JOE PACE - MIGHTY LONG WAY
out of 5
Joe Pace's contribution to gospel music is quite extensive. From his late 90's debut with the Colorado Mass Choir to his recent string of praise and worship compilations, the man has some hits under his belt. Since this seems to be the season to "re-record all of my hits and put out of a double CD" (a la Tri-City, John Kee, Israel), Pace gathered a few industry friends and many of the singers he's worked with, and the Mighty Long Way project was birthed. I know there was no way that he could have recorded the full length version of every song, but starting some of my favorites at the vamp didn't sit to well with me. I needed the whole song man. Just kidding. Men of Standard's Lowell Pye drops in to lend a hand on several cuts, along with guest appearances from Jonathan Dubose, Jr., Jerard Woods and original Kirk Franklin and the Family member, Dalon Collins. Listeners will also be able to feast on two new tracks. PICK HITS: Offering of Praise, I Will Bless The Lord At All Times, It's Not Over, Worship Medley, Glad About It, High and Lifted Up

LASHUN PACE - COMPLETE
out of 5
Written By: Roderick A. Meadows - Atlanta, GA
We all know Atlanta-born LaShun Pace is a vocal powerhouse, but this time around she's branched out into writing and producing. With her latest project (and sophomore project for EMI Records), Complete- the songbird showcases the versatility that made her one of gospel's brightest stars. A spiritual high from start to finish, Complete is her personal testimony-laid bare for the world to see. From the rousing lead single "All Things Working" to the bouncy, soulful duet with her pastor and fellow artist Bishop Dreyfuss Smith on "Love Lifted Me", the album has a little something for all tastes-traditional and contemporary. Pace proves she can lay down a mellow neo-soul vibe for the title cut. Especially heart-rending is the dedication to her late daughter Xenia on "Xenia's Flight"-inspired by a chapter from her autobiography. If I had a gripe about this album, it would probably be its brevity. EMI should have included Pace's stirring rendition of Milton Brunson's "Safe In His Arms", which she slayed at the live recording. Also, the "Church Medley" proves to be slightly incongruous and choppy with songs ending and beginning a bit too quickly. ATL should be proud of both Pace and her co-producer, the up and coming wunderkind Justin Gilbert for putting forth a solid, albeit short offering that will stand the test of time. PICK HITS: All Things Working, Complete, Oh The Blood, Love Lifted Me

LASHUN PACE - IT'S MY TIME
There's a certain strength that comes when we pass the tests of life. In the last 4 years Lashun Pace has had to deal with several of these tests. She's back with a strong project to let us know that she made it through. With a new label and new producers, this latest project It's My Time shows a more contemporary side of Shun. If I were to be honest, her appearance on several recent projects, as well as the lead single from this CD had me wondering if she had lost that power that we were used to hearing in her voice - welp, I can honestly say, she hasn't lost a thang! A few issues with spotty production won't let me give this CD a full 4-star rating, but it sho came close! PICK HITS: It's My Time, Emotions, Cool Praises, I Trust You, When I Worship You, Through Her Eyes

PAJAM PRESENTS 21:03 - TWENTY ONE O THREE
out of 5
By now, you've either become used to the machine that is PAJAM or you're ready to switch the machine off and put it away somewhere. In any case, as a production team, Walter Kearney, Paul Allen and James Moss have been very busy. Between dabbling in the production of secular and gospel projects by well-known artists, the team threw their hat in the ring in 2004 by producing the debut release of a girl group under their tutelage named Ramiyah. Unfortunately, not only have we not heard anything from Ramiyah since their debut, but the group underwent line up changes after the project had been shipped and released. Now it appears that the same thing has happened with PAJAM's new set of proteges. Three young men from Detroit: Sean, Evin and Torrence ---one of whom has already been replaced less than a week after the CD's release --- were assembled to create a slick 13 track project that can be classified as urban and borderline R&B/Pop, depending on who is listening to certain tracks. We'll have to watch and see how the group's replacement will translate in live performances, but whatever the case, these three young men, much like their predecessors Ramiyah, stay true to the PAJAM formula of hot beats and more than one appearance on lead and background vocals from J. Moss. That many appearances by J. Moss can sometimes make you wonder whose project you're actually listening to. You'll either love it or hate it. But when we actually get to hear from the fellas, it sounds like they're able to hold their own. Put a star next to Chozen (featuring a not so lil' IROCC), I'm Sorry (made popular by R&B boy band 3rd Storee and featured on the Showtime Original Series Soul Food), Young Love, Been There and Don't Say No. Fans of Israel and New Breed might have a hard time swallowing the 21:03 arrangement of Again I Say Rejoice. PICK HITS: Chozen, I'm Sorry, Young Love, See Me, Been There, Don't Say No, Sweet Spirit

PASTOR BRUCE PARHAM - HIDE ME
You can't make a list of the top male vocalists in Gospel music and not include Pastor Bruce Parham. I've followed him through all of his appearances on everybody (GMWA, Straight Gate Mass, New Birth Mass, VIP Music and Arts Seminar) and their mama's CDs and have all 3 of previous (I Don't Know from this disc appears on his 2nd solo disc "Sing Bruce") solo releases. It's been 8 long years, but Pastor Parham is back on the Ford Music Group label with a mostly live (4 studio tracks are included) project where the presence of God can definitely be felt. The live portion includes the Elements of Praise. For a group that at the time of the recording, they were only together a year, they're patented East Coast (Youthful Praise, Love Fellowship, Russell Delegation) sound/flava was definitely a welcomed treat. Check the list of musicians as well. Guitar: Jonathan Dubose, Organ: Steven Ford, Piano: Zachary Williams, Bass: Mark Walker, Drums: Jeff Davis and the brothas from Mo' Horns, just to name a few. The newbies aren't slouches either. I wish I were in Philadelphia the night this project was recorded. Just from listening to the CD, I know they had chutch! They could have let the Do Something track play a lil longer. I almost got my breakthrough. :C)! PICK HITS: Rescue Me, A Touch, Gratitude, Give Thanks, I Don't Know, We Lift Our Hands [my favorite cut], This Joy, God Is, Let Everyday Be Christmas

BOBBY PERRY & R.A.I.N - ALL ABOUT YOU
out of 5
To say that you're going to shake up a genre that is quickly becoming repetitive is quite a lofty statement. Does Bobby Perry & R.A.I.N's debut studio project All About You complete its mission? I don't know that there will be a major shake up, but for lovers of all things urban gospel, your appetite for new music should be satisfied. With a similar vibe of groups like James Fortune & FIYA and Perry's former production partner, Robbie Lewis & Here II Praise, All About You should do well with proper promotion and distribution of the right singles to radio. A definite highlight for this reviewer was the live single I Am God and its remix. You definitely hear that Here II Praise influence on this track. Featuring an equal balance of up-tempos, worship cuts and interludes that showcase Perry's preaching ministry, Bobby Perry & R.A.I.N's entry into the gospel arena is a welcome one. PICK HITS: I Don't Know Why, Right There, I Am God, Changes, All About You, Worship Vibe, Remember Me, I Am God (Untouchables Remix)

PETTIDEE - RESURRECTIONS: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
out of 5
Written By: Tiffani Warren - Dallas, TX
Coming straight out of Florida, bringing with him that distinctive brand of hip hop mixed with street (and church) credibility, Pettidee's sixth offering will go down as a classic must have. Resurrections: Past, Present, and Future is truly an album that has something to appeal to everyone. On the opening track, "I'm a Vet", Pettidee asserts that he has been there, done that, and is not going anywhere anytime soon. As the album progresses you begin to understand why. "The Band's Up" had me feeling like I was back on the yard for a Saturday night football game with its college band influenced track. Pettidee's collaborations with Leon Timbo and Phoebe are the hidden jewels on this album. "I Can't", a love song, mixes Pettidee's gritty, raw lyrics with Timbo's lush, soulful ballad to paint a vivid picture of how deep the need for Jesus is in everyday life. The socially conscious "All Alone" featuring Phoebe is an amazing track bringing to light the ills of the world without being overly "preachy". During the testimonial period, also know as "From the Heart/Soul Food", Pettidee lets it be known that he does not sell Jesus, yet the gospel message is not missed anywhere on this album. If you are a Pettidee fan, you should run and get this one. If you have never given Pettidee a listen, this album will serve as a great introduction. PICK HITS: "I Can't", "The Band's Up", "Throw Ya Hands Up", "Uh!Oh!", "Blood Shed", and "All Alone".

DARREL PETTIES & STRENGTH IN PRAISE - COUNT IT ALL JOY
out of 5
To say that I love choir music would really be an understatement. I LOVE IT! Whether traditional or contemporary, there's nothing like a good foot stompin', hand clappin' choir. Memphis, Tennessee's Darrel Petties and Strength In Praise fit the bill perfectly. Their debut Count It All Joy mixes traditional and contemporary tunes that should fit nicely into the repertoire of church choirs (and groups) everywhere. For me, the negative aspect of this disc was including 3 live tracks (Yes Lord, Glory Hallelujah and Mighty God) from another compilation (Look Up And Live). While I enjoyed the songs, it was quite obvious to my ear, that the production on these tracks isn't as clean as the other material featured (which was recorded at another time). I also enjoyed guest lead vocals from Nikki Ross and Smokie Norful. 10 tracks in all, I'd say Count It All Joy is a worthy purchase. PICK HITS: Count It All Joy, A Place, Yes Lord, Glory Hallelujah, I'm On My Way, Surely He Knows

KELLY PRICE - THIS IS WHO I AM
out of 5
Written By: Ben Carter - East Orange, NJ
Most people know Kelly Price as the R&B gold and platinum power house who's collaborated with everyone from Mariah Carey to Donald Lawrence. Throughout her career, she's always made it a point to include a gospel track on all of her recordings. So it's no surprise that she would release a full length gospel project. Recorded live in New York, the CD kicks off in high gear with the title track "This Is Who I Am", it's a catchy upbeat track with all of Kelly's vocal trimmings. The CD continues with a rendition of Al Green's "Love & Happiness" titled "Heaven's Best." Throughout, the CD is tempered with an even balance of Gospel infused R&B, Rock and Soul tunes like "Get Up And Praise", "I Can't Turn Back" and "God Is Faithful w/Donnie McClurkin". Any fan of Gospel music could slide this CD in and find exactly what they're looking for. "This Is Who I Am" is an expression of her love for God and a celebration of the calling He has on her life. PICK HITS: This Is Who I Am, Heaven's Best, I Can't Turn Back, God Is Faithful

EARNEST PUGH - A WORSHIPPER'S PERSPECTIVE
out of 5
You can probably count on both hands the number of singers, psalmists and ministers of music who make the art of singing look easy. Their ability to slide up and down the scale, exhort and lead their audience through and praise and worship can you leave you awestruck. Earnest Pugh does just that on his debut release on EPM Music Group/Crystal Rose Records. Recorded live in Fort Washington, Maryland, and under the capable production expertise of Lonnie Hunter and fellow DC artist Keith Williams, A Worshipper's Perspective will take you from crazy praise into high worship. Following a rousing intro by the Prince of Praise himself, Byron Cage -- this CD serves up a number of memorable moments, including guest appearances from Nikki Ross and D'Atra Hicks and a throwback to yesteryear with the cover of Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up. PICK HITS: High & Lifted, Just For Who You Are, Father I Worship You, He's There, If You Never, Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up, So Much

TODD RASEAN - URBAN WORSHIP
out of 5
Though his mission is to take the worship experience to the streets through his music, Todd RaSean's debut project Urban Worship is another collection that you can add to the growing stack of projects featuring material that you can use for your Sunday morning worship services. Produced by Rick Robinson with assistance from VaShawn Mitchell, RaSean's project continues in the vein that we've come to know from his appearance on projects from Bishop Larry Trotter and the Sweet Holy Spirit Choir (Come on Zion) and VaShawn Mitchell (Where The Praises Are). The first single and opening track Jubilant Praise sets the tone for the rest of the project. You'll find yourself wishing you were in the number that night in Chicago by the time you're finished listening to tracks like Praise Medley (comprised of Rickey Grundy's Call Him Up, Gary Oliver's Celebrate Jesus and Great & Mighty Is He) and the next track, Andrae Crouch's Hallelujah Worship. PICK HITS: Jubilant Praise, High Praise, Praise Medley, Hallelujah Worship, Hold On

DENNIS REED & GAP - WATER WALKER
The face of gospel music is getting younger and its appeal is definitely spreading to those that might not normally listen. Credit can be given to artist like Tye Tribbett & GA, Myron Butler & Levi, JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise, and now Charlotte, North Carolina's Dennis Reed and GAP (God's Appointed People). Their debut release Water Walker will introduce them to the gospel industry as a force to be reckoned with. Dennis Reed works the contemporary side of things with tracks like Have Your Way, Out of Control, No Way and No Failure. He adds a traditional touch with the "churchy" I Got My Joy Back. After listening to those your spirit man will be lifted and encouraged with Holy Spirit, Worship on My Mind and Necessary. "It's Dennis Reeeed and G.A.Peeeee." y'all! Listen to Have Your Way and you'll get it. This is definitely a project that I will keep in constant rotation. Check em out. PICK HITS: Have Your Way, Out of Control, Holy Spirit, Worship on My Mind, No Failure, Necessary

SEAN REED - THE NEXT DIMENSION OF WORSHIP
out of 5
Another restless night found me on CDbaby.com looking for new artists to feature. One click on the new projects listed under the contemporary gospel section led me to Texas artist and Pastor Sean Reed. Backed by N-Dow (Next Dimension of Worship), a small vocal ensemble, Reed's project consists of catchy tunes that would work well with not only groups or an ensemble, but a soloist looking for new material to add to their repertoire. Reed shines vocally on the slower tracks; the passion and intensity in his voice is heard and felt. PICK HITS: Something Good, Sweet Holy Spirit, Without Hesitation, Release Yourself, At Your Feet

GREG ROBERTS & SOULFUL CELEBRATION - SOULFUL WORSHIP (2007)
Written By: Louis Williams - Washington, DC
out of 5
PICK HITS: Prelude To Worship, Faith, Without Cha', Just Say Thank Ya, Hold On
Showing great promise with their debut project "All Things" in 2003, the anticipation for something new from Virginia based Greg Robert & Soulful Celebration has been great. With a 2004 live recording and subsequent 2005 EP release to radio and online media the buzz continued to build for a new project that was to be titled "Soulful Worship". The project has finally been released and features Roberts in the production chair, great material from up and coming writers around the nation and a guest appearance from Houston, Texas riff-queen Nikki Ross. This sophomore disc is definitely a step up from the debut project, although there's still a need for greater concentration on the production and mixing end of things. This shouldn't be a problem once this budding director, writer, vocalist, and extraordinary singing aggregation are picked up and positioned on a national platform where they rightfully deserve to be. 12 tracks in all, with some songs from the debut disc reappearing and getting slight makeovers -- Soulful Worship will definitely be on the list as a memorable release from 2007.

KEVYN RODGERS & AVOP - WITH THESE HANDS
Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Kevyn Rodgers and the Anointed Voices of Praise's With These Hands is one CD that I'm glad I was able to get a hold of. With their tight sound, Rodgers and crew drops 16 track project that features both traditional and contemporary material. Heartfelt numbers like Grace featuring Heather Covington (of Love Fellowship) and I Prove You featuring Jason Nelson (Jonathan Nelson & Purpose & Donald Lawrence) will cause you to worship, while upbeat songs like Mighty God will cause you to praise and Standing takes you straight to church! Executive produced by Rodgers and music director Terrahn Brewer, this release doesn't disappoint [except for the track Fienin']. Check this group out. PICK HITS: Grace, For His Goodness! , Still Standing, I Prove You

JOANN ROSARIO - JOYOUS SALVATION (2007)
Written By: Kenisha Ringgold - Newark, DE
out of 5
PICK HITS: Glory to You, Traces, More than Anything, Beyond
Under the guidance of Fred Hammond and backed by the Verity machine, the former Radical for Christ member has delivered two memorable projects. With each project Joann's influence increased. The result was a sound less and less like a Fred Hammond concoction and more and more, perhaps like the sound of Joann. Joyous Salvation is likeable and even familiar (with production by Aaron Lindsay and Fred Jerkins), but it seems to be missing something. With only ten tracks, it is light on material and so it necessitates that each song be heavy in substance. There are moments of brilliance but then lesser songs dull their effect. The first track Restore to Me finds Rosario in her established role as a Praise & Worship Leader almost picking up where her last album left off. But, it is a trio of songs that promises to shift the CD into a high gear. Traces is marked with a rhythmic, circular, soulful melody. More than Anything (penned in part by Rosario & Antonio Neal), demurely offers an arresting melody with reflective lyrics. Ending the trio of songs is You are Holy. This song seems like it was written for Yolanda Adams. Joann carries it beautifully, but at times it seems like she's reticent about giving over to the song completely. Joyous Salvation is a nice project. It feels slightly unfinished and does not have the cohesiveness of the previous releases.

JOANN ROSARIO - NOW MORE THAN EVER..WORSHIP
Written By: Sonya D. Bradford - Springfield, MA
She'll go down in gospel music's history books, no doubt, as Fred Hammond's protege, but in the mean time, Joann Rosario continues to carve out her own unique niche in the bedrock that is gospel music. Joann Rosario has indeed given us "more," and she's back in the spotlight with sophomore project in tow and a testimony on her lips.

"Now More Than Ever...Worship," is Rosario's second offering and comes on the seemingly "distant heels" of her debut album "More, More, More" which was released in 2002. To record and release back-to-back albums on Verity's prestigious label in and of itself equates to "gospel greatness" in my humble opinion. And what's even more miraculous is the fact that Rosario was diagnosed with vocal nodules, and was at one time completely "voiceless." But God...!

I must honestly confess that I desired to hear "more" of the intro track "Welcome Into This Place." Why'd she leave us worshippers hangin' like that? :) "Now More Than Ever...Worship" is as tight as a project can get. In a time when so many artists are "attempting" to sing in foreign languages, particularly Spanish, it almost seems "strange" to hear a native daughter do it instinctively. "Now More Than Ever...Worship" is a must have for true gospel music connoisseurs and those who live for the contemporary feel and strive for the realness of Christ. PICK HITS: Never the Same, Thanks Be Unto God, Open My Eyes Lord, Sing of Your Goodness, I Hear You Say