BYRON CAGE - LIVE AT NEW BIRTH (2003)
*singin* I can feel the presence of the Lord and I'm gonna get ma blessin right nah! This one song is worth the entire price of the CD! I couldn't listen to the rest of the project to review it because I had this song on repeat for a couple of weeks. Byron Cage aka The Prince of Praise & Worship is back with a full project that will certainly go down as one of the best in 2003. Most will probably remember Cage from his appearance on the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship projects (Yet Praise Him & Shabach), but he had two decent projects out on AIR Gospel with his group Purpose. Well four years later and a new label, the man is back with a vengeance. Produced by Kurt Carr, backed by some of the sanginest folk in Gospel and a band from outta space -- I'm sure the sanctuary of New Birth Cathedral in Atlanta (Bishop Eddie Long, pastor) was jumpin! I honestly felt like I was front n' center of a Praise & Worship service at my home church in DC. And believe me when I tell you, ma church knows how to throw down. I recommend this one to all P&W leaders. All of the songs are simple enough/short enough (this could be a complaint for some but it's all good with this reviewer) for you to learn and the saints are gonna go right on in with you! Enough ramblin, favorites from this CD include: The Presence of the Lord is Here, Thou Art A Shield For Me, There Is A Name, Byron Cage Medley, It Is To You, Glory To Your Name -- forget it, love the whole CD.

KURT CARR - AWESOME WONDER (2000)
I said I wasn't gonna do anymore reviews (when this review was orginally done!), but then I had to put this CD in and listen to it! If this project doesn't go to the top of the charts, I don't know what it will take for the world to come to know the ministry of Kurt Carr. I have everything Kurt has ever put out but this one.. *sigh* .. Simply put.. ANOINTED!! ABOVE AND BEYOND.. A few new voices to check out this time around.. (Nikki Potts - what a voice! - and Troy Bright).. The first of lady of Praise & Worship Judy McAllister drops by as well. Check out the entire album!

CHICAGO MASS CHOIR - LIVE IN NASHVILLE (2003)
I look forward to certain groups puttin' out new projects. Chicago Mass Choir is definitely at the top of my list. It seems like only yesterday that I was clappin' my hands to He That Believeth and waving my hands to Tell Jesus - Ahhh the memories! Live in Nashville pretty much picks up where Calling on You left off. Shoo I'm still jammin' off of Just As I Am from the last CD and now they want to take me back with songs like I Found Jesus and I'm Going With Jesus. This is a great CD for mass choirs and adult choirs. Most of the songs are up-tempo and easy to pick up. Note to choir directors: If you don't have capable soloists that can drive these songs like those on the CD -- lee dem alone! LOL! Favorites from this disc include: I'm Going With Jesus (quite churchy), Praise Will Fix It, Praise Jehovah, I Found Jesus (another churchy one -- grab your tambourine and buckin shoes!)

CHICAGO MASS CHOIR - CALLING ON YOU (2001)
PICK HITS: Just As I Am, I'm Blessed, Nobody But You, God Is One Prayer Away
This album is for the Sanctuary Choirs, Chorale Ensembles, Voices of Whoeva, all across the country. :c) Traditional Gospel at its best! While I stopped purchasing Chicago Mass albums after their He That Believeth release.. I thought I would purchase this new one because they had a snazzy lil cover and they are on a new label (their last label CGI bit the dust).. I'm glad I did! They take you to church on Holy Ghost Power featuring Lemmie Battles and they show Hezekiah Walker that he ain't the only one that knows how to modulate on Just As I Am! (Check for this song in the Music Room in May!) and the studioish title track .. Calling on You. One mo thang, Percy and Jeral Gray sho get around when it comes to producing. They've produced 3 tight albums this year (New Direction, Praise II and now Chicago Mass)

CHRIS & KYLE - COMIN' OUT FROM UNDER (2002)
Written By: William Bland - St. Louis, MO
Get ready, ya'll. Get ready to be blessed and blown away all at the same time. Get ready to be rained on and covered all at once. Somethin' done popped off in St. Louis, and ya'll just need to get ready. If you ain't ready, Chris & Kyle w/ True Spirit will help get you there. Their debut release from Crystal Rose Records, appropriately titled "Comin' Out From Under", will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that some powerful stuff can be generated out of the Midwest, a region oft labeled as "slow" or "behind-the-times". The set opens up a phat cut that asks the burnin' question, are you "Ready To Fight". The drive to this song reminds us that even though we "wrestle not against flesh and blood..." that WE ARE WINNERS in Jesus because the outcome has already been determined. Touch yo' neighbor and say I'M A WINNER! Keep yo' dukes up, though, because the next cut, "By Faith" will rock you into the rest of the week. No doubt inspired by a familiar passage of scripture (Hebrews 11:1), the group reminds you that you can do it, see it, believe it, AND receive it - BY FAITH. True Spirit won't just rock you all day long, now. They show off their versatility with cuts like "I'm Almost Through" and "What Worship Is" that slow down the group's up-tempo style and sends you straight into worship whether you're at home or on the road - but please pull over if you're driving - need I say more. For those of you that have been fortunate enough to attend the last two GMWA's Mass Choir sessions will undoubtedly recognize the gentle beginnings of what has to be THE most powerful song on this project, "And He Blessed My Soul", which was introduced to Minneapolis in 2001, written by Anita Watkins-Stevens. The gathering in Detroit this past August was blessed by "Because Of The Blood", and you will be too. The CD's title cut, "Comin' Out From Under" was written by the accomplished Richard Odom and will NOT, I repeat, will NOT disappoint. If you thought he ripped on Patrick Love/A.L. Jinwright with "I Can Depend On God", then you may need to install seat belts on your sofa or love seat. This brotha can go, go, go, and GO! Lemme tell ya'll (in my sho'nuff ghetto-fab style you will soon be familiar with), this gifted duo is gonna put a spiritual hurtin' on ya'll. Never mind that the music rocks to NO end, a vibe that you can feel with Kyle (one half of the dynamic duo) splitting duties with Larry Johnson on keys and organ (listen for Larry on By Faith - my GAWD!!!), and Kyle's brother, Kevin, on drums and programming. The songs THEMSELVES will just floor you - just where you need to be when you're in worship, right? Most of the songs are penned by Chris and Kyle, and they've got the right group of singers to put life to the words. I'm gonna classify this as a must-have. Wait, I'm gonna do ya'll one better - pay your tithes, then go RIGHT out and pick this one up. Chris & Kyle w/ True Spirit - "Comin' Out From Under". Yep, I'll say they sure did!

MAURETTE BROWN CLARK - BY HIS GRACE (2002)
Written By: N*ick - Los Angeles, CA
When Maurette Brown Clark received the prestigious New Artist Of The Year Award at the '99 Stellar Ceremony, the industry was excited for their new-found sweetheart. Maurette's ministry, personality, heart, and talent eased its way into the hearts of so many, that everyone was prepared for this winner to move into an awesome ministry/career. The irony of the Stellar win is, just prior to it, she had been released from her record label. In spite of that obstacle, Maurette continued to press toward the desire God placed in her heart. And now little "MISS MA'AM" is back with her sophomore release, "By His Grace" - a project that lifts the heart, encourages the soul, and puts a tappin' in your toe. With "By His Grace" Maurette was allowed into God's inner chamber, where she took dictation, and presents a project that delivers ministry that will encourage the hearts of all who listen. Being a good church-girl, Maurette can church with the best of 'em (dance & shout), but this sophomore offering delves into every aspect of her ministry. She offers pure worship and for those true worshippers it ushers the Spirit right into whatever space you are occupying at the time...so, be careful if you're driving, when listening to 'King of Kings' and 'Calvary.' My favorite cuts on this project are: 'By His Grace,' 'Even In The Rain' (cried like a baby), 'Since He Came'...if you get past the first 3 cuts...continue on to 'Come See About Me,' 'One Prayer Away,' and, awwgh heck, just do yourself a favor and buy the CD! It will do your heart & soul good. take care of you...N*ICK

DORINDA CLARK COLE - DORINDA CLARK COLE (2002)
Written By: Ben Carter - Newark, NJ
It's about time! "Dorinda Clark-Cole" has arrived and it is nothing short of excellent! Dorinda is the jazzy, raspy Clark Sister. She is the one who can take one of Twinkie's songs and "yea, yea, yea" it out to orbit and boomerang it back with the power of the Holy Ghost. Dorinda and her sisters have ministered through song for over two decades. In recent years they have gone on to build their individual ministries. While still encouraging listeners with priceless gems like "Jesus Is A Love Song" from Karen Clark Sheard's "Finally, Karen." "Nothing To Lose" from Twinkie's "FAMU" project and the live tour-de-force "Right Now God" with Alaska Mass Choir featuring Dorinda on not one but five tracks. Like Karen's debut CD, Dorinda's has a mix of live and studio tracks. The studio tracks allow Dorinda to weave her voice around state of the art PAJAM (Paul Allen & J Moss) tracks that range from urban contemporary "It's Not Me" a ballad and up-tempo blend with cousin J Moss and Karen on the background vocals. On this Dorinda tells listeners it's not her but the God in her that is responsible for this ministry. Dorinda is indeed regular folk. She comes across as the kind of performer who has never be concerned with sounding "pretty." She has always been focused on the bigger picture and that is winning souls for Christ. Asaph Ward seems to have found the perfect combination in the production for Dorinda, swaggering traditional organs, tickling jazzy pianos and funky keyboard jabs all help to carry this CD to the next level. For so many years Dorinda sang Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark compositions and on this go round she takes a stab at writing, on four of the thirteen tracks. One of the best being the retro 80's "I'm Coming Out." Dorinda ad-libs, riffs, runs and rips her way through this as only she can but she takes a quiet approach on another Clark-Cole/Ward composition "I'm Still Here." It starts off with light organ inflections and a piano accompanying Dorinda and turns into a song of deliverance. "I feel good now in here, for real!" Dorinda proclaims on the wait on the lord traditional up swing of "You Can't Hurry God." It sounds like something Mattie Moss Clark would have recorded with anointed vocals and a Holy-Ghost filled determination. "No Not One" is the PAJAM first single. Originally recorded by The Clark Sisters, it's befitting that it introduces Dorinda to the masses. With Karen and J Moss once again on the background vocals it blends the old school with the new school. This is a perfect blend of Dorinda's jazzy annunciation, the urban and classical blend of J Moss' production and the classic Clark backing vocals. It is indeed a family affair as Twinkie, Karen and Jacky join Dorinda on "Show Me The Way." A beautiful ballad with gorgeous arrangements and dynamic vocals. This is sure to please any Clark Sister's fan and will be an introduction to those of us who aren't as familiar with their legacy. Dorinda has always been the one who reminded us of her mom, the great Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. She continues to carry the torch of fiery vocals and an undying passion and zeal for Christ. With projects coming soon from both Twinkie and Karen. It is sure to keep gospel music fans satisfied but it feels especially good to "FINALLY" have "Dorinda Clark-Cole."

TWINKIE CLARK - LIVE IN CHARLOTTE (2002)
Years later people are still echoing Richard "Mr. Clean" White when he told Twinkie not to hit that note.. well on her latest disc from Verity Records.. she hit a whole buncha notes--really good ones! Live in Charlotte starts out with a blazin up-tempo remake of Jesus Saves. By the time they get to the vamp (I used to be lost.. but now I'm found) I'm no more good. Twinkie said she felt a dance.. I wish I was at the recording.. I prolly would have gotten a real good buck in. What can I say about Worship The King? It takes me in everytime! I know everyone in the church had to lose it after this number. The Clark Sisters stop through on Endow Me and Pray for the USA. I'm sure they had everyone wishing even more for a reunion album after they were through. (Just an observation..Is it me or is Karen just showin out! Mic all loud! LOL) Speakin of Karen, she comes back and rips Christ is Coming Back Again to shreds. Overall, this is a bangin CD! I can listen to the entire CD without skippin pass any tracks. That is a rare thing for me. Favorite tracks include: Jesus Saves, Worship The King, Endow Me, Thank You For The Healing, and It Won't Be Long (even the version with Dorinda). Patrick Love and Spirit of David + The Band + Jacky, Karen, and Dorinda + Twinkie (singing, and playin the organ) = A Holy Ghost Fit!. If you have some extra coins -- purchase the video. You'll enjoy it!

COMMISSIONED REUNION - LIVE (2002)
First.. lemme tell y'all that I'm not a Commissioned head. I'm familiar with Marvin Sapp through his solo projects.. Fred through his work with Radical For Christ and Keith Staten through his praise and worship material. Butttt.. I must give props to Verity for releasing this double disc project (along with the DVD-I have it but I haven't taken the time to watch it). It gives those of us who were not a familiar with the Commissioned legacy.. a full view of what everybody is ravin about! Recorded live in Detroit last year..this CD is off the hook! They pulled out all the stops, the band is tight (the horns!! Lawd), background sangas in place (Radical For Christ always puts it down!), and the brothas themselves are killin on the harmony (although I can hear Fred's overdubs). Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, Marcus Cole (brotha is bad!), Keith Staten, Mitchell Jones, Karl Reid, Michael Williams.. Rememba those names.. because you'll be hearing them for the rest of the year.. and probably years to come. I'm also sure that the award nominations will be coming in from everywhere. With over 30 songs.. how could I possibly choose the tightest tracks? I've narrowed my list down to I'm Going On, You Keep On Blessing Me, Back In The Saddle, Lord Help Me (To Help Somebody Else), King of Glory, Let Me Tell It, Ordinary Just Won't Do, Running Back To You, So Good To Know, Victory

BEVERLY CRAWFORD - FAMILY & FRIENDS LIVE (2003)
PICK HITS: Higher In The Lord, For The Rest Of My Life, There's An Answer, Miracles
Beverly Crawford has been a favorite of mine since the early 90's when she was cuttin a rug on Bobby Jones Gospel every Sunday. This is her fourth release and I believe this one will satisfy the ears of her current fans and bring in some new ones. Recorded live in Atlanta, GA and backed by Birmingham Alabama's Prince Yelder & DFC (Y'all need to send me your CD), this project is chock full of great music and special guest appearances. The CD opens with the churchy Higher in the Lord. This foot stompin number was a great way to open this CD. You should move your shoulders and nod your head to the next cut. Hold On is an groovin cut that features a guest appearance by Shirley Murdock. Both Shirley and Beverly squall their way through this one. Reminds me of the good-ole-days when Beverly & Nuana used to riff together on Bobby Jones Gospel. Things slow down a bit for the next few cuts. There's an Answer finds Beverly pairing up with her dad again. Fans should remember him from her Now That I'm Here release. They try to take us to church towards the end of the song. I wish they would have added a lil praise break in there somewhere. Things pick up again with the shoutin track Miracles. Even though the editing/production is a lil off towards the end, I wanted to get up and dance wit em. I'm Willing To Wait (for my change to come) is a slow groove that pairs her with Melvin Williams. The babies are singin (the choir, Bev, Melvin -- urbody). I was definitely encouraged to hold on and wait until my change comes after listenin to this song. I'll Never Give Up features Beverly pairin up with her daughter Latrina. Latrina sounds like a young Kim Burrell. Y'all betta watch out for her. Dr. Bobby Jones drops by and lends a hand to the classic How I Got Over. I don't know how many copies her first EMI/Dexterity project sold but I think with the right promotion and single releases, this project will be successful. Of course it doesn't hurt anything that this is one anointed & sannngin sista! ADDITIONAL PICK HITS: I'll Never Give Up