TONYA BAKER - SINCE HE CAME IN
There's something about a female vocalist that knows how to give you that raw emotion when they sing. I suspect this is why people love folks like the Clark Sisters, Kim Burrell, and even R&B's Fantasia. These ladies know how to throw down. Well, I would like to add Ohio's Tonya Baker to this list. She's made quite a bit of noise over the last year. From appearing on the Evolution II Tour (with Byron Cage, Tonex and others), releasing her debut release and having one of the songs from that release appear on two national projects (Tonex & Gospel Today Presents), and traveling quite extensively -- this lady has been BUSY! She's back with her sophomore project Since He Came In. Pretty much picking up where her debut Life in Him left off, this project features more great material and incredible vocals from Baker. The bulk of the material here is slow to mid-tempo, which might bother some, but it works. You definitely don't want to miss this one. PICK HITS: Where Would I Be, Vengeance is Mine, Oh God, You Said, Special Friend

EDDIE BALTRIP & FULFILLMENT - INSTRUMENT OF PRAISE
out of 5
Having been blessed tremendously by their last release Glory To His Name [Lord I Love You still wears me out], I was excited to hear about a new release from Eddie Baltrip and Fulfillment. Now on a new label, Baltrip and crew release Instrument of Praise. Channeling the likes of Ricky Dillard & New G and Youthful Praise, heavy on the vibrato and with certain flair, Fulfillment doesn't sound bad, however much of the material here is lacking, and the production end of it all could have been stronger. Again, tracks submitted by Tonex come up short [Steal Away is ok, but... Sup T?] and others feel as if they are missing something. Dary Coley lends his vocal chops to the title track. I'd suggest sampling this one before purchase. PICK HITS: Try Him, Think About It, Instrument of Praise

FREDA BATTLE & THE TEMPLE WORSHIPPERS - HERE IS OUR PRAISE
out of 5
One look at Freda Battle's resume will tell you that she's no stranger to the gospel music industry. Even though Here is Our Praise is her 2nd national release with the Temple Worshippers on Axiom Records, Freda has been recording and leading worship for quite a while. Pairing up with Israel Houghton on the production end of things on this endeavor, she has churned out quite a project this time around. Here Is Our Praise is quite Sunday morning friendly. Not only will you find choir music here, but music for smaller worship teams is featured as well...but then that's to be expected with Battle and Houghton at the helm. Battle and her trademark exhortations shine through on several tracks -- but don't miss the soloists featured on this project. Houghton steps from behind the scenes and into the spotlight on the reassuring track I Know The Plans. PICK HITS: Sing For Joy, For All You've Done, Here Is Our Praise, Over and Over Again, I Know The Plans

WILL BONDS & IOP - REJOICE
out of 5
Written By: Jon R. Moore - Washington, DC
Making their debut on the mainstream gospel scene with a fresh set of vocals and a well-skilled assemblage of musicians are Will Bonds and his aptly named group of singers known as IOP (Instruments of Praise). It is true that the formulaic mixture of creative vocal harmonies, tight instrumentation, and solid arrangements is what lies behind the success of most any recording group. However, without a lot of R&B hit sampling, superfluous displays of unearthly range/running ability, or over-vibratization *made-up word* (all collectively termed "gospel dramatics"), Will Bonds & IOP have packaged this formula in such a fresh way that it successfully sets them apart from a cadre of other new artists and garners several nods of approval from this reviewer. Although they're just now gaining exposure to a national audience this group has been together for over 10 years, has one independently released project under their belts and, with a follow-up like "Rejoice", shows no signs of slowing. Based upon less-than-satisfying experiences and lowered expectations with the rash of albums that have been released in recent years I was initially reluctant to buy into yet another watered down praise-and-worship offering, however WB & IOP had me by the time I made it to the vamp of "Jesus Is Able", the albums opening track. It is this first track that sets the tone for the rest of the album; wrapped in laid-back grooves that are hot enough to put a snap in the fingers but easy enough that several consecutive spins won't fatigue the ears. Listeners will find that there is no shortage of upbeat grooves on the album but worship is IOP's strong suit and is a well-played hand on tunes like "Instrument of Praise", "Cry No More", and "Here In Your Presence". So what better to further induce worship than a hymn of the church? Their contemporary arrangement of "It Is Well" with, Niecey Duhart doing an awesome job on lead, is a perfect example of this and is worth a listen. The album's praise-and-worship vibe is also evident on the radio-friendly title track, "Rejoice", which is sure to be picked up by P&W teams everywhere. While the album hits all points musically, there remains room for improvement in the lyrical content. Yes, the meaning of each song is quite adequately conveyed throughout, but the number of songs that really provoked thought or were uniquely phrased was fewer than desired. Additionally, the more upbeat tunes tend to take on the same sound at times and blur together. However, the beauty of the vocal arrangements and sheer groove of the music make up for it and the overall result is a solid offering and a good investment for anyone seeking new music. PICK HITS: Jesus Is Able, Rejoice, Instrument of Praise, It Is Well

JEVON BROCK & RESTORATION - ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY
out of 5
When you think of Wisconsin, your mind goes to the Green Bay Packers and cheese right? I can't recall a time when I've heard of a gospel artist coming from this area, but now I know of one young man and his group. Jevon Brock & Restoration's Another Opportunity has the same flavor as many of the projects coming out on the East Coast. You heard one live project; you've heard em all right? Not a bad thing though. Anytime I get a chance to add more great more music to my collection, I don't complain. Brock and crew can hang with the best of em. The production end of things (the overall mix) could have been cleaner. Judging from the audience feedback on the CD, it sounds like this live recording was quite the memorable one. Wish I could have been there. PICK HITS: Alright, Mountains, One Came Back, Going Home, You Deserve Praises, Still in The Making

MICHAEL BROOKS & ROYAL PRIESTHOOD - SELF TITLED
Staying true to form, Michael Brooks puts it down with his signature production on this new release featuring his church choir. Pastoring since 97, Brooks has assembled 22 vocalists from the ministry and laced us with 10 tracks that choir lovers should enjoy. Keeping it in the family, wife Lisa Page-Brooks, son Justin "Jay" Brooks, and daughter Latia Page join in on the fun. Who knew that they ALL could sing?! If you've enjoyed Brooks' production on Witness, Young Artist For Christ and Commissioned projects, you'll enjoy this one. My repeat button gets stuck on Great King and Nothings Too Hard For Him. For those smaller groups or ensembles that may be looking for new music with a lil bit of flavor, this CD is for you. PICK HITS: Great King, You Reign, Be Encouraged, I Say Thank You and Nothings Too Hard For Him

PHILLIP BRYANT - GRACEFULLY
out of 5
It's hard to listen to a lot of contemporary gospel these days because you never know what you're going to get. Lyrics that don't necessarily reflect the gospel message and/or music tracks that are borderline corny in the producer's attempt to stay current. 20-something North Carolinian Phillip Bryant doesn't have that problem though. His debut Gracefully is a breath of fresh air to the gospel industry. His delivery has been compared to that of Fred Hammond and Usher -- I can see that. He definitely presents the Gospel message, and his delivery comes across as sincere and soulful. Whatever the case, this brother is on point! The face of Gospel Music is getting younger and younger and I'm lovin it. Makes me wonder what I was thinking about at 20. Maybe I should have recorded a CD. PICK HITS: Promise, I Surrender All, What You Gonna Do, Already Alright, All & All, Gracefully, Zion, Oh Lord We Are Calling

RODNIE BRYANT - CHANGE OF SEASONS
Rodnie Bryant's Change of Seasons CD is a welcomed treat as we enter into the hot days of Summer. This is definitely a hot one! Along with his Christian Community Mass Choir crew, Bryant welcomes two new Indianapolis groups, Yet Unseen and the Indiana Youth Gospel Mass Choir. Each group tackles new material and some hits from yesteryear. Nikki Ross-Turnley is featured on Carl Preacher's My Liberty. Made famous by the signature vocals of Yolanda Adams, Turnley's presentation as well as a few changes in the vocal arrangements are quite interesting. She came out of the box riffin and runnin! *smile* This CD will definitely get quite a few spins in my Discman. Tyscot Records is doing big things in the 05! You'll also be able to catch this one on DVD. PICK HITS: Say The Word, My Liberty, We've Come This Far By Faith, Jesus You Satisfy My Need, What Would I Do Without You, Never in My Life

MYRON BUTLER & LEVI - STRONGER (2007)
Written By: Kenisha Ringgold - Newark, DE
out of 5
PICK HITS: Stronger, Unrestrained Praise, Here With Me, I Need More of You
Hailed as the protégé of Kirk Franklin, and winner of four Stellar Awards for his debut project Set Me Free, Myron Butler & Levi are back! Rather than returning to the urban contemporary formula, which worked so well on his first project, Butler diversifies the musical styles this time around. The title cut, Stronger provides the prefect example. Like Set Me Free, it has a distinctive percussive sound, but Stronger is, well a little stronger or more intentional in its sound. Snares, synths, and horns blaze like the anthem of a champion boxer entering the ring ready to deliver a blow. Levi talks to the listener, sympathizing about the pains and struggles typically encountered. This is no sad song though; instead it is a song of rejoicing. It is because of the hardships that they are stronger than before. One of the greatest departures from the first project is the song, I Live. It softly begins with a brooding bass line, Levi sings in unison "There's not a day that I live you ever didn't to come through. I know I can live this life as long as I have you." It's a fusion of Rock and Gospel that is pretty successful. While, Butler does experiment with his sound he did not wholly abandon what proved to work the first time around. Several songs including a reworking of the classic Above All provides the worship fix. Rooted in a more traditional gospel sound, Jesus Saves does its small share of throwback duty as well. What I like about this album is that it does manage to cross many genres (rock, CCM, jazz, blues, gospel, funk) while maintaining the integrity of the record. It's rare that the buffet approach to making a music (a little something for everybody) results in something most will want to listen to entirely. Stronger may be an exception. Butler has said, "My goal as a songwriter and as a leader is to deliver a message that empowers people to do what God has called them to do." Mission Accomplished!

MYRON BUTLER & LEVI - SET ME FREE
If you didn't know by now, I'm a fan of good sangin' [not singing but sangin']! Myron Butler and Levi do a pretty piece of sangin' on their debut release "Set Me Free". No stranger to industry, Butler and many in the group honed their craft while in the group God's Property. If you were a fan of the group, you'll definitely enjoy this one. Short and sweet with 10 tracks, Set Me Free will appeal to fans of Tye Tribbett and GA, James Fortune & FIYA and those that have been waiting for the God's Property reunion. GP alum Candy West drops in on several lead vocal spots. PICK HITS: Set Me Free, Latter Rain, Alright, Everything, Survive

JUANITA BYNUM - A PIECE OF MY PASSION
out of 5
There's no doubting Juanita Bynum's popularity in Christendom today. An author, recording artist, talk show host, conference host and preacher, she does it all. Though I'm not a fan (can I use that word in Gospel?), I was intrigued by the news of her latest double-disc release. Now on her own label [Flow Records], with production help from the likes of Myron Williams and Robert "JoJo" Hill, and decent material, Bynum has grown vocally and churned out quite a listenable project. Never one to stray too far from what she's known for, she tackles worship songs like You Are Great and Holy, church standards, He's A Wonder in My Soul and Yes (the COGIC anthem), and even dabbles on the contemporary side of things with Break Forth Praise and Wonderful Is Your Name (first heard from Hez & LFCC). The CD artwork and title may throw you off, but once you crack the seal, you just might enjoy what you hear. PICK HITS: Break Forth Praise, You Are Great, Holy, Change, Wonderful Is Your Name