BYRON CAGE - AN INVITATION TO WORSHIP
Written By: Roderick Meadows - Atlanta, GA
The self-described "Prince of Praise" is back doing what he does best with the release of his second Gospocentric release, "An Invitation to Worship". Minister Byron Cage returns to Atlanta's New Birth Cathedral with a new, exciting set of praise and worship tunes that are sure to stir the soul. The project opens with "I Will Bless The Lord", an uptempo cut that is certain to be a P&W staple in churches across America. "Bless" segues into another stomper, "We Love You"- a duet with fellow gospel crooner and producer extraordinaire, J. Moss. Cage then takes us to the throne of Grace with a beautiful worship medley that includes Majesty-a reverent piece by Carnell Murrell, The Thomas Whitfield chestnut "In Case You've Forgotten", and the p&w anthem "Breathe". Maestro V. Michael McKay contributes the poignant "Broken But I'm Healed". Cage forgoes his previous partnership with choirmaster/songwriter Kurt Carr and aligns himself with industry goldenboys PAJAM for a collection that, while not as solid as 2003's project, is still a worthy listen. PICK HITS: I Will Bless the Lord/Reprise, Rain on Me, We Love You.

KURT CARR - ONE CHURCH
My initial listen to Kurt Carr's One Church left me feeling overwhelmed. I just felt like I was hit with too much, too soon. The voices, the arrangements, the various styles -- phew! After another listen, I came away feeling better. Certain songs were instant hits and others had/have to grow on me. Groups/Choirs are going to have to use tape recorders and xerox words during rehearsal because -- between learning ALL of the MANY words and some of the arrangements. You'll have your work cut out for you. Not to single anyone out in particular, but that durn Nakitta Clegg! Sheesh. She needs to be arrested! PICK HITS: God Great God, Power Praise, God Blocked It, One Word, If I Tell God, Why Not Trust God Again, They Didn't Know

MARCUS COLE - WRITE MY SONG
out of 5
Written By: D. "Three" Walker - San Antonio, TX
Ever since his appearance with Commissioned at their 2001 reunion recording, I've known that Marcus Cole was poised to take command of the stage all on his own. His debut release, here, is a welcome undertaking. Soulful, earthy vocal tones and the grit that we generally love in a male Gospel artist are all present. He opens the CD with a declaration that nothing else really matters as long he's got the Lord on "That's Alright (Cause I Got You)", advising you, right from jump-street, that his heart is in the right place. Immediately following, is "The Lord Has Been Good", a song written by Luther "Mano" Hanes (who also produced this project) that you would have heard on the last CD from Ron Winans: Family & Friends Vol 5. This time around, of course, Marcus gives ad-libs through-out. You'll spend much time meditating and reflecting as you listen to this project. It flows in a mostly mellow flavor, blending smooth R&P ballads, Neo-Soul sounds and even an acoustic number. Then there is a strangely placed praise and worship cut, "Celebrate", which, although it is a likable song, probably should have been saved for the next release. The title cut, "Write My Song" is easily my favorite. Petitioning the Savior and Creator to be maestro and make a symphony out of our lives, it's creatively well-written and beautifully sung. Another gem is "Bless My soul". The most urban cut is "I Don't Know" featuring hip-hop artist 2Five, who laid down a rap verse. Marcus allows himself to be transparent so that you may be able to find yourself somewhere in the lineup of songs. It's a nice industry introduction on the Pure Springs Gospel label. PICK HITS: That's Alright, Remember to Breathe, Write My Song, Being With You, Persuaded, Celebrate, You're There, Bless My Soul

CHARLES & TAYLOR - CHARLES & TAYLOR
out of 5
Written By: Chris McInnis - Washington, DC
What do you call a brother-sister gospel duo with a combined age of 28? Integrity Gospel likes to call them, Charles & Taylor. Charles & Taylor is the latest adaptation from the label that has brought us such gospel greats as Israel Houghton, Lisa McClendon, and Stephen Hurd. At the ages of 15 and 13 respectively, Charles & Taylor bring a sound which is surprisingly mature in tone and delivery. If you are expecting to hear kiddie voices and underdeveloped lyrics on this project, expect to be disappointed. I'm a sucker for a good worship song and Charles & Taylor definitely try to go beyond the veil. Although the production on a few songs was fragile, this is still a respectable project for their first offering. Both Charles & Taylor have an abundance of musical potential. Are they the next generation of Ted & Sherri? Not quite, but get back to me in about 5 years. PICK HITS: Still Gonna Pray, You are God Alone (Not A God), I Worship You, Better than Life, Made To Worship You

THE CLARK SISTERS - LIVE! ONE LAST TIME
out of 5
Written By: Louis Williams - Washington, DC
With over 30 plus years of musical experience and countless numbers of albums (both collectively and individually) under their belts, The Clark Sisters culminate the end of a recording career as a group with a special offering through an exclusive recording deal with EMI Gospel entitled "Live! One Last Time" recorded live in Houston, Texas in the summer of 2006. With production being handled by Donald Lawrence (who is famous for doing too much when producing other artists -- remember Hezekiah Walker's 20/85 The Experience? Here we go again...), One Last Time features 6 new tracks and a medley of 10 older Clark Sisters hits. While the recording itself should satisfy new and old fans alike, the glaring production faults will irk even the nicest critic. You think you're going to hear the patented "Clark Sisters" sound, but what you end up with is what sounds like stacked overdubbed Karen Clark Sheard vocals on top of the original live recording vocals. If I wanted to be a jerk, I'd say that you could call this the fifth Karen Clark Sheard solo album, but since I'm a nice guy I'll be just that -- nice. In addition to the overdubs, the choppy editing within the medley of older songs could prove to be a nerve wrecker. That aside, even though it remains to be seen if this will actually be the FINAL recording or not, it was a nice effort. Maybe the ladies will have a change of heart and do another recording exploring more of their vast repertoire. PICK HITS: "Livin'", "Something New", "You Heard My Cry", "Name It, Claim It", "Looking To Get There", "My Redeemer Liveth"

MAURETTE BROWN CLARK-THE DREAM
out of 5
Written By: Kenisha Ringgold - Newark, DE
Maurette Brown Clark is the everywoman of gospel singers. Something about her music is instantly relatable. This project is no different. Produced by Alex Ward, "The Dream" marks her entry into the hit or miss world of the "live recording". Anthony Brown & Answered Prayers alongside local talent provide the background vocals. Arrangements begin simply but then fleetingly transform into something fresh and optimistic. "One God" (penned by Darien Dennis) opens the CD, which will inevitably be this summer's church anthem. It is followed by the pulsating bass of "Has God Done Anything for You" turn it up loud, and rock out; Maurette does her thing on this one. The irresistible voice of then 4 year old Jada Clark singing "I Am What God Says I Am" against an ultra refined vocal setting makes for a nice contrast. Little Jada also proves the apple did not fall far from the tree. Perhaps the most poignant tracks are "Sovereign God" and "The Dream". "Sovereign God" emanates layered harmonies which have a restraint and beauty that leaves an indelible impression. "The Dream", the song for which the CD is entitled is another song which delivers the promise of bringing Maurette's live ministry into our iPods, stereos and hearts. She sings: "I dreamed your soul would be saved/I dreamed your life would never be the same/Though I may never know your name/ I dreamed your soul/ I saw it saved." Maurette's sincerity and unique talent is conveyed throughout the record. "The Dream" is a definite HIT! PICK HITS: Sovereign God, One God, Has God Done Anything For You, It Ain't Over, The Dream

TWINKIE CLARK - HOME AGAIN
Home Again...Live in Detroit is the CD that should take Twinkie Clark to the top of the charts. Her last project (Live in Charlotte) was decent, but this one right here is a beast. Twinkie is in great voice and is backed by background vocalists that are out of this world. Both the song selections and production are on point. Asaph Ward is to be commended for his work in the producer's chair. Even though I could have used one or two more tracks, this project is definitely short but sweet. Features A Guest Appearance By: The Clark Sisters. PICK HITS: Everything You Need Is Right Here, Intercession, I Made It, For Whatsoever A Man Soweth [originally posted 11.04]

DORINDA CLARK COLE - LIVE IN HOUSTON/THE ROSE OF GOSPEL
Written By: Roderick A. Meadows - Atlanta, GA
Inspirational. Churchy. Soulful. Beautiful... These words describe both Dorinda Clark-Cole and her sophomore project, "Live in Houston: The Rose of Gospel"- the long-awaited follow-up to her 2003 self-titled smash. Recorded live at St. Agnes Church in Houston, Texas. Produced by the brilliant Alex "Asaph" Ward, the party gets started with the calypso praise jam "Great is The Lord" with Dorinda doing her trademark riffs. Already a radio favorite, "Great" will definitely be on the "to-learn" list for praise teams all over the country. Clark-Cole revamps and re-visits the delirious groove "Work to Do"- a cut previously found on The Clark Sister's last album together Miracle. Never one to forget her traditional roots, Dorinda gives the church folk something to dance to with the rollicking "So Many Times aka Rescue Praise" The introspective ballad "I've Got A Reason" is a personal testimony that picks up where "I'm Still Here" left off, and up-and coming singer/musician Kevin Gray duets with Clark-Cole on the lushly-orchestrated soul-stirrer "Everything He Promised". Those raspy jazz riffs are back on the laid back "For the Rest of My Life". My only complaint about this project was the fact that the accompanying DVD hasn't been released yet. I would have liked an additional track, maybe another Clark Sisters "reunion cut", but the unique finale- a spoken word entitled "The Word Becomes Flesh" fills the gap just fine, with Dorinda's soothing voice reading scripture over instrumental accompaniment. PICK HITS: Great Is The Lord, Say Yes, I've Got A Reason, So Many Times

COKO - GRATEFUL
out of 5
Written By: Kenisha Ringgold - Newark, DE
Coko (formerly of 90's super group SWV) finally gives the people what they want. After successful collaborations with Brent Jones and Youthful Praise, the expectation of a gospel project was born. Nearly five years after the song "Midnite" became a hit, Coko comes full circle. Armed with sought after producers Warryn Campbell, Donald Lawrence, Asaph Ward, Shep Crawford and even her husband "Big Mike" Clemons, she brings on the audio assault. "Grateful" suffers from a mild identity crisis; but it works in the project's favor. The blend of traditional songs and ultra slick contemporary production does not leave the listener with genre shock. Instead, it moves the CD at a nice pace, that never gets boring or predictable. The first track "Look at Me" however, was not a favorite, the instrumental intro is very reminiscent of a cheesy TV theme song. It was admirable for her to cover this Tramaine Hawkins classic, but this song did not pull me in as a listener. However, upon closer inspection I found the rest of the CD to be a solid effort and the first faux pas was easily dismissed as poor sequencing. Coko easily maneuvers between the orchestral "Holy" and the light and bouncy "Promise". The title track is an enjoyable mid-tempo cut; that could have easily found a home on Kiki's "This is Me". Lil Moe, Fantasia and Faith Evans nearly achieve Clark Sister's magic with "Endow Me". This is Coko's first gospel project and I hope it will not be her last. PICK HITS: The Reason, Please Don't Forget, Endow Me, Holy, Grateful

CLAUDIUS CRAIG & LOOSE THE FAMILAR - SELF TITLED
out of 5
Often times there are really good projects that are overlooked because the market is so saturated with new releases. Well, then there's the possibility that labels don't have a big enough budget to market a release the right way, but whatever the case, you need to take notice of this release from Atlanta, Georgia's own Claudius Craig and Loose The Familiar. If the name strikes you as odd, to put it simply, don't put God in a box. Don't allow your worship to become routine. Got it? Good. Craig and crew present a studio offering with songs that can easily be added to the repertoire of praise and worship teams or choirs across the country. From the head-noddin praise joints King of Glory, Great is The Lord and Champion to the heavy worship of We Cherish and Worship Medley that pulls up the rear of the CD. Claudius Craig and Loose The Familiar's debut is nice! PICK HITS: King of Glory, Great is The Lord, Jacob's Song, Let Him Reign, Come on Lift Your Hands, We Cherish, Worship Medley

TUNESHA CRISPELL - JUST AS I AM
If you're familiar with the ministry of James Hall and Worship & Praise, then you've heard the melodious voice of Tunesha Crispell. She was the lead vocalist on songs like Anything But Fail, Perfect Security and God Specializes. I fell in love with her voice the first time I heard it. She and husband Melvin Crispell (musical director for James Hall) have put together a wonderful offering titled Just As I Am. I can't get enough of this CD. I love the "unplugged" feel of the project. Vocals, organ, keys, drums and bass/lead guitar. That's it. Plain and simple but best believe it doesn't work for everyone. I'm looking forward to the next CD. PICK HITS: Dwell In Me, Open My Mouth, Just As I Am, On My Way, Saved