . . . . stay prayed up and down on your knees."

Gospel Track 10 – “Favor of the Lord” - 5 stars 

Includes a rap cameo; check out the music video: jollytimeproductions.com. 

On Jolly's CD Credits:

Piano: Jonathan Palumbo and Bruce Suarez; Bass: Jose Ascencio; Drums: Million dollar Bill; Percussions: Sammy Lopez, Ivan (Tito) Perez; Guitar: Omar Chowdhury; Praise Team (background): Elizabeth Reyes, Brandon Stradford, Jackie Rodriguez, Kenisha Suarez