BEVERLY CRAWFORD
Live From Los Angeles
Label: JDI | Release Date: 09/04/07

Seems like JDI is learning how to assemble even better, lasting projects these days. No more very short, uneven productions with loads of unnecessary album filler. Norman Hutchins was the breakthrough artist to actually release one of these fine collections - eventually becoming one of the hot albums of 2006. This year, Beverly Crawford kicks out her smashing debut on the independent music label and sizzles far greater than any of her previous work on the EMI Gospel label. Not everything presented here is essential, but the album kicks with inspiration and a number of rousing performances from Crawford’s beefy vocals. She is doing material that fits her: traditional gospel workouts (He’s Done Enough, I Know Too Much), funky contemporary gospel (God Has Been Good To Me, Lion of Judah) and rousing ballad numbers (I’m Still Standing, We Need To Hear A Word, Praise Jehovah). This album places her back in her element and finds her in a very comfortable climate - almost reminding listeners of her equally-established Warner Alliance project Now That I’m Here (1998).

GREG ROBERTS & SOULFUL CELEBRATION
Soulful Worship
Label: Soulful Music Group| Release Date: 03/20/07

Highly anticipated, yet placed on hold for too long: Soulful Worship rises as one of the best kept secrets in the world of independent gospel and easily positions Greg Roberts and his supporting ensemble Soulful Celebration as one of the freshest groups to emerge from the large number of unsigned artists in the new generation of gospel singers. The album is tightly packaged with jazz-tinged funk (Without Cha’), churchy explosive sets (Faith, In Jesus Name) and inspiring worship (Lift Your Hands, Prelude To Worship) and showcase a mastery of skillful production from Roberts’ corner. Elaborate harmonies from Soulful Celebration are also in place - making Soulful Worship one of the impressive indie collections of 2007.

VANESSA BELL ARMSTRONG
Walking Miracle
Label: EMI Gospel | Release Date: 02/20/07

Even though EMI didn’t deposit much interest or serious backing for Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s latest delivery, they did do one thing right - they released Walking Miracle with a hefty package of superior production (Fred Jerkins, J Moss, Cedric Thompson), urban-laced beats and an updated sound that superceded what John P. Kee and Deitrick Haddon did for the superstar in the 90s. While it may be very hard imagining such a veteran like Armstrong singing to modern hip-pop (Seasons, I Just Love You, Fall In Love Again) and club tracks (Watch Me, Til’ The Victory’s Won), it actually works for her. Amazingly, she doesn’t shy away from the traditional/contemporary elements (Wait, So Good To Me) she’s best known for scatting and riffs through. Even for such a short project, with only ten tracks on board, Walking Miracle is a nice hip-hop/gospel hybrid that mixes ingredients from Mary J. Blige and Faith Evans with her Aretha Franklin-styled pipes. It’s a definite makeover wondrously designed for such a classy diva. If only EMI marketed this thing the right way.

GEOGRIA MASS CHOIR
Tell It
Label: Savoy | Release Date: 08/21/07

A brief time off from recording, a greatest hit album and a couple of mediocre-like projects from the Georgia Mass Choir separates them from 1995s Lord Take Me Through and the more progressive, well-executed 2007 release of Tell It. Rev. Milton Biggham does a good job in selecting favorable workshop-styled songs for the group on this round. They are simple, yet effective and are seasoned with energetic performances from featured artists (Donald Malloy, Dorothy Norwood) and a host of Georgia Mass regulars (Rose Merry Jordan, Ernestine Curry). Tell It really starts off with three back-to-back cuts (Tell It, Jesus Will Make Everything Alright, Holy Ghost); jump-starting the album’s enjoyment. Even though Biggham’s compositions - usually drawing points - are not as memorable on this offering, the Georgia Mass Choir leaps in a startling set of organic soulful gospel sure to fit well in their vast catalog of memorable collections.

MARVIN SAPP
Thirsty
Label: Verity | Release Date: 07/03/07

One thing Verity Records surely did right this year was to allow the super hit Never Would Have Made It to hit the airwaves and to be released as the album’s first single. The punctuation and gospel-tinged drama inserted in the single made an impact on listeners all over and has since remained at #1 on the Billboard Gospel Singles chart. But there’s more to Thirsty then Never Would Have Made it - which explains why the album is one of the better albums released in 2007. Its church service pattern of going through fast songs first and then shifting into more reverent material is a comforting style on Sapp’s evangelistic ministry. He also backs away from over-hype urban material, something he’s noted for performing since his Commissioned days, and focuses on friendly contemporary gospel (“Magnify”, “Power”) and polished worship music (“Thirsty”, “Praise Him In Advance”). Lots of renditions bother the second half of the disc, but Sapp still shines all the way through. In the end, Thirsty is highlighted with Sapp’s soulful vocal deliveries and Aaron Lindsey’s respectable style of breezy production. This is definitely a fitting return to the often overlooked, yet groundbreaking formula once used on 2003's Diary of a Psalmist. May not be as grand sounding as Diary, but it is the perfect follow-up.

WILMINGTON CHESTER MASS CHOIR
It's Not Over
Label: Emtro Gospel | Release Date: 02/02/07

The renowned Wilmington Chester Mass Choir, once led by the late Ernest Davis, has been one of the most consistent gospel aggregations to trumpet up the charts. Several groundbreaking albums in the past, found on the Atlanta International Records’ label, give us an example of the group’s enduring determination for excellence since the passing of their founder. The group succeeds in getting their highly-anticipated 2007 project It’s Not Over out to the public. A seminal hiatus of the project ended when Emtro Gospel finally released such a colorful collection of contemporary funk (It’s Not Over, Great Things, He Won’t Change) and hearty power ballads (Somewhere Around The Throne, I Will Love Thee). With respected songwriters like Jeffery LaValley, Guy Robinson, David Frazier, Maurette Brown-Clark and Becky White on board, the choir delivers one of their greatest collections to date and is sure to be remembered by gospel choir enthusiasts for years to come.

MAVIS STAPLES
We'll Never Turn Back
Label: Anti- | Release Date: 04/24/07

One of the biggest surprises to burst onto the shelves this year was clearly Mavis Staples’ highly-acclaimed tribute to the Civil Rights movement of ‘60s: We’ll Never Turn Back. The world-renowned pop superstar, known for her super hits fronting the Staple Singers, is supported by Ry Cooder’s moody, effective production. Her gutsy vocals, vigorously deepened over time, works perfectly on the super list of freedom songs (Turn Me Around), spirituals (Eyes On The Prize) and classic gospel arrangements (99 and ½ , On My Way). Cooder and Staples even work together to bring out original compositions that fit well between the recognized gumbo of old school. It’s a stark contrast when compared to Staples’ vivid gospel-pop hits on the Stax label, but it’s genuine collection of classic songs and styles that have aged well with time. And she is just seriously bold to take a lesson from Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan’s workbook and take the blues of today’s current events and headlines like Hurricane Katrina and political failures for the poor and attach the hope found in gospel music to such sad stories. It almost feels like We’ll Never Turn Back supercedes the expectations of being just a regular gospel record and has become a championing voice for change and justice in our world today.

J MOSS
V2
Label: GospoCentric | Release Date: 04/03/07

Like him or not, J Moss is one of the brightest commander-in-chiefs in the field of innovative urban and contemporary gospel. His style of production, offset by familiar sound-a-likes in mainstream music like Jermaine Dupri and Fred Darkchild Jerkins, remains a favorite with listeners seeking for buzz beats with spiritual lyrics. Different from Moss’ debut project, he seems to dig into embarking mature topics (I’m Not Perfect, Everybody Ain’t Gotta Word, 73 Degrees) while keeping cool rhythms, enhanced by slick drum programming, in the forefront of his musical production on cuts like Jump, Jump and Operator. Appearances from R&B crooner Anthony Hamilton, Karen Clark-Sheard and the dazzling appearances of Byron Cage and Marvin Winans (We Love You) also help uplift the album’s dexterity to satisfying results. Not many urban albums matched the level of elasticity of J Moss’s V2 in 2007, but we are glad this one came through without any sign of a struggle. No telling what’s next up his sleeve, since he’s now laid down a foundation of high expectations.

LEE WILLIAMS & THE SPIRITUAL Q.C.'S
So Much To Be Thankful For
Label: MCG | Release Date: 04/28/07

MCG’s flagship, gospel quartet Lee Williams & the Spiritual Q.C’s, made an impressive mark with their cool blend of old school quartet workouts - perked with Williams’ renowned ad-libs - and gleaming presentation of gospel soul material found on So Much To Be Thankful For. The album opens up with the refreshing, upbeat drive of He Laid His Hands On Me and continues with its infectious tempo of deep South blues and riveting traditional gospel. The gents journey through a classy presentation of cuts full of old-folks devotion (So Much To Be Thankful For, Have Your Way, Come See About Me) and undeniable soul (In My New Home, Jesus Is Waiting). Marvelously executed is the classy production and remarkable instrumentation usually embracing more contemporary material. One thing these album does is it nullifies any mild misconception that the quartet sound is near retirement. Fans of the Mighty Clouds of Joy and the Canton Spirituals greatest works should have no problem with finding a resting place in this eleven-track offering.

WEST ANGELES COGIC MASS CHOIR
No Limit
Label: EMI Gospel | Release Date: 11/06/07

Who would have imagined a return from West Angeles after such a long break since the Saints In Praise - their groundbreaking worship collections on Sparrow Records - hit the shelves. Almost a decade later, the West Angeles COGIC Mass Choir continues to hold up the light of excellence in providing quality experiments of gospel foundations and innovative praise-and-worship. This collection bears everything we have associated with the church’s music ministry: Judith McAllister’s commanding direction, Jason White’s clean production and a wonderful set of music filled with soulful renditions (Lord Prepare Me, I Love You Lord/We Exalt Thee) and zesty originals (No Limit, For All That You Have Done, For Great Is The Lord). It’s a glorious set from beginning to end and surely proves that church choirs can still put out impressive projects when done right.

MARVIN WINANS
Alone But Not Alone
Label: Pure Springs Gospel | Release Date: 09/25/07

What an enjoyable sound to just hear Marvin Winans sing anything. His mature vocals measures up there with the kings of sophisticated R&B: Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway, Al Green, Teddy Pendergrass. For years he delighted us on many occasions leading the Winans to the top of the charts, but Pastor Winans stepped from out for the very first time to release a solo project. Who would have thought such a day would come and who could have ever imagined it was sound this good. Definitely one of the most robust and fluid projects to hit the gospel market for quite some time, Alone But Not Alone is everything that sums up Marvin’s reputation and surely proves that the Winans dynasty continues to impact how we view gospel music. A list of colorful presentations are featured that range from sentimental jazz (Try) to spunky gospel (I Still Believe). And with the amazing dose of lightly-peppered urban R&B (Peace & Love, Just Don’t Wanna Know, Alone But Not Alone) on board, listeners almost feel like a Brian McKnight or Babyface record.

MIKE FARRIS
Salvation In Lights
Label: INO/Columbia | Release Date: 06/26/07

One good listen to the sensational artistry of Mike Farris, former lead vocalist of the blues/rock group Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies, on his devotional reflection on gospel music’s past tucked beneath the colorful nature of Salvation In Lights and you can easily come to the conclusion that a) the brother can sing b) he’s done a massive amount of research on old school and c) he’s very bold to reach back to rediscover such history and bring it back to the forefront. Unexpectedly on this round, Farris revives and resuscitates the rich Southern charm of the blues and gospel. He mixes the two together, while incorporating influences from country greats like Johnny Cash and gospel legends like Mavis Staples into a wonderful and refreshing trip of fervent traditional gospel. Quality production, seasoned background singers and a strong supporting horn and rhythm section are also present. He does a great job in buffing up the arrangements of songs like “Mary, Don’t You Weep” and Thomas Dorsey’s “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”. The latter leans on a very cool Al Green, Hi Studios-produced, Memphis soul groove worth riding to. And throughout the project, the course of throwbacks (“I’ll Take You There”, “Change Is Gonna Come”, “Can’t No Grave Hold My Body Down”) and wisely penned originals (“The Lonely Road”, “I’m Gonna Get There”, “Devil Don’t Sleep”) is definite easy-listening and an interesting journey of gospel glory. Even though he may not be the big star on gospel’s charts now, Farris has succeeded without any doubt in creating one of the best productions of gospel music during the first decade of the 21st century.