VICKIE WINANS : Woman To Woman - Songs Of Life
Label: Verity | Release Date: 08/08/06

With two CDs full of studio and live cuts, Vickie Winans brings her A game to the table for this energetic collection of soulful ballads and engaging traditional/contemporary gospel jams. "Woman To Woman - SOL" clearly proves she is still the hardest working woman in gospel music while presenting something for everyone to enjoy. She shines her best on the live selections on songs such as "Waiting On Jesus", "Stretch Out", "The Rainbow" and "Stand Up And Carry On". Renowned producers Steven Ford, Rodney Jenkins and Cedric & Victor Caldwell are also on board here.

LUCINDA MOORE : Lucinda Moore
Label: Tyscot | Release Date: 07/11/06

VaShawn Mitchell aces the debut production for Tyscot's newest sensation, Lucinda Moore. With the right choice of songs and with a stunning powerful voice, she delivers the right dose of energy to this special live recording session. Daryl Coley makes a guest appearance here, while Moore shines strongly on "Balm In Gilead", the upbeat celebratory "Praise Him", "Jesus Is Real" and the infectious title cut. Moore maybe a newbie in this biz, but she proves that she has the guts and the talent to stand amongst the great gospel artists of today. Fine work indeed.

DANIEL AUSTIN : On My Mind
Label: OMNI Entertainmennt | Release Date: 01/06

With a classically-trained background and a golden voice that releases a fresh brand of uniqueness into the air, Daniel Austin delivers one of the best male performances of the year on his seasoned debut release, "On My Mind". And backing him is an extraordinary team of musicians (Jonathan Dubose, Calvin Rodgers, Isaiah Thomas) and incredible compositions; ultimately creating a compelling musical experience full of emotion and high energy. Isaiah Thomas' songs are definitely the stronger highlights, but Austin's songwriting skills, revealed on "Try Jesus" and "Choose Me", are assuring and well-crafted.

VOICES OF CITADEL : No Joy, No Strength
Label: MusicBlend | Release Date: 05/06

Using a sanctified traditional church batter upon James Hall's saucy choral direction, the Voices of Citadel of Brooklyn reigned as one of the most talked about and highly supported independent artists of 2006. And their debut project, which took some years to finally release, reveals a spellbound presentation of in-your-face uncompromising gospel music. There are no gimmicks here either - which is a tremendous surprise. VOC uses no special guests and delivers a great set of original music that most church music lovers will shout over.

EARNEST PUGH : A Worshipper's Perspective
Label: Crystal Rose | Release Date: 07/25/06

Word quickly broke out about the commanding worship leading and dynamic vocal style of this young, charismatic artist. His rendition of Thomas Whitfield's "Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up" became a favorite on gospel radio and helped him gain the attention of his current record label, Crystal Rose. And the rest became history. Make no mistake about it. Pugh is a worship leader and a very good one at that - but he doesn't shy away from quality gospel such as cuts like "So Much", "Speak To Me" and "He's There".

ANOINTED PACE SISTERS : Return
Label: Tyscot | Release Date: 10/24/06

There's just too much to say about "Return"; the Anointed Pace Sisters' wondrous return to the gospel recording scene. Their sound was updated and polished up. Their ministry was remained stylistic. Their progressive choice of songs also helped give the album a more complete sound compared to their Malaco/Savoy releases. Even LaShun Pace unites with the group on "He's Here". Powerful cuts include the R&B grooves of "It's Already Done", urban-styled "Contentment", Phyllis Pace's awesome ballad "The Words You Said" and Terrence Parker's house mix of "High Praise".

TYRONE BIRKETT WITH PAULA RALPH-BIRKETT : In The Fullness Of Time
Label: Convergence Music Group | Release Date: Fall 2006

Jazz albums have become more and more obscure in a culture that has sinfully indulged themselves in the sounds of earthy urban hip-hop, but the freedom celebrated on Tyrone Birkett's impressive jazz/pop debut collection is worth highlighting. The rendition of Kirk Franklin's "Brighter Day" is raw and mighty infectious and the cool "Contentment" is screaming for airplay. And while most of the album remains instrumental (and sports a killer crew of talented musicians), Paula Ralph-Birkett's lead vocals and background support gives the album a comforting form of balance for serious gospel audiences.

NORMAN HUTCHINS : Where I Long To Be
Label: JDI | Release Date: 05/16/06

JDI's pride and joy delivered one of the freshest collections of music in 2006. While the concluding radio sampler and the closing interview still can be summed up as being unnecessary album fillers, each cut on "Where I Long To Be" rocks. There's a little bit of everything to indulge in - from praise and worship ("Where I Long To Be") to contemporary ("A Move Of God Is On The Way"), from hot traditional gospel ("Get Ready For Your Miracle") to funky R&B ("I Really Love You"). This may be Hutchins' finest work yet.

ANDRAE' CROUCH : Mighty Wind
Label: Verity | Release Date: 11/01/2005

The sensational lyricist and composer that defined contemporary gospel in the 1970s and 1980s has returned with "Mighty Wind"; a glorious collection of lovelorn original material and the ingenious remake of "Jesus Is Lord". The project boasts a number of gospel music's finest including Fred Hammond, Crystal Lewis, Marvin Winans, Karen Clark-Sheard and Marcus Cole. Definitely one of the most underrated projects of the year, this collection is sure to land its share of accolades in years to come. Remember, we are still talking about the legend himself.

DARNELL DAVIS & THE REMNANT : Psalms Of The Remnant
Label: FS Music/MVP | Release Date: 10/07/06

Darnell Davis and his new musical troupe exploded on the music world with their unique brand of funky R&B and urban soul on "Psalms Of The Remnant". It features the soulful "Stop Frontin'" featuring Mint Condition's Stokley, but there's so much to enjoy here. From warm worship ("Show Your Glory", "Holy", "I'm Yours") to powerful jam sessions ("It's In Jesus", "That's Love", "New Day"), the album is a loaded presentation of innovative choir music. The bonus DVD was a major benefit to the album as well. Fans of Excelsior and Ricky Dillard & New G should be grateful for this album release. For a second, we almost thought choir music was near extinction.

JUDITH CHRISTIE-MCALLISTER : In His Presence - Live!
Label: Judah Music/Artemtis | Release Date: 05/30/06

Her albums have always launched listeners to tantalizing musical heights and her 2006 album release, "In His Presence - Live" proved to be just as great. Her style of lively praise-and-worship, nurtured with a strong gospel foundation, stands out immensely on "Bless The Lord Oh My Soul", "My Confession" and "One Thing". Always known for stretching out the boundaries, she also works with African styles ("To Our God") and more intimate worship ("We Sing Your Praises").

DONALD LAWRENCE & THE TRI-CITY SINGERS : Finale'
Label: EMI Gospel | Release Date: 04/04/06

The surprising conclusion to a wonderful musical career, the Tri-City Singers has wowed gospel audiences for over a decade and finished off with "Finale'"; a commanding collection of original compositions and wondrous renditions from their successful 15-year journey. Donald Lawrence kicks things off with "Blessing Of Abraham" and sends listeners through a wave of great songs such as "Encourage Yourself", "Giants", "God Is" and "These Nails". And with special musical guests including Daryl Coley, Walter Hawkins, LaShun Pace, Vanessa Bell-Armstrong and Karen Clark-Sheard on board and companion full-length DVDs packaged with the projects, "Finale'" surely wears the blueprint of excellence.