Who can find a soulworshipper?

Thursday, 28 May 2009 21:06

By Toni Terrell
The Answer Editor-in-Chief

Las Vegas has musical talent oozing from its veins – vocalists who can out sing the best of them, drummers who can command an audience without a melody, and choirs who sound like roaring thunder – but who can find a soulworshipper? It sounds like a tribe of people who speak a different language.


Judging by his personal lullabies, Minister Kenneth Martin, Jr. can communicate with God in this special language that only a few seem to know – at least that’s what it looks and sounds like.


In the spirit, it appears as if Jesus is whispering into the ear of the Father, ‘your boy is on the ivory again’. As the notes began to spring from the keyboard, you wonder what each one means from one spirit to another.


The expressions on his face suggest that each chord struck represents drips of salutations. The one-finger melodies that follow personify gentle kisses shared between loved ones, and the sweet chord progressions that sneak up behind resemble the heart-to-heart hugs between friends glad to see one another after a close call between life and death.


Can you imagine what an impromptu song says?


“When I’m at my best in music, someone possibly even myself, might have an emotional experience and feel a warm or chilled feeling come over them, and it might possibly cause them to ponder a decision and make a turn for the good,” the 35-year-old music lover explained.


“But the soulful sound of the worshiper will however cause a supernatural occurrence from the hand of Jehovah to totally transform that person’s life and bring complete peace and pure love,” Martin added.


An accomplished keyboardist with more than sixteen years experience and the lead musician for the popular gospel group Spirit of Praise Ministries, Martin has probably been the best kept secret in Las Vegas for the last four years – until now.


Originally from Fairfield, California, Martin is known for his tasteful flavor on the Hammond B 3 Organ in San Francisco where he nurtured his craft as he served as minister of music for fifteen years. His weighty background in gospel music – both contemporary and traditional - was evident although the minister of the gospel clearly displays skill in R&B, Jazz, Blues and Funk.


“I don’t take any credit for what God has done with my music, it is definitely all Him,” the son of a preacher man will quickly admit.


“I love music and I love to play it. However, at this juncture and season in my life, I’ve noticed and realized the difference between performance and real worship ministry,” said Martin, who travels extensively with the group ministering. “Both may sound good and draw a response from people, but only one gets the attention of the Father.”


Married to his wife of twelve years, Maya Martin, and father to their two daughters, Chelyn, 9 and Chenel, 7, the Bay Area preacher started his soulworshipping journey at the age of five when he began singing with his siblings. The musician graduated to playing piano and organ at age 12 and eventually established a gospel choir at Armijo High School in his sophomore year. It was in 1997 that he answered his call to the ministry.


“I love my God, I love my family and I love my life,” Minister Martin proclaims. “My love for music transcends time and generations, yet it remains constant with the flow and the direction of God. My desire is to see lives changed and added to the kingdom of God. If I can provoke that change through a calming melody or soothing instrumental flow, my heart is made glad.”


In his presence for more than one song at any given time, it is clear to see that this man has a heart for worship. “I have worked with musicians all my life, I’ve been directing choirs since I was six years old,” said Rochelle Schoener, musician director for the Spirit of Praise.


“I have seen talent that you would not believe. But when it is all said and done, I want to work with musicians and vocalists who have a heart for worship. Kenny has that heart. When he told me that he would rather have favor than anything else, I knew then he was the musician for the Spirit of Praise – not to mention the brother is ultra talented,” Schoener added.


Just weeks away from releasing their first collaboration, Schoener and Martin serve as the musical giants behind the new and improved gospel group. “Spirit of Praise brought back a sound that has been missing in the industry for some time. They truly are minstrels unto the Lord and I'm so excited about this time for them because they are about to take the kingdom by storm,” said T’Mil Curtis of Emerge Records.


One of Martin’s newest songs scheduled to be released first is “More of You,” a love song to God. Performed at the group’s Second Annual Concert Persuaded to Praise, the piece left listeners in tears as its sincerity could be felt in every word.


As the group sang “More of You,” which prompted hands lifted to God in worship, the song proved to be one of the highlights of the evening and was considered a vocal and musical sacrifice to God. “That is going to be my coming out song,” said KCEP Radio Personality Dave Wallace. “You heard it right here in front of everyone, as soon as you all drop that I will play it every day for a year.”


Humble with every compliment, Martin has gained respect through the Las Vegas community as he dazzles listeners with his skillful prances up and down the piano keys and his cross-over chord hopping. His recent accompaniment on the piano for the New Antioch Christian Fellowship Choir during the highly televised funeral of Officer James Manor has heightened his admiration amongst the Christian community even more.


But if you ask people what they appreciate the most in the skillful musician, some may say that he is an excellent father and husband – always balancing his time with music and his time with his family. Others may say he is an excellent teacher of music and a prolific song writer. There is another group who would argue that his encouragement of others in the Word is noteworthy and his attention to detail is commendable.


But if you know him truly, the first thing that will come out of your mouth is the best thing about Kenneth Martin, Jr. is He Is a Worshipper!
So who can find a soulworshipper? I can.
Last Updated on Thursday, 28 May 2009 21:10

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