Theresa Pinkney Declares “It’s Me Against The World” On Debut CD

Theresa Pinkney’s entre’ into the world of gospel provides one inspirational and musical delight after another. The CD, Me Against The World, is a declarative statement from the singer letting everyone know that she is ready to tackle whatever comes her way. Through a project filled with a mixture of urban, R&B, pop and dance styles, yet fully gospel, Theresa Pinkney excels as a polished singer unabashed about her faith. The first track on the fifteen-cut Me Against The World is the urban-tinged title cut. The inspirational vibe of the song is infectious. The song finds Theresa singing about her dogged determination to stick with the Lord, no matter what. It’s clear that this singer will make sure that nothing will ever stop her praise.

For those needing a dose of inspiration and a relief from loneliness, Theresa’s got that, too. Her exquisite and wonderfully-controlled soprano takes center stage on the beautiful “Never Alone”. Sweet background vocals from Jesus Groupies United undergird the entire song providing the perfect setting for Theresa to minister. Penned by the artist herself, the track is a powerful one.

“Silent Praise” is another jewel on a project that never fails to fall short in the area of inspiration. Those who have ever felt that “they didn’t have enough tongues to praise Him” will easily be able to relate to the moving track. It’s a smooth and emotive worship tune that finds Theresa letting loose vocally and giving all adoration to the Lord. This song is one of the highlights of Me Against The World.

Theresa Pinkney has no trouble wrapping her crystal clear vocals around a ballad and “Promise” is no exception. A reminder that God is a keeper of His word, the pop-flavored “Promise” leaves the listener uplifted. Fans of this artist will certainly enjoy the up-tempo “Great Jehovah”. The bubbly, bouncy song is a contagious one of praise about the Lord. Written by J. Saunders, the song is a contemporary gospel cut that brings the listener into the artist’s praise party.

Theresa knows how to let her hair down with the mellow and ethereal sounds of “You Are”. It’s a fun-filled track about all the Lord is to her. She lets us know that it’s her relationship with God that puts a smile on her face. Fans of Theresa’s ministry are sure to enjoy the mid-tempo, rhythmic vibe of “My Prayer”. She wraps her soothing vocals around a captivating melody. Hip-hop lovers and tweeters alike will like the contemporary feel and modern message of “Follow Christ”. With social media being a major part of many people these days, Theresa beckons listeners to “Follow Christ”.

“Closer Walk With You”, a calming track about her journey with Christ, is followed by the gratitude-laden “Thank You”. With a hypnotic, feel-good groove, the track is worthy of the repeat button. It’s another one of the highlights of this wonderful project. Another reflective cut is the airy ballad “Deep”. Sometimes the word “deep” seems to be the best one to describe the awesomeness of God. “Count It All Joy”, grabbed directly from scripture, is another beautifully-penned, neo-soul and pop-tinged track. More inspiration flows with the introduction of “Trouble Don’t Last Always”. The song not only encourages the listener to hold on but reminds us that trials are only temporary.

The danceable, electronica-influenced “Pressing On” is a hyperactive cut about “pressing towards the mark”. It’s the perfect track for the Christian night club. Theresa closes this impressive musical offering with a Bonus Track called “Incredible”. With a splash of R&B, the duet showcases Pinkney with guest artist Indigo on an infectious song. Me Against The World is a exquisite musical testimony from one of today’s newest gospel artists.

Kendall King Delivers A Spirit-Filled Night During Her Classy CD Release, Faithful

Sunday evening was the night for the Faithful CD Release Party of Kendall King. A gospel favorite in the D.C. area, known for her hit, “How Excellent Is Thy Name”, was the artist of the night. The site of the event was the posh Carlyle Club in Alexandria, VA. Accented with a red carpet for fans and the crème of the crop of the gospel music industry, the setting quickly morphed into a sold-out event.

Hosted by WCAO’s Doresa Harvey, some of the area’s most popular artists celebrated the occasion with King. Phillip Carter & SOV opened the event with a few rousing numbers followed by top-charting artist Earnest Pugh singing his smash hit, “Rain On Us”. Master pianist Allyn Johnson took to the keys with two inspirational, jazzy songs setting the scene for Ms. Kendall. The star of the night opened with the popular, “How Excellent”. She performed songs from her new CD, Faithful, including “Crazy Praz”, “Hold On”, “A Love Song”, and “In His Presence”. The graphic designer by day and gospel artist and noted songwriter by night is truly one of the highlights of the gospel music genre. For more information about Kendall King or to purchase the new CD, log on to www.KendallKing.biz.

Kirk Franklin Rocks First Baptist Church Of Glenarden At “Hello Fear” Listening Party

Best-selling gospel artist Kirk Franklin was in town on Friday, March 25th for his Official DC area listening party and he had many friends to greet him. First Baptist Church in Glenarden, located in Upper Marlboro, MD, was standing room only and was truly a night to remember. Hosted by Radio One’s Praise 104.1FM, Verity Records and First Baptist Church of Glenarden, the station’s own Cheryl Jackson was present and gave a rousing call of thanks to God for our many blessings. True to form, Kirk Franklin didn’t just come to sing the songs that made him famous or give a taste of the new songs on his just-released project Hello Fear, but he came to minister.

He began the night speaking all about he had gone through to create the album. He spoke of taking a family member to rehab and his sister getting out of jail, just to go back to a life of drugs and prostitution once again. He wanted his supporters to know that when he performs “I Smile”, it’s not because he doesn’t have a reason to frown, but he chooses to smile.Fans had the opportunity to hit the mic themselves by asking Franklin questions they always wanted to know. Questions ranged from his start in music to how he handles fear, but the moment that really captivated the congregation was when a woman shared her story about doctors giving up on her and being at the point of suicide, and getting hope from songs by the artist. Kirk was visibly moved and there was hardly a dry eye in the building. He went to the keyboard and followed up her emotional testimony with his hit song, “Imagine Me”. Another highlight was the song, “The Altar”. The entire place erupted in praise after the song, featuring Marvin Sapp and Beverly Crawford, was played.

Hello Fear, for Kirk Franklin, is an album about facing fears head on. Referencing scripture, Franklin said, “God has not given us a spirit of fear. First of all, understand that fear is a spirit and second, know that it’s not from God”. At that, the audience shouted in praise. He even admitted that his biggest fear was death and he read all the scriptures he could find about heaven and is no longer afraid to die. Kirk made sure to give D.C. special love as he let the audience listen to his Go-Go inspired song, “Before I Die”. Kirk even left D.C. with some new dance moves, courtesy of a young man from the audience.

Gospel Jazz Artist 3 Central Brings It Front And Center With “A Feelin’ Inside”

The dynamic trio of 3 Central is one of today’s best kept secrets in Gospel Jazz. The threesome, Ken Anderson, Everett Moore and Russell Moore, together give praise to God through a smooth, comforting and uplifting sound. All of the members of the group not only are the instrumentalists – Ken Anderson as the keyboardist, arranger and producer, Everett Moore as the drummer and guitarist and Russ Moore as the saxophonist – but they are all principle songwriters as well.

The first cut from their debut project, A Feelin’ Inside, is the captivating melody of “Follow Your Heart”. Standing toe to toe with anything on smooth jazz radio, the track is a mesmerizing one. With silky saxophone work from Russ and added acoustic guitar, this is one track that the listener should just let play. The title cut, “A Feelin’ Inside” is a nice one with an R&B flair. The mid-tempo groove is one that will have you floating away in the heavens. Many will love the soft sounds and pretty vocals of the reverent ballad, “You Are Lord”. This song is perfect for one’s intimate time with God.

Anyone longing to hear the voice of God will relate to the lyrics of “Talk To Me”. The sultry, yet sacred sounds of the track put the listener in a place of tranquility. Ken Anderson provides some nice work on the piano on this one. “It Might Be You (All Of My Life)” is a sophisticated remake of the classic made famous by Stephen Bishop. Penned by Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, and Dave Grusin, 3 Central take this song to another level with a unique styling and spirituality not found in the original recording. Fans of the group will like the bouncy “Never Fade Away” and the calming and beautifully-executed tones of “Peace Walk”. A certain favorite on the record is the enchanting “Island Sunrise”. You can almost seeing the palm trees swaying in the wind on this mellow cut. Everett’s guitar performance easily takes center stage on this rhythmic and memorable track.

Lovers of smooth jazz have a stunning collection of songs to chill with on A Feelin’ Inside. And there’s no shortage of songs to choose from on this CD for times alone with the Lord. At the top of that list would certainly be “In Your Presence”, a pensive and relaxing song perfect for communing with the Lord. “22 West” is another winner with its upbeat tempo and feel-good tonality. Another favorite is sure to be the CD’s closing track, “I Think Of You”, the only song on the CD with full vocals. Pamela Major, with a Toni Braxton-esque sound, sings about how God’s creation reminds her of Him. 3 Central’s debut is a solid collection of inspirational songs packaged in a jazzy and improvisational delivery.

DC Area Gospel Artist, Renee Johnson, Celebrates The Savior With “Just As I Am”

D.C. area resident and gospel artist Renee Johnson’s most recent release, Just As I Am is simply a celebration of God. Her sophomore, self-released project opens with the captivating track, “Gonna Remember This Time”. The orchestration, arrangement and Renee’s deep and soulful alto make this a strong track worthy of the repeat button. Johnson must have thought so as well as the song is covered again later in the project as an instrumental. Eric Byrd, U.S. State Department Jazz Ambassador and unparalleled keyboardist, provides some impressive piano fingerwork that’s not soon forgotten. One of the first thing listeners will hear in Renee’s voice is a unique vocal transparency and authenticity; it’s quite refreshing. Other memorable tracks include the inspirational “No One Can Keep You From The Lord” and “And Therein Lies The Truth”, with its smooth sax solo.

She takes on some old church classics such as “Old Rugged Cross” and “Just As I Am” adding her own special touch and contemporary flair. Many will enjoy the unique adaptation of “Old Ship of Zion” brought to life with words from a passenger of the “slave ship”. “I’ll Take Jesus”, with its old time gospel styling, showcases Renee in a moving performance. Flaunting her musical versatility, she provides some urban and jazzy grooves on the funky “Calling All Saints”. The songstress closes the 13-track CD with the reverent and soft “Beyond The Field (Epilogue)”.

Praise & Worship Leader Eddie James Gives Listeners Much To Shout About On Phoenix Mass Choir’s “Victory”

With the list of great gospel choirs dwindling quickly, it’s great to see Eddie James & The Phoenix Mass Choir stepping up to fill the void with the Best of the Phoenix Mass Choir’s Victory. If you’re looking for spirited great gospel and praise and worship songs, look no further. The ten-track project contains songs written primarily by psalmist Eddie James. Songs like the riveting opening track, “Lord We Praise” certainly set the stage for a high time of energetic celebration to God. James leads this track as the song’s singer and exhorter. “The Battle”, drawing strong comparisons to Yolanda Adams’ “The Battle Is The Lord’s”, is a tear-jerker. The lead singer literally “takes us in” with her dynamic and anointed soprano.

“Keep Trusting” sounds like a musical cross between The Thompson Community Singers and The Mississippi Mass Choir. Looking for a “good ol’ time”? This is your song. It epitomizes traditional gospel music beautifully. As does the Phoenix Mass Choir’s 4th track, “Tell Him What You Want”. Bringing the popular “Jesus Is On The Mainline” into the new millennium, this song is a sweet one and is done the way gospel music should be done. The moving ballad is one of the best songs on the project and is worthy of the repeat button. You can just see the choir robes swaying on the up-tempo, declarative “Lord Have Your Way”. This one is a winner and throughout the project, it’s hard to find a dud in the bunch.

Praise and worship leader Eddie James takes the lead on the riveting title tune, “Victory”. It’s a hyperactive praise tune that beckons everyone to join in. Listeners will love the vamp which will leave them in the rafters. Another James masterpiece, it’s an amazing song. “Faith” is a captivating ballad about the faithfulness of the Lord. The soloist gives an unforgettable performance on this moving track. “Honor” is an uplifting song featuring sopranos and tenors tag-teaming on this creative call-and-response. With flavors of contemporary Christian music, the tune extols glory to God.

“When I Think About The Lord” takes worship to an entirely different level. Expect lifted hands and tear-stained cheeks with this tune. Eddie James clearly has the gift of bringing others into the Throne Room of God with him and this song is no exception. Penned by James Huey, it’s a stand-out. “God of Wonders”, made famous by artists such as Third Day, Caedmon’s Call and Chris Tomlin, is done in Eddie James’ style with a touch of gospel. It’s a powerful rendition and gives honor where it’s due. It’s the perfect close to a phenomenal celebration of praise and worship and gospel choir music. This is certainly “The Best Of”.

Forever Forward Keeps Gospel Music Moving In An Uplifting Direction With New CD "All Is Well"

Forever Forward, founded by Kevin Brightman and Derek Gibbs, is a wonderful collection of jazz musicians and gifted vocalists from The Big Apple. What makes them unique is the clever way they choose to interpret the Gospel message musically.Forever Forward’s project All Is Well is a captivating and uplifting musical collage of Gospel Music.

The group fuses a number of musical styles outside of Gospel - including R&B, Jazz, Blues and Soul – and makes it their own. They open the CD with the inspiring title cut, “All Is Well (Ode To Louise Hay)”. Classic in its style and vibe, the track showcases the crystal clear lead vocals of Tisha Hunter, Pam Saunders and Fela James. “Peace Be Still” will catch the listener’s ear from note one with the motivating words of Derek Gibbs and the tightly-woven harmonies of the ensemble. Taken from scripture, the three words still offer encouragement and hope. Forever Forward’s obvious jazz leanings take center stage on the memorable cut which opens as up-tempo and closes as slow and relaxing.

Forever Forward is in no way your typical ensemble. Their well-executed vocals and strong instrumentation are noticeable throughout. Songs like “Running Over Pt. 1” with its musical and rhythmic diversity make this group stand out from the pack. Each lyric on All Is Well is infused with loads of hope and “I Am In Stride (Ode To Barbara King)” is certainly no exception. Starting with a lone percussive beat and the sweet soprano of Nia Middleton, the song’s lyrics speak about the blessings God has in store. It’s hard to miss the fabulous ivory tickles of Kevin Brightman, an exceptional keyboardist. “Experience” is a swift-moving track while “Running Over Pt. 2” revisits the previous song, but with a nice twist accented by a beautiful assortment of stunning voices.

A certain favorite is the catchy, “God Always Says Yes”. It’s a fun-filled track that leaves the listener certain that God is truly on their side. This one is worthy of the repeat button. The CD closes out with a snippet of “Peace Be Still” and a breathtaking acoustic guitar solo of “All Is Well”. Those who have a great appreciation for good original music, strong vocals and a tight band will truly enjoy Forever Forward’s All Is Well.

Toni Rackard Hits The Gospel Music Scene With Brand New CD

Toni Rackard’s first solo release, Are You Ready For War? is a celebration of gospel music with elements of contemporary gospel, urban gospel, praise and worship and even some smatterings of smooth and straight ahead jazz. Produced by Lewis Bryant (with the exception of two songs), the 12-track project uses different sounds to deliver some great music with the message of the gospel front and center.

Especially on tracks like the first song, “I Can See The Light.” The ballad is a slow, inspirational track of hope. Toni sings to the listener with lyrics sprinkled with glimmers of hope. The song is sung from the point of view of a dedicated lover of God. With a straight ahead jazz leaning, Skip Scarborough’s tune, “Lovely Day” is given a new interpretation with Toni’s laid back vocals. Made famous by Bill Withers and more recently by Kirk Franklin, the song is a classic and Toni takes it to new heights with her jazzy, smoothed-out rendition.http://www.tehillahent.com

“Unconditional Love” is a song filled with some serious funk and a dose of strong inspiration. The devoted Christian will have no problem groovin’ to the God-focused lyrics and urban vibes of the track. The title tune, “Are You Ready For War?”, is another contemporary gospel groove with a thick back beat. Reminding us of the spiritual battle we’re in on a daily basis, Rackard delivers a very convincing performance on this song. By the end of this 4-minute musical jewel, the singer, also a co-writer, will assure you that she is indeed “Ready For War”.

An interesting mix of praise and worship and urban stylings, Toni beckons the Lord to take control on “Arise Within Us”, a mid-tempo musical offering. Opening with some words of victory, Toni revisits the theme of war within the funk-filled sounds of “Cry Of War”. Those ready to get their praise on will truly enjoy the upbeat, praiseworthy track, “Let Us Dance”.

Toni’s mellow soprano vocals provide a captivating performance on the surrendering track, “I Give My Life To You”. Clearly sung from the heart of someone truly in love with the Lord, the song is powerful one. One of the strongest tracks on Are You Ready For War?, “Lord I Cry For You”, finds Toni displaying a heart-rending performance over an R&B groove.

Those who have been seeking to hear the voice of the Lord will be able to relate to the lyrics of the ballad, “Speak To Me”. Hillsong’s Darlene Zschech’s “Sing Of Your Great Love” is given a gospel twist by Toni on Are You Ready For War?. The song of adoration and praise is a pretty one. Rackard closes out her release with the soft and solemn, “You Are Lord Forever”. A song she penned is certain to be a favorite of those who love a simple yet moving worship song.

Conrad Miller Provides Traditional Inspiration From An Experienced Heart

By Terrence Richburg

Conrad Miller, one of today’s up-and-coming gospel recording artists, makes his national debut with an 11-track traditional musical offering, My Journey. Produced by the renowned Steven Ford, My Journey marks a rare departure from Ford’s “signature” orchestral arrayed and rich symphonic arrangements, but instead takes you “down home” to a more fundamental place in God, integrating artist Conrad Miller’s first-hand testimony of his walk with the Lord. Amid his sincere desire to share the benefits of his successful journey with others, Conrad’s My Journey demonstrates a powerful tool and opportunity for evangelistic ministry.

With the impressive penning of every song, Conrad through My Journey leads a trek to learn of the “amazing” nature of God, the blessings of God, the power and “anointing” of the Holy Spirit, salvation through Jesus Christ, and the “change” experienced in the believer’s heart and soul. “Amazing,” a solid, side-to-side rockin’ opening track chronicles Conrad’s profound story of the many awesome miracles God has shown the world through Miller’s personal perspective and encounters, as God’s purpose for him as an artist is revealed. The pulsating beat and contagious hook won’t let you resist the urge to move and sing along with this one.

Then, ideal for getting everyone up on their feet on Sunday morning, with a southern style, quartet gospel flair, “Blessed By The Best” has strong traditional appeal as Conrad delivers one of his most uplifting lead vocal offerings on the project. “Breathe On Me” offers real hope through an earnest prayerful plea to God to impart the precious Holy Spirit’s anointing on Miller’s life for help to travail the day- to-day struggle on the believer’s journey. The melodic interplay between the lead vocal and the lead guitar is a very nice touch that further enriches this lush Gospel ballad.

With a very strong hook at the helm and a rich foundation of background vocal harmonies, “Jesus Is The Way” is a delightful, “happy feeling” kind of song, like a family outing drive on the interstate, that biblically and concisely teaches the gospel message of the coming of Jesus to miraculously save the world—a great invitational alternative to the norm. Then, Conrad takes us back to a 50’s/60’s-like finger popping ballad performance on “(I’ve Been) Changed,” highlighting an authentic vocal arrangement and moving lead and background vocal performances.

Miller reveals some of his influential roots as a singer and songwriter on “Movin’ On Up!”, with reminiscences of Curtis Mayfield’s vocal style and the hook from The Impressions’ “old-school” hit song, “We’re a Winner”—a thought-evoking return to timeless inspirational themes born out the social struggle of the past, and yet relevant to us even today.

Conrad keeps on moving to deliver a virtual tour de force of God-inspired compositions one after the other with “(He’s Done) More Than Enough For Me,” an inspiring reflective song of thanksgiving and praise to God, and a prayer of dependence on God in the emotive track, “In Your Time”. This track also offers a present-day request for God’s protection of those serving in the military (in light of the events of 9/11), and showcases the outstanding “inspirational” piano style of producer, Steven Ford.

Probably the strongest song on the entire My Journey project, “Momma Prayed For Me”, is a knee slappin’, “get up on your feet”, powerhouse with the universal theme of prayer at its core, to which everybody can relate. This song can easily be adopted as an up tempo, standard hymn to be sung in church for years to come.

The “back in the day”, R&B spiced gospel ballad, “Paradise”, is rich melodically and harmonically with a comforting, encouraging message, complete with great vocals. Then the final track, “From Here Through Eternity”, is another great song and probable standard of the church from Miller, with a sincere opening testimony and lead performance. The greatest segment of this song is when Conrad borrows lines from the very familiar church hymn, “Where He Leads Me,” which works to perfect this unique arrangement.

Jonathan Dubose’s brilliant guitar work throughout the project serves as the anchor which holds everything together and sets the atmosphere for the “down home” flavor, seasoned with an early “Motown” R&B swing for many of the tracks.

The key to success for My Journey as a project rests within Conrad Miller’s uncanny ability to present memorable hooks, strong melodies and powerful phrases that tap into the sown seeds of compelling, time-honored principles, and biblical stories and themes, which have universal appeal and application. With each song Miller emphasizes these concepts that resonate pretty much with anyone who has lived for a length of time, and amongst those who at some point experienced “morning worship” at its best at their local church. My Journey encapsulates the spirit of traditional inspiration from the experienced heart of Conrad’s dedicated passage through and to God’s life-altering truth.

Conclusively, My Journey is not an elaborate, star-studded production like many that are being released these days. Rather, Miller’s journey takes us back to a place and time of straightforward Word-based messages, not overly adorned, but well done —so as to make sure the strength of the lyrics ring out loud and clear for all to understand. The production does the intended job to support and focus the listener on the true meaning of the music. I have no doubt that this is the intent from God’s perspective—that no one will miss His desire to attract those who don’t know the Lord and bring them to the true and saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, through the preaching of the Word (in song). On that basis, Conrad Miller can confidently proclaim, My Journey and my living are not in vain.

Debbie Scott Knows About “Getting Your Life Back”

By Andrea R. Williams

A Deaconness and Praise and Worship Leader of Set The Captives Free Outreach Center in Baltimore, MD and formerly signed to the Savoy Record label as a member of the Five Stars Of Baltimore as a youth, Debbie Scott steps into the spotlight as a solo artist on a well-penned and insightful compilation of praise and worship, contemporary and traditional gospel music called Getting Your Life Back.

During this impressive musical collection, Scott makes sure that God remains the focus. Perfect for the worshiper, the lead single, “Rain”, is a moving, reflective song. The song beckons God for his rain of blessing. Anyone seeking God’s showers will find this song an easy one to sing along to.

Another great cut, “I Love You, I Praise You” brings the theme of adoration front and center. With Scott’s soothing alto, the track is a relaxing cut. Sung from the heart of someone in love with God, the simple yet powerful song oozes adoration. Other wonderful tracks include the Caribbean-flavored “I’m Grateful”, the memorable “Meet Me In Prayer”, the exciting “Let The Earth” and the thought-provoking “Center Of God’s Will”.

Scott provides a number of cuts to praise and exalt God to. A definite favorite will be the affirming “Promise Keeper”, a track about God’s ability to be true to his word. But the song that holds a special place in the psalmist’s heart is the CD’s title tune, “Getting Your Life Back”. With lyrics focusing on redemption and healing, the song easily ministers to those who have decided to take the reigns of their lives back. Coming from an abusive background, the hook, “You’re getting your life back”, is what Scott heard the Lord say when she stepped away from a destructive relationship. Because of what she’s been through, Debbie Scott can encourage others.

And that’s the premise of the entire project. Getting Your Life Back is a proclamation of the goodness of God and a reminder of his ability to deliver and renew.

Rev. Nolan Williams, Jr.'s inSpiration Is A Masterpiece Inspired By The Master

By Terrence Richburg

Rarely in life are we so blessed to encounter members of a very unique group of individuals who are overflowing with God-given abilities. Such is one in the incredible talent of Rev. Nolan Williams, Jr. "a modern day Bach and blossoming genius in the music industry today. Williams exhibits a commanding presence particularly in the art of delivering spiritual encouragement and inspiration to the masses through his music and preached word. Nolan Williams, Jr. has worked with many icons in the music industry but is probably best known for his work as Chief Music Editor, and contributing writer and arranger for the widely acclaimed, bestselling African American Heritage Hymnal. Nevertheless, Williams showcases his virtual arsenal of skills on his latest CD release, inSpiration. This "magnum opus" of sermonic and ministry inspired compositions and arrangements is tailor-made for those seeking to express genuine love to God and also wishing to receive heart-soothing, God-breathed words of promise and assurance to apply to their own lives.

Williams' aggressive 21-track CD, inSpiration presents an anthology of mini-symphonies overflowing with nuggets of biblical truths and life-changing blessings. Williams enlists the production talents of John Stoddart, another musical genius in his own right to co-pilot the production of this work. With a virtual "Who's Who" of musicians, singers, arrangers and engineers second to none, inSpiration comes together quite nicely to satisfy the taste for great music to listen to at home, in the car or as an ideal sing-along for choirs and congregations alike.

Right from the very first beat, inSpiration ushers in a high-energy movement of celebration and intense praise on the power-driven track, We Bless Your Name. This straightforward song of adoration is set against a pulsating sound bed mimicking the heartbeats of many. The song is immersed in an outpouring of blessing offered to God through continually uplifting His name. Nolan Williams' exhortations along with the soulful adlibs of guest vocalist, Vanessa R. Williams' (no relation) push the song's high level of exhilaration even "higher" and "higher". . An added attraction are Nolan's dynamic string and horn arrangements as a captivating crown to this intriguing fusion of gospel, praise and worship, and classical genres that will easily find its way on the listener's CD track repeat setting.

Then immediately the soulful, medium-tempo sway of My Offering introduces a delightful contrast featuring a catchy R&B chorus led by the incomparable Regina Belle. This laidback, "pocket" groove features raw vocal melodies and urban harmonic technique, full of dynamics with amazing execution and soul-stirring sincerity. Bathed in "old-school" style chord changes, wah-wah guitar and clavinet, Rhodes piano patches, and live horns, this cut easily pulls everyone (young and old) into the infectious rhythm inspiring "reasonable service" praise and worship offerings to the Lord.

Next, inspired by the dynamic sermon "Opening the Door of the Church" preached by Williams' pastor, Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr. the gorgeous ballad Two Thieves and a Lamb proclaims the foundational story of God's salvation plan as told in the biblical description of Jesus on the cross between the two thieves in the crucifixion account. The heartfelt vocal lead superbly performed by Duawne Starling and supporting arrangement of pure background vocals and acoustic guitar timbres quickly move the listener to the main point of "grace" offered as a free gift from God to anyone who believes, a must-sing for the "invitation" portion of any worship service.

Then the uplifting powerhouse, Generational Blessing, another sermon inspired piece displays Nolan Williams' mastery of inspirational writing always blended with a biblically based message of promise with Williams' preached and sung exhortations as the main focus. Everyone jams on this cut from beginning to end (as "on one accord") with an unmatched array of harmonic colors, unison melodic line transitions, Lloyd Barry signature horn and string arrangements, and band driving hits and breaks that leave you speechless.

The classical majesty of world-renown Michael Ripoll's acoustic guitar work on the next track, With My Whole Heart serves to set the mood for this group featured gem of anointed vocals and touching honesty â€ÂÂ