::ALBUM REVIEW::

For years, LeAnne Palmore has provided her stellar mark of background support for artists including CeCe Winans, Michael W. Smith, Darwin Hobbs, Israel Houghton and Donnie McClurkin. It is with CeCe Winans that she earned her wings as one of the industry's finest background vocalists; ultimately working with her for more than 7 1/2 years. Now stepping out from the shadows, the Cincinnati native (now residing in Brentwood, TN) has recently released her debut solo project, Interpretations of Grace, on the independent Passion Parts music label.

With Roger Ryan (Alvin Slaughter, Anointed, Desmond Pringle) on board as the sole album producer, Palmore lingers around thirteen tracks filled with soft passionate pop ballads and R&B-laced productions that easily resembles the breezy, comforting sounds of CeCe Winans. "Holy Lord" kicks off with a party-like atmosphere and sizzles with a bursting rhythmic chorus filled with praise. Added party sounds on the verses gives the song added depth while Palmore bursts with joyful exhortations while using her warm vocals. "Makin It Work" - set for success as a radio hit - rides on the strengths of its acoustic layout and contemporary grooves while giving new meaning to the popular text of Romans 8:28. "Victory" is a fun, youthful cut bolstering a charming melody and walks up a number of gradual modulations. "In The Bible" possess a nice, mellow contemporary jazz flavor and strongly providing a glowing ambiance lyrically to the Word of God - something hardly done explicitly in modern gospel.

Most of the album caters to the ballads like the tapestry found on the crossover-tinged "Love Never Fades Away" and the ever-emotional "Come Let Us Worship." The latter is spread out across six minutes and goes beyond its expected time limit, yet is forgivable for its mood changes and embellishing musical transformations. The title track journeys through a medley of graceful hymn-like songs which includes Clint Brown's "If Not For Grace" - all set to serene strings and a tranquil piano accompaniment. Palmore even revisits the Rodney Posey-penned "Sanctuary" (not to be confused with the even-popular Randy Scruggs song). Enhanced harmonies and full dynamic choral arrangements bring a comforting beauty to the worship classic.

The biggest struggle Palmore encounters on Interpretations of Grace is quite obvious: the predictable and easy comparison to CeCe Winans. Maybe with a different style of music, like smooth jazz or even urban R&B similar to that of Yolanda Adams - or maybe with a smokier R&B/neo-soul production and less pop lush, the equivalence with Winans' protegee wouldn't be so easy to encounter. The comparisons of Palmore's vocals with CeCe is expected for listeners, so maybe a change of the musical textures would allow Palmore to shine even more as her own individual artist. Still, she is equipped with warm sounds, fitting material and a professional round of production and delivers a very good, easy-listening debut.