MARVIN SAPP - THIRSTY (2007)
Written By: Roderick A. Meadows - Atlanta, GA
out of 5
PICK HITS: Never Would Have Made It, Place of Worship, Magnify
For some folk, the number 7 is lucky. Biblically speaking, 7 is the number of completion. But for celebrated psalmist and Michigan-based pastor Marvin Sapp the number is somewhat of a contradiction. "Thirsty", his seventh solo project is an interesting, albeit uneven blend that finds him moving from the familiarity of his contemporary work into the realm of praise and worship. Israel Houghton co-hort Aaron Lindsey is at the helm of production and serves as musical director this time out. My biggest gripe about an otherwise solid project was the sequencing of the tracks. The 3 up-tempo cuts "Magnify", "Power" and "Possess the Land" are all bunched together at the beginning of the album, leaving the ballads to round out the final 10 cuts. But this isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially when you have the powerful voice of Pastor Sapp and the top-notch vocal support of Myron Butler and Levi aboard. The acoustic-guitar anchored "Place of Worship" is outstanding. Close your eyes and you can almost picture the inner sanctum of Heaven while listening to this remake of a Jason Nelson tune. I couldn't stop playing this one, along with "Worshipper in Me"-an almost jazzy, laid-back cut that will soon be a staple for praise teams all over the country. Sapp puts an interesting spin on the timeless hymn "In the Garden", and continues with the reverent harmonies on the title cut. "Never Would Have Made It" -the first single off the album is classic Sapp-replete with his patented soul-shouting squalls that we first came to love during his days with Commissioned. The man can flat out saaang ya'll!! The funky, percussive opener "Magnify" (another soon-to-be praise team favorite) only makes us wish for a couple of more upbeat tunes. Overall, "Thirsty" is a good album. It's not my favorite Marvin Sapp project (that will always be a tie between "I Believe" and "Diary of A Psalmist"), but it takes you right into the heart of God.
MARVIN SAPP - BE EXALTED
Written By: Sonya D. Bradford - Springfield, MA
I don't know. Maybe I'm stuck in the past, but none of Marvin Sapp's projects as a WHOLE seem to move me like his debut solo project [Grace and Mercy, Word/Epic] did. I spent countless hours listening to that freshman project; mostly because it made me feel so alive in Christ and so in love with God! It's probably unfair for me to make that comparison, but when a musical offering touches me like that, I'm always looking for "seconds" in the next one, and the next one, and the one after that. Don't get me wrong, "Be Exalted" is a quality project. It's full of "nice" songs with "nice" lyrics and "nice" music. Excuse me if I sound redundant, but I'm just one woman, and that's my opinion. Perhaps the feel has a lot to do with the plethora of producers/arrangers who had a hand in this project. When it comes to the kitchen, you know what they say about too many hands being in one pot. Marvin Sapp has an impeccable voice and an unmistakable sound. Plus, he's been around for a long time - certainly long enough to establish a "faithful following." So, if no one else is blessed by "Be Exalted," surely they will be. PICK HITS: Be It Unto Me, Be Exalted, Perfect Peace, Everything That I Am, That Name, He Won't Fail
KAREN CLARK SHEARD - IT'S NOT OVER
Karen Clark Sheard's fourth musical offering starts 2006 off with a bang. Now on Word Records and linked with the production team of Israel Houghton and Aaron Lindsay, It's Not Over may give her debut Finally Karen a run for its money. Recorded live in Detroit, MI, Sheard holds it down on the high energy tracks Rejoice and Be Glad & Authority, and transitions into serious worship with Show Me Your Glory and a medley of songs that inlcudes Oh The Glory of Your Presence, The Lord's Prayer & Worship Forever. The album closes with studio offerings from PAJAM and one of my favorites produced by her son J. Drew, Living Testimony. Fans of the Clark Sisters will love the throwbacks to their hits Hallelujah and You Brought The Sunshine. Cop this one folks. PICK HITS: I Never Will/You Brought The Sunshine, Favor, Show Me Your Glory, You Showed Me, A Living Testimony
KIERRA "KIKI" SHEARD - I OWE YOU
It's Kierra Sheard's time. She's not the little girl in the Finally Karen video anymore. Her debut project I Owe You, should be well received by gospel industry leaders and fans alike. She picks up where her grandmother, mother and aunts (cousin Jimmy too! lol) left off. Such a legacy! I didn't have to press skip on my Discman at all -- as a matter of fact, my repeat button got stuck on Let Go, Praise Offering and Sweetest Thing (incorporating Karen & Dorinda's songs in her adlibs -- HOT!) a couple of times. Speakin of Sweetest Thing, PAJAM, Darkchild, and urbody else better watch out for J. Drew. He did his thing on the production tip. Come on Kierra, take your bow. You did your thing ma. Features Guest Appearances By: J. Moss, T. Bizzy, & Dona Vigor. PICK HITS: You Don't Know, Let Go, Praise Offering, Sweetest Thing, All I Am, S.N.A.P. [originally posted 11.04]
KIERRA "KIKI" SHEARD - JUST UNTIL...
Because I've been strapped for cash this year, dual disc, greatest hits, and remix CD's are not even at the top of my TO PURCHASE list. With Kierra Sheard's latest though, I HAD to have it. EMI Gospel decided to put out a lil sum'n sum'n to hold us over while "KiKi" works on her next release due out in 2006. While most remixes on TV or the radio lately feature the original track with a verse from the hottest MC at the moment, all of Kierra's tracks have something new added. I know they couldn't remix the entire I Owe You project but a remix to Praise Offering would have made this CD even hotter than it already is. Just Until also features a new track by PAJAM. You need this one for your collection. The music is definitely tight and the special price is just right. PICK HITS: You Don't Know (Godson Rock Joint), All I Am (Ol' Skool Quiet Storm Remix), Let Go (The Godson Concept), Sweetest Thing (Soul House Mix), That Thing
KIERRA "KIKI" SHEARD - THIS IS ME SPECIAL EDITION
out of 5
One of the most anticipated CD's of 2006 has arrived. The sophomore project from Kierra "KiKi" Sheard is here and it's hot! While I consider her debut I Owe You more "churchy", the production team of Antonio Neal, PAJAM, Darkchild's Fred Jerkins, PJ Morton, Warryn Campbell, J. Drew Sheard and Tommy Simms have helped craft an urban masterpiece that further solidifies young Ms. Sheard as one of the hottest female vocalists in the gospel game. While most of the producers submitted great material for this project, you HAVE to keep your eyes on KiKi's younger brother J. Drew. His work on one of my favorite singles from the CD, "Faith" is crazy. KiKi wanted us to know who she really was; well I got the message loud and clear. It's all good! Be sure to cop the Special Edition version of this project so you can experience all of the Kierra Sheard you're able to handle. PICK HITS: You're The Only One, It Is What It Is, This Is Me, Wrong Things, Why Me, Faith, Hear This, No Never, It's Not Over, This Is Me Live
JASON SHEPHERD & ANOTHER LEVEL - SONGS VOL. 1
Chicago gospel artists never seem to disappoint. After hearing a sample Jason Shepherd and Another Level's project, I had to hear the entire CD. Similar to Jonathan Nelson & Purpose and several others that are riding the Praise & Worship train, their project Songs Vol 1. features 10 songs that will usher in the presence of God. Normally CD's that feature several slow songs in a row are a turn-off for me, but I didn't mind with this project. The songs were written well and kept me in worship mode. It's also rare to find a CD that doesn't feature a host of "big name" soloists but those featured are able to hold their own. Major plus in my book. This will go down as one of my favorite indie releases in 05. PICK HITS: Sacrifice of Praise, Follow You, No Place Like Home, Vessel, Until You Bless Me
SEAN SIMMONDS - TRUE STORY
out of 5
There's a new name being added to the list of Gospel's rising male vocalists. You have Smokie, Deitrick, Tonex and now Sean Simmonds. Having received his sampler a little over a year ago, Simmonds finally releases his debut with national distribution through Alliant Music Group. While most of the material comes off as lacking to me, the brother's vocal abilities are to be admired. One listen to Won't It Be and you'll be able to tell that he can indeed sing and that the talent is there. Fans of Montrel Darrett (who has writing credits on two songs) and Tonex might enjoy this one. A special thanks goes out for the shout out to NuthinButGospel in the CD credits. PICK HITS: For Love, All My Life/fea. T. Black, Look At Me Now, Won't It Be, Wherever
THE SINGLETONS - BETTER THAN THAT
out of 5
The "Family Act" is nothing new in Gospel music. In fact, it's more of a tradition. Take the Winans, for example, or the Pace Sisters, Clark Sisters, the Murrills -- brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins -- all of em -- you've seen a group of "kinfolk" together singing God's praises. The Singletons 2002 debut Pour Out Your Holy Spirit didn't really move me with the exception of a couple of tracks, but their new project Better Than That is a step up. Fred Hammond handles production duties again with writing credits going to several people. 11 tracks in all, I found my repeat button getting stuck on the last half of the CD. Kirk Franklin makes a guest appearance on Give Him The Praise. PICK HITS: Dance In The Spirit, Better Than That, Give Him The Praise, For Me, Keep Holdin' On To Me, Worthy To Be Praised
RICHARD SMALLWOOD & VISION - JOURNEY: LIVE IN NEW YORK
out of 5
Written By: Roderick Meadows - Atlanta, GA
For nearly 25 years Richard Smallwood has woven a tapestry of marvelous gospel music that has earned him the admiration of his peers, up-and-coming artists and gospel music lovers everywhere. His latest and live double-disc project, "Journey: Live in New York" is an anniversary celebration of sorts. Recorded on August 24, 2005 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, the offering features guest appearances by Kelly Price, The Hawkins Family, Kim Burrell, the legendary Smallwood Singers and even Chaka Khan. The project begins with a "unique" audio-history of Richard's growth into the acclaimed maestro he is today, narrated by Al "The Bishop" Hobbs and interspersed with various compositions from his youth. This introduction gives way to the stirring personal testimony of "I Won't Give Up". Kim Burrell makes a guest appearance on the title cut-a percolating uptempo cut that showcases her jazzy vocals underscored with the able backing of Vision. The ballad "I'll Trust You" is beautiful, but I experienced 'deja vu' after listening to it-it sounds really familiar-almost too familiar- "Healing" redux perhaps? The much-loved and missed original Richard Smallwood singers reunite for "He Won't Leave You" and an update of "Holy Holy"-one of my favorite cuts from the 1986 album "Textures" and they haven't missed a beat-them chirren can still chirp with the best of them. Disc 2 opens with the classical-tinged "All the Glory" which starts off sounding like a hybrid of "Anthem of Praise" and Mattie Moss Clark's "Let Everything that Hath Breath", but segues into a funky groove. Kelly Price stops by to lend her soaring vocals to the inspirational "Morning's Breaking" before the legendary Hawkins Family appears on the somewhat banal "We've Come too Far". My only qualm with this project was on Disc 2's three "Bonus" cuts-Instrumental tracks of "I'll Trust You" and "Holy Holy" and the weak Hawkins Family cut. I would have much rather heard an update of some of my other favorite Smallwood cuts like "Holy Spirit", "Center of My Joy" and "Love Divine". PICK HITS: "Holy Holy", "Morning's Breaking", "Journey"
L. SPENSER SMITH & TESTAMENT - STATEMENT
out of 5
Following a debut recording that created quite a buzz and a DVD which further proved that they are an urban contemporary force to be reckoned with --- L. Spenser and Testament are back with their sophomore recording Statement: The Assignment Continues. Already known for their tight harmonies, and their crazy musical arrangements (thanks to producer John Jackson, who is on board again for project #2), Smith and crew pick up where they left off on the first project. The arrangements on songs like Right Here and Lover of My Soul will cause you to stand in awe at the musical gifting of this entire crew (lead & background vocals and musicians). The worship that is released from songs like Live I Love You and In Your Presence will linger long after you've taken the disc out of your player. The healing brought forth from the short but sweet track Surgery will leave an indelible mark in your spirit man for some time to come, and by right, the sentiment captured in that song should be the prayer of every believer. Gospel's newest songbird, Blanche McAllister appears at the close of the disc on the comforting single and reprise He'll Come. A discussion of which project is better -- the debut CD or this one --- is pointless, for both discs prove that this group is on the radar for success in the gospel music industry. One can only hope that they'll receive the needed support from their label and from radio. If no one is checkin' for new projects from them, I certainly am. PICK HITS: I'm Free, Greater, Live I Love You, You Bring Me Joy, Right Here, Surgery, Lover of My Soul, He'll Come
L. SPENSER SMITH & TESTAMENT - ASSIGNMENT NO. 1
Written by Kenisha Ringgold, Newark, DE
The debut offering from L. Spenser Smith & Testament, "Assignment No. 1", is a tight blend of soulful vocals. "Assignment" is packed with an urban vibe, which was sent directly from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, courtesy of the Greater New Testament Church.
Now, I know how hard it can be to step out on faith and buy a debut project from a new artist. You hope and pray that when you listen to it, you didn't make a huge mistake. L. Spenser Smith avoids many growing pains that a debut project can sometimes go through, due to the quality of the production. At the helm of the production is John Jackson, who also serves musical director for American Idol, Ruben Studdard.
The album kicks off with the voice box laden track, Out of the Box. The groove hits you right away, and from the outset we can tell that horns are going to serve as a backdrop to many of the tracks. The next track seamlessly steps in with Under My Feet featuring the ever elusive B.B. Jay. We haven't heard from him in a while, but he's back with that rapid fire flow he's known for. He's All That I Need slows down the groove a little, and we all get to catch our breath a little and recover from B.B. Jay. Next comes one of my personal favorites God Will. It's the first track that features lead vocalists, L. Spenser Smith, and Q. Bailey. The song references 9/11, and feelings of sadness and despair, and reminds us to cling to the hope we have in the Lord. The track is enhanced by soft acoustic guitar accompaniment by Mark Blair. Testament continues with the ballads with Because of You and brings a churchy but soulful sound to the mix. Next enters a song featuring L. Spenser Smith again on lead vocals. What a Friend is carried almost solely by the vocals of Testament and takes a cue from En Vogue's "Whatta Man." Testament kicks it into high gear with live tracks Our Praise, featuring HONCHO Hornz, and Latin tinged Nobody Like Ya.
Focus brings Testament back into the studio and vocalist Charmayne Mayowa takes center stage. Kevin Bennett delivers on Give Thanks, a praise and worship song that interestingly begins as a live track but morphs into the studio. Heaven is an attempt for a neo-soul vibe and its scriptural basis is found in Revelations 21:21. Covenant God boasts soaring vocals by Testament and the chorus is written as a personal encounter with God in worship, and is a wonderful way to round out the end of the CD.
L. Spenser Smith & Testament can be proud of their first project. They have definitely tapped into the urban contemporary choir segment, and even ventured into the neo-soul movement a little. With the first project being as good as it is, hopefully we will get to hear them mature and bring even better projects in the future. PICK HITS: God Will, Because of You, Give Thanks and Covenant God
L. SPENSER SMITH & TESTAMENT - LIVE AT THE RITZ
I tend to stay away from Gospel DVD's because you never know what to expect. Cheesy graphics, poor camera angles and audio and so many other things plagued other recent purchases. But all is well with L. Spenser Smith and Testament's Live At The Ritz DVD. Recorded live in Jacksonville, FL, the concert footage only made me wish I were in the audience. You also get to see behind-the-scenes footage of Testament in rehearsal and backstage getting "glammed" up before the concert. Musicians will love the close-ups of the band. Overall, great visuals and audio. You definitely want to cop this one! After viewing the DVD, I had to go back and pull the CD out. It had been on the shelf lost in the pile of the many CD's I have. I expect this group to go far. PICK HITS: Heaven, All That I Need, What A Friend, Because of You, Give Thanks, Spend Some Time, Nobody Like Ya, Covenant God
THE SOUL SEEKERS - SELF-TITLED
I guess I have to admit that quartet music isn't really my thing. With groups like the Gospel Wonders, 7 Sons of Soul and now the Soul Seekers popping up on the scene bringing a new flava, I'm paying more attention to this style of music. Each member of this group is a giant throughout the music industry (both secular and Gospel), so I'm sure recording this project was an experience. If you like good ole hand clappin, foot stompin Gospel, check these guys out. Somewhere Listening is ma cut! Anybody Got Da Holy Ghost?! YESSUH! Come on chutch! PICK HITS: I'll Take Jesus, What Would You Do, Somewhere Listening, I've Got It.
MICAH STAMPLEY - THE SONGBOOK OF MICAH
I haven't been this excited about a new artist in quite a while. With a vocal style similar to that of Donnie McClurkin, Micah Stampley is one to watch out for in the 05. With Cedric Thompson in the producer's chair and Stampley and his wife Heidi writing most of the material -- along with a serious team of background vocalists, this release will go at the top of the list as one of my favorites in 2005. The whole CD is bangin! PICK HITS: Worthy To Be Praised, War Cry, Come Holy Spirit, I Need Thee, At Your Heart's Door, Take My Life (Holiness) [edited 08.05]
