KEVIN DAVIDSON & THE VOICES - OVERFLOW
out of 5
On their fifth release with New Haven Records, in what seems to be the standard for gospel releases recently, Kevin Davidson & The Voices' (KDV) Overflow moves in the direction of praise and worship. While some artist can get away with it, it doesn't always translate well for everyone. It's difficult to imagine a full or large choir? doing most of this material. I'll have to see how it comes across on the accompanying DVD of this release. It sounds as if it were meant for a smaller ensemble or worship team. Under the production guidance of Marque Walker and with the bulk of writing credits going to Davidson, all is not lost -- this Memphis choir's sound that I have come to love shines through on choir-friendly songs like Work It Out (featuring KDV lead vocal mainstay Michelle Prather), I Know What Prayer Can Do (featuring Evangelist Cheryl Dodson), It Is Your Season and the closing "churchy" throwback to the old school cut, I Will Call Upon The Lord. PICK HITS: This Is Your House, We Want To Know Your Heart, God Wants To Heal You, Work It Out, One People, I Know What Prayer Can Do, Over, It Is Your Season, I Will Upon The Lord

DARNELL DAVIS & THE REMNANT - PSALMS OF THE REMNANT (2006)
Written By: Louis Williams - Washington, DC
out of 5
PICK HITS: It's In Jesus, Stop Frontin', Holy, Give Thanks, Where I Would Be, New Day
The challenging thing about launching into new territories in life is that you can't always predict what the outcome will be. You can have great success in one arena but not make it in another. After serving as the musical director and writer for the Stellar Award winning group Excelsior, Minneapolis ' own Darnell Davis and his hand-picked crew of singers affectionately named "The Remnant" forge their way into the gospel music industry with their indie offering, Psalms of The Remnant. With the opening strains of the bouncy "I'm Yours," all doubts, if there were any, will be settled -- Davis and crew can hold their own. Handling the musical direction, production (with assistance from Brian Kendrick) and all of the writing duties, Davis uses the formula we've come to know and love through the music of Excelsior (namely their sophomore disc Soul Interpretations) on this 15 track disc. Remnant's vocals shine brilliantly on songs like the pulsating call and response groove "It's In Jesus," the worship-inducing "Show Your Glory" and the in-your-face call to accountability track "Stop Frontin'" which features the R&B band Mint Condition's lead vocalist, Stokely. And as if this weren't enough, you get to experience the ministry of Davis and crew up-close and personal with the accompanying DVD. If you're looking for something to fill your appetite for good choir music, look no further than Psalms of the Remnant.

DARIEN DENNIS & LIVING WORSHIP - A NEW PLACE
out of 5
Everything out these days has a tendency to be overproduced and too polished. "Authentic" live recordings are few and far between. You know what I'm talking about...the type of recordings where the vocals may not be mixed just right, there's feedback from the mics, and the music may not be as tight as you're accustomed to hearing. Most times, it's a turn off, however listening to the double-disc project from Baltimore, Maryland's Darrien Dennis and Living Worship, I sat down and felt the heart of the music. Picking up where they left off with their last studio project, the praise and worship continues with songs like El Elyon, Here We Are (There is None Like You), I Can't Live Without You and the new church anthem One God. All praise team leaders should add this to their collection. This is praise and worship unplugged y'all! Sans all of the reprises, this would have probably been better served as a single disc, but hey.. I'm not complaining. PICK HITS: El Elyon, Here Are Are (There is None Like You), I Can't Live Without You, One God, Grateful, Great High Priest

RICKY DILLARD & NEW G - 7TH EPISODE: LIVE IN TORONTO (2007)
out of 5
Written By: Louis Williams - Washington, DC
PICK HITS: Awesome God, Our Father You Are Holy, One More Chance
Having made great strides over the years with each of their releases, America's favorite choir master and choir, Ricky Dillard and New G return with their latest and highly anticipated project 7th Episode: Live in Toronto. With a new home on Dillard's own label Animated Entertainment and everything from the packaging to the production stepped up, 7th Episode is in line to be one of the best releases of 2007 when its all said and done. Showcasing material from writers such as F. Darnell Davis, Dennis Reed, John Lakin and Eric McDaniel, though most of this music is familar (this could be beef for some seeing as though the last project "Unplugged" consisted of mostly remakes. Dillard does contribute three songs to the project.), because of appearing on the individual projects of each writer, the fresh touch of New G's powerful vocals and incredible work from the musicians make this project a treat from beginning to end. With a mix of contemporary, traditional, and even a foray into light pop/rock (the last track on the CD), the current void of tried and true choir music in the gospel industry has been filled with this release. ADDITIONAL PICK HITS: Bless His Holy Name, Grateful, The Light, That Name

STEPHANIE DOTSON - MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN
out of 5
Bishop Paul S. Morton and The Full Gospel crew ventured into new territory a few years ago when they started gospel's version of "American Idol" and called it Gospel Dream. In 2003 they crowned Benita Washington and released her debut and turned around in 2004 and crowned Shreveport, Louisiana native Stephanie Dotson. Since then Dotson has been busy preparing her debut and recently had a cameo in the reunion scene of Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion. While her debut Miracles Still Happen isn't a bad CD, it does start off strong and loses steam from the middle until the end. The project feels bogged down with a number of slower tracks, or maybe its that the sequencing could have been thought out more thoroughly. Even still, Dotson is an amazing vocalist and is one to look out for. PICK HITS: Give Him Glory, Miracles Still Happen, The Sun Will Shine, Can't Nobody, After While, Jehovah God, Praise Your Name

JONATHAN DUNN - ANOTHER LEVEL
Written By: Chris McInnis - Washington, DC
I was first introduced to the smooth vocal styling of Jonathan Dunn through his work on Fred Hammond's 2001 hit compilation project, In Case You Missed It...And Then Some. Being hand selected by a gospel icon like Fred really speaks volumes of your musical capability. It was pretty obvious to me that Jonathan could sing, but with the album release of Another Level, it also proved to me that he is truly anointed to worship. Another Level is jam packed with 18 tracks both live & studio and has a decent assortment of songs ranging from worship & praise to neo soul. Jonathan gracefully delivers his songs with the humility of a steward serving his master. His lyrical framework is honest, biblically sound, and spiritually uplifting. Although there aren't too many misses on this project, I felt that that background vocals on a couple of the live tracks just weren't up to par. Nowadays, it seems as if everyone is releasing a worship inspired project. And with all those releases there seems to be that special project that flies under the proverbial radar and surprises everyone who hears it - Jonathan Dunn's Another Level is that project. Pick Hits: Oil, Have Mercy, Worshipper, Be Exalted, Seeker, Back to the Garden

ANTHONY EVANS - LETTING GO
out of 5
I have to be honest. I don't listen to CCM (well I take that back, I'll dibble and dabble with a few artist -- love me some Crystal Lewis) music. I don't have a point of reference for Anthony Evans' music or ministry other than I've seen him doing background for Kirk Franklin. Daring to do something different, I wanted to check out Evans' latest project and see what the deal was. Once I got past those lead guitars (which near bout drove me crazy and started to sound the same track after track), and really focused on the lyrics, Letting Go wasn't half bad. Quite a few of the songs ministered to me. The lyrical content hit me right where I am in my walk with Christ. The brotha can write and has a great voice. Thumbs up in my book! PICK HITS: Whatever I Can't Erase, The Fight, Love You With My Life, Consumed, Meaningless

FAITHFUL CENTRAL MASS CHOIR - ZION REJOICE
Pastor Kenneth Ulmer, Minister of Music Barbara Allen, gospel and secular music's boy wonder Warryn Campbell, have hit the ground running with the debut project from the Faithful Central Mass Choir on Integrity Gospel titled Zion Rejoice. Ranking high with projects from other mega church ministries (Potter's House, New Birth), this project will satisfy the need for new material for church choirs and praise teams across the country. With production help and music written by Joe Pace and several other newcomers, and guest appearances from Rev. Daryl Coley and Erica Campbell (Mary Mary), along with several spoken word segments from Pastor Ulmer, you will not be disappointed with this CD. Those folks out in Cali are sangin! PICK HITS: Welcome, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, We've Come To Worship, We Sing Hallelujah, Zion Rejoice

F.O.C.U.S. - THE HEART OF A WORSHIPER
out of 5
Written By: Louis Williams - Washington, DC
Quickly becoming a staple on the "most-played" lists of my iPod and iTunes, Charleston, South Carolina artists F.O.C.U.S. (Followers of Christ Upholding Standards) and their debut project "The Heart of a Worshiper" is a must have disc for anyone that is looking for what is now a new classification in gospel music -- Praise, Worship and Squall! Upon first look at the unique packaging and from the moment you hear the intro to the classic hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness, you can't even imagine what will happen next on this Sunday morning flavored church (aka "chutch") experience put on CD. From beginning to end, The Heart of a Worshiper plays out like a service at any (well, not any but most...) black church(es). You could only wish to have a choir this good though. Executive producer Elder Michael Brown wrote, and arranged most of the material. The mix of standard "devotional" type songs with other choir material (including an old favorite Glory and Honor written by Natalie Wilson, from her and the SOP Chorale's debut Create) will leave you wanting more. The only complaint would be the need for additional lead vocalists or spreading the lead vocal duties around within the group. The wear and tear on the voices of the same individuals doing most of the leads really shows on certain selections. PICK HITS: "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", "Perfect Peace", "Glory and Honor", "We Praise You Lord", "Even More", "Worship Medley"

JAMES FORTUNE & FIYA - YOU SURVIVED
There was such a buzz on the internet about this group that I just had to have the CD. Of course in times past when I went on scavenger hunts, I'd finally get the project and be sorely disappointed but that wasn't the case with James Fortune and FIYA's "You Survived". Hailing from Houston, Texas (There's something in the water out there), this group will definitely catch the ears of those that love Urban/Contemporary Gospel. Some of my favorite lead vocalists make guest appearances; Shawn McLemore, Micah Stampley, and Nikki Ross-Turnley. Here it is almost a year later and the CD is still going strong. This one is a winner folks. Buy this and get your Holy Ghost party on! Purchase if you enjoy Gary Mayes & Nu Era, Here II Praise & Tye Tribbett & GA. PICK HITS: We Welcome, God Can, Praise Anthem (remix), You Survived, He's Mighty and You Are Holy

KIRK FRANKLIN - HERO
Even though this CD will probably sell off of the fact that it's Kirk Franklin and he hasn't had anything out in a while, you'll be happy to know that Hero is just a great project and you should go, no run to the nearest retailer and get a copy. Kirk has assembled an all-star line up of musicians, lead and background vocalists and crafted a CD that will definitely be considered one of the best released in 2005. Not only is the music on this set some of the most creative, it's refreshing, honest and passionate. Contains samples from Randy Crawford, Earth, Wind and Fire, Tears For Fears, Jennifer Holiday, Patrice Rushen, Deniece Williams. The signature ballads and head-bangin up-tempo's that he's known for are all here. Somebody PLEASE come and take my repeat button off of Could've Been. That's my cut! Features guest appearances by: Africa's Childrens Choir, Yolanda Adams, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Sheila E, Fred Hammond, J. Moss, Tye Tribbett, Marvin Winans and Stevie Wonder and samples from PICK HITS: Looking For You, Hero, Let It Go, Imagine Me, Could've Been, Sunshine

GOSPEL TODAY PRESENTS - PRAISE & WORSHIP III
They say the third time's a charm -- is that the case with the latest project birthed out of Teresa Hairston's Gospel Heritage conference? Hmm... It depends on who you ask. For me, yes. With Donald Lawrence in the producer's chair and a list of who's who in Gospel tackling the songwriting, vocals (lead and background) and the musicians of life on board -- Praise & Worship III should do quite well. My only complaint is that most of this material is recycled. If you have projects by many of the artists/writers (Stephen Hurd, Donald Lawrence, VaShawn Mitchell, Oscar Williams & Patrick Love) featured, you'll hear these same songs. Also for me, the tracks Living Water and I Will Always Love You don't fit in relation to the rest of the project or they throw the sequencing off. Great songs, just not in the middle of Best Thing and Lord I Kiss Your Presence. Kudos to DeWayne Woods & When Singers Meet for holding down background vocals throughout the entire project. Features Guest Appearances by: Stephen Hurd, Rodney Posey, LeCresia Campbell, Rasean Buckley, Juandolyn Stokes, Martha Munizzi, Jason Nelson & Melonie Daniels PICK HITS: Todah, El Shaddai, Expecting A Harvest, Safety & Lord I Kiss Your Presence

KEVIN GRAY - SO FRESH
out of 5
Citing Kim Burrell & R&B's Brandy Norwood as two of his vocal influences, Chicago artist Kevin Gray borrows vocal stylings from both Burrell and Norwood on his debut release titled So Fresh. With his Norwood-esque production vibe (circa 2002's Full Moon) and assistance from Corey "Keyz" Martin in the production department, Gray is a welcome addition to the ring of male urban contemporary vocalists. Gray's vocals are on point and his project features solid material, but it's the production end of things that come up lacking for this reviewer. More careful vocal mixing, fewer "bells and whistles" (i.e. excessive use of the vocoder and echos, stacking too many elements), and perhaps even a different arrangement of the track listing would have made this project more enjoyable for me. One thing's for sure though, I'm sold on the brother's musical gifting. He's got it! PICK HITS: He's Been Good, Worth The Wait, I Got, Your Will, Insanity, Amazing, Darkest Hour, I Can't Wait, Nuthin Without You

JAMES GREAR & NU FRIENDS - LIVE
Written By: Chris Murray - Houston, TX
Some would call him a new kid on the block, others would not even know who he is, but if you've been into gospel music for any length of time, you're sure to have crossed paths with James Grear. Alliant Music Group is definitely proud of its latest release from James Grear and Nu Friends. When I heard the initial clips of this new project, I immediately said "this project is slammin'." James comes with a crisp new sound, a new zest, and definitely some chart-worthy potential in this latest release. With the less-than "special" release of "Special Place" (2004), James Grear reconfigures the choir and the music dynamic and taps into the musical prowess of greats like Ricky Dillard, James Hall, and Youthful Praise, so you know there's definitely some sangin' going on!! Although I was a little disturbed with the lack-luster production going on here, I can still give Jack Yates, F. Darnell Davis, and Roosevelt George props on a satisfactory musical representation. I must contend, however, they could have 1) spent some more time mixing and mastering this recording and 2) found a better soloist on several numbers (especially I Surrender All--*cringes*). But, Nu Friends LIVE is definitely going to be making its way in your CD players a lot this summer. Finally, I'm glad that artists are taking time to help us remember some good ones like Rudolph Stanfield's "Perfect Peace". It does get good to ya in yo SOUL. And obviously, it was sooo good to James & Nu Friends that they decided to reprise it so you can appreciate the message of this powerful song. PICK HITS: Just Hold On, He Kept Me, It Shall Come To Pass, Something's Happening In This Place, Perfect Peace