Israel Houghton returns to the scene today with his newest album, Love God. Love People. The project has been highly publicized, primarily because it was created in London’s famed Abbey Road Studios, the birthplace of much of the Beatles’ historic music.

Produced by Houghton, with Aaron Lindsey and Tommy Sims, the magic and wonder of the recording space can definitely be heard in this musical body of work.  One might criticize it, though, as it likely showcases more musicality than the average consumer can appreciate or follow.  Still, while Abbey Road may not carry as much significance for the gospel community as it does for Israel personally, there’s something quite cool about knowing that this project is unlike others in our genre.

The album opens with the title track, full of funk and a banging beat, before transitioning to another stand-out, “Yahweh.”  This tune is energetic and full of vocal/instrumental nuances that make you wanna listen multiple times in a row, just to ensure that you’ve heard it all.  Up next, is “Love Rev,” with a fun 60′s Motown/British invasion chorus (with a bit of a doo-wop vibe) that you’d expect to have been created at Abbey Road.

Other standout tracks are “That’s Why I Love You,” a mellow, jazzy groove that makes you wanna snap your fingers and fall in love with God all over again, and “You Hold My World,” a heart-wrenchingly performed ode to God’s faithfulness (the song’s build is captivating).

Israel’s also got some solid, but understated guest performances from his industry peers–  the upbeat and dance-ready “Mercies,” features Kirk Franklin.  With its Earth Wind & Fire kind of vibe, it’s just screaming for a skate party. The collabo is so seamless and natural that the song could easily have fit on an album by Kirk, too.  Then there’s “Surprises,” with Fred Hammond giving a vocal that is higher and lighter than we’ve come to expect from him, along with a bass-heavy vamp that showcases Hammond’s musicianship in a way that we don’t always get to hear.

Perhaps one of the most powerful songs on the entire project is the one that ends it– ”Hosanna (Be Lifted Higher).”  In various sections of the song, the tune is as pure and innocent as the children’s choir singing behind it, before becoming as intricate as the background vocals supplied by a cappella wonder-group Take 6.  It’s the type of song that should/will be sung at an outdoor crusade by about 40,000 people at once.  At over 8 minutes in length, “Hosanna” is over-the-top grand. And rightly so– it’s a cry of praise to an over-the-top grand God.

In sum, Love God. Love People. is certainly more experimental than any other project he’s done. If Houghton’s Real album bothered fans of the praise & worship New Breed sound, this one is gonna drive them crazy.  There’s hardly anything that most churches will be adding to their Sunday morning repertoires, but Israel has never claimed to be a limited to what we define as “worship music.”  In my estimation, he’s always explored the more creative side of himself in a way that is uninhibited and undefined.

The masterful production and simply “good music” found on this project is reason enough for any true music lover to grab it.  The fact that we can have it, and know that it’s about an infinitely creative God (who expresses His creativity in innumerable ways)… that’s a bonus.  Worth a purchase.

Click here to listen and/or download it now!

Word has it that Israel Houghton is set to release his new album on August 31st, titled Love God. Love People.

The 12-track project features guest vocals from Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond and Take 6.  He’s also co-written a few tracks with wife Meleasa, Tommy Sims, Aaron Lindsey and Michael Gungor.  The album was recorded at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios (hence the visual homage to the Beatles’ Abbey Road album).

According to Israel, “Love God. Love People. is a return to a simple, foundational Gospel command: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself.”

The full track listing for the project is as follows:

1. Love God Love People
2. Yahweh (The Lifter)
3. Love Rev
4. That’s Why I Love You
5. Others
6. You Hold My World
7. You Won’t Let Me Go
8. Our God
9. Mercies (feat. Kirk Franklin)
10. Surprises (feat. Fred Hammond)
11. Name of Love
12. Hosanna (Be Lifted Higher) (feat. Take 6)

Sounds niiiiiice!  Okay, talk to me– who’s pickin’ it up?!

A couple of weeks ago, GospelPundit.com contributing writer Mia Paylor wrote her first editorial in her new series, Purchase Or Pass, regarding Jason Champion.  You guys loved it so much (and so did I), that I figured we need to hear from Mia again, sooner than later.

So, without delay, here’s Mia’s… policy… on purchasing music. *giggling*

*     *     *

Jesus said we should forgive 77 times. But at $10 each, I can’t afford to forgive $770 worth of disappointing CDs!  Once I hit $20, you’re CUT from my “MUST BUY” list. My most common disappointment is unmet expectations…and my most recent encounter with it involves Byron Cage.

Byron Cage’s self-titled GospoCentric debut is a CLASSIC. With production headed by Kurt Carr, this CD impacted how Praise & Worship was done…PERIOD. What praise team didn’t sing “The Presence of the Lord is Here”…and beg to cut at least two modulations?! The power of God, a seamless flow from high praise to reverent worship, top-notch background vocals, and well-written, perfectly arranged…very church-friendly songs were all present on this CD. Surely, I’d get more releases like this from Byron. My expectations were sealed!

Already familiar with Isaiah Thomas’ “I Will Bless the Lord”, I didn’t rush out to buy Byron’s 2005 release, An Invitation to Worship (produced by PAJAM). After hearing “We Love You”, which sounds like Byron’s a featured guest on J. Moss’ song, I opted to pass on it altogether. Both songs were nice. I just couldn’t imagine how they fit together on the same CD.

But, I did purchase Byron’s 2007 release, Live at the Apollo (also produced by PAJAM), when I found out Kim Burrell was featured on it. It had its highlights…specifically, “Royalty”, “Anyhow” and “If You Never.”  But, where did the seamless flow go? Where were the well-written, church-friendly Praise & Worship songs?

So, this time, my good friend, Cynthia Jones (make-up artist extraordinaire), had to convince me to give Bryon’s most recent release, Faithful to Believe (produced by Aaron Lindsey), a listen. She said that she shared my reservations initially, gave it a shot anyway and was pleased with the CD.

So, I downloaded it…and it’s definitely a step up from the last two releases. “I Give You Praise” is a nice Praise & Worship song. “Simply Yes” and “I Can’t Hold It” are soul-stirring choir selections. And “Lord, You are My Everything”, with Karen Clark-Sheard and Pastor Marvin Winans, is a churchy treat. But, WHERE, OH WHERE is the PLETHORA of songs that praise teams everywhere MUST learn? And why are the background vocals lacking precision?

If Byron hadn’t been marketed as “The PRINCE of Praise”, I’d be at peace with my post Byron Cage purchases. Instead, I’m longing to have my princely expectations met. If my expectations were set in error, tell me!

Artists should use the formula that catapulted their recording career while preparing to record subsequent projects. I think that would decrease the likelihood that CD-buying supporters will be disappointed with what an artist offers as it relates to their future CDs style, flow, lyrics, and overall production.

I’m willing to purchase Byron’s future projects. But, first, I have a question. What should I expect from a Byron Cage CD?! Depending on the answer, I’ll ignore my $20 cut-off limit, tweak my expectations accordingly and prepare to buy the next release.

*     *     *

I hear you, Mia.  I will say that I enjoy his most recent release more than his previous two… but there’s nothing like that first one on GospoCentric!

What do you folks think?

Word has it that DeWayne Woods is prepped to release his new album, entitled My Life’s Lyric, on June 22nd (Quiet Water Entertainment/Verity Gospel Music Group).

He describes it as “more mature and sophisticated,” but don’t fret– it’ll still have a mixture of ballads, praise & worship cuts and more.  Production assistance comes from Aaron Lindsey, Daniel Weatherspoon and PJ Morton (who wrote the radio hit “Let Go” on Woods’ last album).

Many consumers thought the project would come sooner, due to earlier reports and the release of Woods’ first single, “Living On the Top,” several months ago.  I’m glad to have an official release date that we’re stickin’ to!

Verity will soon be sending a new single to radio– “I Won’t Be Afraid.”

In the meantime, the album is available for pre-order here.  Check it out!

Sounds like it could be a really great album.  Anyone else excited to hear it?

Talk to me!

Marvin Sapp is one of the most sought-after artists in gospel right now.  But it wasn’t until the release of his seventh solo project, Thirsty, that Marvin Sapp reached heights of commercial success that many gospel artists will never see.

One thing that I like most about this man of God– success hasn’t changed him.  I first got to know him about 7 years ago and he’s the same laid-back and humble dude today as he was back then.

Now, with today’s release of his newest album, Here I Am, Marvin Sapp offers us more great music with his powerful ministry.  If you saw my review of the project yesterday, you know how much I enjoy it.  It’s got some great new material, with great production and vocals… definitely a favorite of mine right now.

I caught up with Pastor Sapp to talk shop about his new project.  We also chatted about the public criticism of how he handled himself on The Mo’Nique Show on BET… (I LOVE what he had to say about that!).  Plus, he shares some of the things that he’s got lined up for 2010.

Here’s Marvin Sapp…

*     *     *

EJ:  Pastor!  How are you?

MS:  I’m good, man.  How about yourself?

EJ:  I’m doing well, thanks.  And thank you so much for taking some time to chat with me– I know you’ve got a lot going on.

MS:  This is easy.

EJ:  Aww thanks.  I’m thrilled that you thought of lil’ old me.

MS:  *laughing*

EJ:  Well, I’m gonna get right to it.  You’ve got a new album, Here I Am, and I’ve gotta tell you– I love it.

MS:  Man, thank you so much.

EJ:  I really do.  With live recordings, artists always run the risk of not having the music translate well once it’s on an album, but most of your albums have been recorded live, right?

MS:  Yeah, I would say at least 60% of ‘em.

EJ:  Yeah, so you’re pretty much a pro at this by now… how do you capture that experience so well, so that it translates?

MS:  Well, I think I try to keep the experience.  What a lot of people do is they go into the studio and, when they do all their fixes, they try to fix everything and make it perfect.  I try to leave mistakes in there, you know, some little things… some little nuances to ensure that “live” feel.  And to keep it real.  So, that’s been our kind of signature, and it works for us.

EJ:  Good stuff.  I’ve heard some people say “he’s coming out with something again?  So soon?”  But they fail to realize that your last project, Thirsty, was actually released in 2007.

MS:  3 years ago!  Ain’t that hard to believe?

EJ:  Yeah, I think you were just about due.  Question– do you get annoyed when people call the song “Never COULD Have Made It?”  That irks me!

MS: *laughing*  Nah, I don’t.  It’s funny, man!  People call it “Never Could Have Made It,” “Never Should Have Made It”… I heard someone call it “Never Wanna Make It,” or something… the fact that it’s on their minds is the biggest compliment.  It really is.

EJ:  Fair enough.  So what was your goal with this album, musically?  Especially given that you worked with Aaron Lindsey again, were you trying to recreate some of the magic of the last album?

MS:  You got it, man.  We went to the same venue, used the same musicians, the same background singers… we added some different things to it, but our focus was to try to create the same anointing.  And myself, Aaron Lindsey and Myron Butler, we work so well together.  We just come together and we create magic.  You know?  It wasn’t broke, so there was no need to fix it.

EJ:  I hear that.  With your live recording in November, you may have been the first gospel artist to stream your live recording over the internet, is that right?

MS:  Yep!  First gospel artist ever to stream and allow people to get a bird’s-eye view of what we were doing.  I mean, it was great.  It was different… we’re really trying to capitalize on this multimedia piece and this 21st century move.  It’s working for us.

EJ:  It really is.  But did you ever worry about people having too much access– not necessarily like they were gonna steal music, but that they would have opinions about it so early in your process?

MS:  Nah, not really.  And I think the reason I wasn’t worried is because we were just giving little snippets, not so much that they could formulate concepts about the entire thing.  But even with that, no negatives… we got no negative responses out of the 5,000 plus people.  Everybody said they enjoyed it.

EJ:  Nice.  Well, the new single “The Best In Me,” has been moving like wildfire.  And I remember, at the recording, a lot of us thought, commercially, “that’ll be the one and it’s gonna be big.”  Did you know that song would be so popular?

MS:  Nope. *laughs*

EJ:  *laughing* Not at all?

MS:  Not at ALL.  Man, you can’t gauge this stuff.  “Never Would Have Made It” was a phenomenon.  It just shot out the box.  “The Best In Me,” same thing.

I’m looking at it and I say “thank you, God, because again, you showed us how You take the foolish things to confound the wise and how, if you keep it simple, it’ll work.”

EJ:  Absolutely.  It doesn’t always take much.  Now, Here I Am is your 8th solo project?

MS:  8th solo album, yep.

EJ:  Wow.  Most gospel artists don’t even get to number eight, let alone have some of the success you’ve had.  How have you grown as an artist?

MS:  I think I’ve just matured.  I mean, I’m 43 now.  Since I started at 22, I’ve become a different guy.  I’ve kinda found my niche.  I know what my listening audience enjoys hearing me do and I’m smart enough to give them what they like.  I’m not trying to figure out, trying to broaden myself and all that kinda stuff…

At this point, I’ve got 900,000 people that love to hear me sing the kind of music that’s like Thirsty.  So, this new album was gonna be Thirsty on steroids.

EJ:  Ha!

MS:  You know?  We tried to accomplish another level of what we did before.

EJ:  Sure.  And how do you define your music?  What is your lane?

MS:  Man, I’m churchy but funky.

EJ: *laughing*

MS:  That’s just me.  I’m churchy because I try to make sure that my lyrics are Christ-centered and Biblically sound, but I’m funky, you know?  We like to add some flavor to it.  And it works for us.

I don’t know if I can fit into any particular genre– I don’t know if I’m traditional, I don’t know if I’m contemporary, I just know I’m “church.”

EJ:  Well put.  Like I said, I’ve been lovin’ this album since they sent it to me and I can’t stop listening to it.  I trust that they’ll go out and buy it this week.

MS:  Man, I hope so.  You know, I ain’t never been into records, but it would just be awesome to see a gospel record take the #1 spot on hip-hop and R&B.

EJ:  Yeah, it would.

MS:  It hasn’t really happened like that since the Kirk Franklin “Stomp” record, and that was years ago.

EJ:  Well, you’d be the one right now to do it.

MS:  We’ll see.  We’ll know next week.

EJ:  Absolutely.  Listen, I wanna give you an opportunity to respond to something that recently buzzed around the web for a minute– your appearance on The Mo’Nique Show.

MS:  *laughing*

EJ:  Now, some folks criticized you for not… well, I dunno what they really wanted… but they didn’t like the way that you handled Mo’Nique’s use of profanity with you.  Maybe they wanted you to rebuke her or kick her in the head and walk off stage, I don’t know.

MS:  *laughs*

EJ:  But what was that experience like and do you wish you had responded differently?

MS:  Well, let me be honest– when I look at the show, there are a whole lot of things that I think I could’ve done differently.  However, number one, everyone needs to realize it was a late-night show.  Number two, I think everybody must realize that it was her show.  And number three, if I would’ve rebuked her or checked her, they probably would’ve never seen the show to have anything to write about.

EJ:  Hmm.  Yeah.

MS:  Now, I understand where I was going and who I was dealing with.  And people assume that there was not conversation behind closed doors as it pertains to her spiritual walk and her spiritual life.

EJ:  Absolutely.

MS:  Umm… I know Mo’Nique.  I know Mo’Nique, not just in front of people, but I have had the opportunity to have conversation with her behind closed doors about her spiritual walk and her desires and her struggles… things of that nature.

Because of that, I can tell her “you just be YOU.”  There are some areas of her life that she’s ready to change and there are some areas of her life that she isn’t ready to change.  And as a man of God, it is my responsibility to just make sure that I live the life in front of her that models Christ.

EJ:  For sure.

MS:  Sometimes, some of the best messages that you would ever preach aren’t Scripture as much as it is your life– you’ve gotta have a life that shows.

But what I want to tell the Body of Christ is that you may feel that the way I dealt with her was absolutely wrong.  And I can say to them “that’s your opinion and there are some things I could’ve done differently.”

However, let me remind them of Galatians 6, verse 1, where it declares that if you find someone overtaken with a fault, y’all that are spiritual are supposed to restore such a one in a spirit of meekness considering yourselves.

EJ:  Right.

MS:  And the reason that I say that is because for every individual that blasted me because I sat there and allowed her to cuss and be herself, if you felt that I was wrong, you were JUST as wrong as she was for blasting me and not saying “we need to restore this brother in a spirit of meekness, considering ourselves.”

EJ:  That’s so true.  And I think that, a lot of times, people are so quick to judge situations that they’ll never even have to encounter.

MS:  And it’s 5 minutes.  It was 5 minutes sitting on a couch.  I can’t go into somebody else’s house and tell them how to act in their own home.  And I stand on the point that there are a lot of things that I could’ve done differently.  There are things that I could’ve said, things that I could’ve done.  And I have admitted that.

However, the Body of Christ needs to understsand that if we’re going to win the lost, sometimes our message has to be our lifestyle and not what we say.

Half of the people that talked about me like a dog would never have this platform.

EJ:  Exactly.

MS:  And half of the people that talked about me like a dog will never get the opportunity to sit at a table with Mo’Nique and witness and share Christ with her.  Because she wouldn’t even entertain their company.  She couldn’t even receive them.

And she told me, before I got on the show, “I’m never going to invite a preacher here, Marvin.  The only reason why I’m bringing you, as a preacher, is because I like your spirit and because I know you.  I know that you’re going to keep it real with me.  We’ve talked about spiritual things before, so I know where you stand and you know where I am.”

EJ:  Wow.

MS:  So, with that in mind, you’ve gotta keep it like that.  We’re losing a generation of people because we’ve got so many people judging the Body.

I didn’t cuss.  I didn’t swear… *laughing*  I didn’t do nothing but say “the Blood of Jesus” and “be yourself.”  Because it’s between you and God, ultimately.

EJ:  Right.  And He’s not surprised…

MS:  You know He’s not.  And then what’s really funny– I told somebody recently “y’all act like you ain’t never heard anybody cuss before.”  My mother could out-cuss Mo’Nique. *laughs*

EJ: *laughing*

MS:  *laughing* On any given day!  But people have a lot of opinions.  In a nutshell, there are a ton of things I could’ve done.  If I had checked her, they wouldn’t have anything to write about because they would’ve never seen the show.  And I never would’ve gotten the opportunity to do what I was assigned to do, and that was to sing “Praise Him In Advance.”

And many, many people received a blessing from that.  That was my focus and my goal, and I accomplished it.

EJ:  Cool.  Now, I know that you’re judging How Sweet The Sound again this year.  I can’t even believe the types of sold-out crowds they’re getting.  That’s been a great experience for you?

MS:  It has been the most phenomenal experience that I’ve had since I’ve been in the industry.  And let me tell you why– Verizon Wireless has spent MILLIONS of dollars, not on a national secular artist who already has billions in record sales, not on a national gospel artist who is making millions in record sales… but they have spent MILLIONS of dollars and invested it into the local, urban church.  That’s what blesses me about Verizon Wireless.

EJ:  Wowww.

MS:  They get it.  They get that the local church is STILL the backbone of the community.  And they’re willing to spend money to celebrate the power that the local urban church has.  I think that’s what blesses me more than anything about Verizon.  And that’s why I’m glad that this is the 3rd year that I’m a part of what they do– they get it.

EJ:  Hmm.  You make me wanna switch from T-Mobile… on that note.

MS:  *laughs*

EJ:  *laughing*  You know?  Like, what Y’ALL doin’?!

MS:  They get it, man.  And people are switching because of that.  I don’t know secular artists who had the set– that set that they built…

EJ:  It’s beautiful.

MS:  It’s gorgeous!  And it’s all for the inner city church.  And if you make it to be a part of the local show, the blessing is that, no matter what, you win.  You leave with money.  EVERY choir leaves with a minimum of $3,000.

EJ:  WOW.

MS:  So, you might not win the $15,000, but you’re not leaving there empty-handed.  They get it!  So, I appreciate what they do.

EJ:  Awesome.  Well, what else have you got lined up for 2010?

MS:  Well, I’ve got 3 books that I’m trying to get published.

EJ:  THREE?!

MS:  Three, actually. *laughing*  I wrote one called “Stepping Out On The Promise,” then I wrote another book called “Diary Of A Psalmist,” then I have “Never Would Have Made It: The Reflections Book” that has a workbook that comes with it.

And, they’re all at a publisher’s now.  Hopefully, we’ll get approval and get at least “”Never Would Have Made It: The Reflections Book” out before the year is up.

And, we’re in the process of adding 18,000 square feet– a performing arts center with classrooms for 200 people– onto our [church's] 7-acre campus, connecting it to our Family Life Center.  I just met with an architectural firm a couple of months ago, trying to get the plans to put senior housing on our property as well…and, man, I’m just trying to be a good husband and father and create streams so that I won’t have to rely on music forever.

EJ:  That’s awesome.  Awesome.  And thank you for saying that… I trust you’ll mentor the guys coming up, too, so that they don’t think that once you get your album…

MS:  Man, half of these gospel artists don’t even have health care.  So, it’s mind-blowing to me that we think that the key to our success is just focusing on one stream of revenue, thinking that it’s going to be the stream that takes us over, forever.

We need to understand that music is seasonal.  I’m hot now, but it ain’t gonna always gonna be this way.  And I ain’t no idiot… I know that.  So, that’s why I’m trying to remain humble in the process so that, when someone else comes along, I won’t walk around here like “they don’t deserve it.”  It’s just their time.

EJ:  That’s great stuff, man.  Well, you already know that I’m a big supporter.  I’m so proud of you and all that God is doing through you.  And I know you’re gonna have a great release week and a great run, a great 2010, all that…

MS:  Thanks, man.  I appreciate that.

EJ:  And you take of yourself, running around and doing all that out there.

MS:  Man, I got you.  I’m about to go sleep right now, in the car, cuz we’re stuck in traffic, so it’s gonna be a minute. *laughs*

I’ll talk to you later, man.

EJ:  *laughing* Ok, take care.

MS:  Okay, bye bye.

*     *     *

And that’s my chat with Marvin Sapp.  As I’m sure you can tell, he’s one of the most down-to-earth artists in the game.  I’ve got lots of love for him.

Again, both the CD and DVD are in stores TODAY.  Click here to check out my review.  Click here to order your copy NOW!

And lemme know what you think of the interview!

The industry calls Marvin Sapp’s upcoming album, Here I Am (in stores tomorrow, March 16th), the “follow-up” to his record-breaking release, Thirsty.  And, chronologically, I suppose that’s accurate.

Musically, however, I’m glad that Marvin Sapp doesn’t simply pick up where he left off.  Instead, he delivers a great body of work that both solidifies his standing as a top vocalist in gospel and demonstrates what I perceive to be a better understanding of his own musical calling.

With Aaron Lindsey at the helm of production, Here I Am offers 12 cohesive tracks with great vocal performances and musicianship.  Almost as invigorating as Sapp’s lead vocals on the project are the background vocals, produced by Myron Butler, which are so well-arranged that I initially found myself listening to most songs once for the lead, and once to hear the nuances of the vocalists.

The album opens with the catchy “I Came,” which does a great job of setting the tone for the entire project– “I don’t know what you came here for, but I came to praise, so help me praise Him.”  Next, the project moves seamlessly to “Keep Holding On,” one of those melodically complex tunes that some might not “get,” but that will be a bona fide JAM for others.  It’s followed by the downright churchy “Fresh Wind,” with musicianship and a vamp that screams “Sunday morning service.”

Other stand-out tracks include “Comfort Zone,” with its challenging message of moving beyond what we’re used to, and “Wait,” on which Sapp’s range apparently knows no upper limit.  The incredibly catchy ”Praise You Forever,” features hints of a tastefully auto-tuned Sapp set to a CCM-styled rock anthem.

At a point, the theme (and tempo) of the project shifts a bit.  From “He Has His Hands On You,” to “Don’t Count Me Out,” followed by the already-unstoppable single “The Best In Me,” Marvin Sapp taps into some of our deepest fears and insecurities, exposes them, and counters them with God’s healing truth.

A cynic might call the theme formulaic, harkening to the heartstring tugs we felt on the last album’s record-breaking “Never Would Have Made It.”  I simply see it as an indication that Sapp is stepping deeper into his purpose in music.  For it is here, in the encouraging songs that remind God’s children of His love for us, that Sapp shines and the world takes notice.  There’s something endearing– perhaps even more believable– about these proclamations when he’s making them.

In any case, it’s clear that Marvin Sapp is effective in this lane and that his gift is broadly blessing a generation of God’s people.  The fact that I enjoy mostly every track of his newest offering, Here I Am, is simply a big bonus.

Click here to pre-order the album.  You’ll be incredibly blessed.

Folks, the release of Marvin Sapp’s newest album, Here I Am, is hitting stores in just three weeks.

You can pre-order the CD/DVD set right now and, as a bonus, gain access to an exclusive live video stream of his release-date performance at “The Experience” in Chicago, IL on March 16th.

Visit http://www.verityrecords.com to pre-order your copy now.

If you recall from my recap of the live recording, this project promises to bring you more great tunes from Marvin Sapp, with musical direction and production from Aaron Lindsey, and vocal production from Myron Butler… I hope the final product captures the energy of the night because it was awesome!

Anybody gonna buy NOW?  Anybody waiting ’til street week?  Talk to me.

My buddy, UK Gospel DJ and commentator Mike Rimmer, recently kicked it with Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey and Tommy Sims at Abbey Road Studios in London. *jealous*

Fortunately, he captured some footage of the creative process going into one of Israel’s new songs, called “Hosanna,” which should be featured on his upcoming project.  No official release dates or info on it yet, but judging from this tune (and another song he was working on recently), I’m EAGER to hear this project whenever it hits.

Watch the video and pay attention to Mike Rimmer’s typed narration throughout it.  And make sure you view the whole deal, cuz it features an interview between Mike and Iz at the end.  Very cool!

Keep up with Mike Rimmer at http://www.facebook.com/rimmerama and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/rimmerama. He’s doing a great job covering the UK gospel scene and you don’t wanna miss a minute of it.

What do you all think of the new tracks???

Word has it that Marvin Winans, Jr. will be enlisting the vocal services of his father, Pastor Marvin L. Winans, Sr., for his sophomore album!

In addition, Winans (Jr.) will again be working with Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins to recreate some of the production magic they captured on his debut album, Image Of A Man.

He also plans to have some tracks produced by Israel Houghton & Aaron Lindsey.

This could be reeeeaaaally good…

***BREAKING NEWS***

The 52nd annual GRAMMY Awards are being held tonight, but the winners in the gospel categories were JUST ANNOUNCED at the pre-show.

My predictions were pretty darn good, if I do say so myself.  I was 5 for 7 in the gospel categories!!!

The winners in the gospel-related categories are highlighted in GREEN below (if I was wrong in my prediction, my earlier predictions are still there in yellow).

The winners are…

 Best Gospel Performance

“Free To Be Me” by Francesca Battistelli
Track from: Free To Be Me

“Jesus Is Love” by Heather Headley feat. Smokie Norful
Track from: Audience Of One

“I Believe” by Jonny Lang w/ Fisk Jubilee Singers
Track from: Oh Happy Day

“Wait On The Lord” by Donnie McClurkin feat. Karen Clark Sheard
Track from: We All Are One

“Born Again” by Third Day
Track from: Revelation

 Best Gospel Song

“Born Again” - Tai Anderson, David Carr, Mark Lee & Mac Powell, songwriters (Third Day)

“City On Our Knees” – Cary Barlowe, Toby McKeehan & Jaime Moore, songwriters (TobyMac)

“Every Prayer” – Dayna Caddell, Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey & Ricardo Sanchez, songwriters (Israel Houghton & Mary Mary)

“God In Me” – Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell & Warryn Campbell, songwriters (Mary Mary)

“The Motions” – Jason Houser, Sam Mizell & Matthew West, songwriters (Matthew West)

Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album

The Big Picture - Da’ T.R.U.T.H.

Crash - Decyfer Down

Innocence & Instinct - Red

Live Revelations - Third Day

The Dash – John Wells-The Tonic

Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album

Speaking Louder Than Before - Jeremy Camp

The Power Of One - Israel Houghton

The Long Fall Back To Earth - Jars Of Clay

Love Is On The Move - Leeland

Freedom - Mandisa

Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album

Jason Crabb - Jason Crabb

Dream On - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

The Rock - Tracy Lawrence

In God’s Time - Barry Scott & Second Wind

Everyday - Triumphant Quest

Best Traditional Gospel Album

God Don’t Never Change - Ashley Cleveland

The Law Of Confession, Pt. 1 - Donald Lawrence & Co.

Oh Happy Day - Various Artists

The Journey Continues - The Williams Brothers

How I Got Over - Vickie Winans

Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album

Audience Of One - Heather Headley

Renewed - Sheri Jones-Moffett

Just James - J Moss

Smokie Norful LIVE - Smokie Norful

Bold Right Life - Kierra Sheard

Congrats to all of ya!

Aaaaand, just FYI– in a poll asking who YOU wanted to win for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album, you guys picked Kierra Sheard.  The full break-down:

Kierra Sheard – 41% (90 votes)
J Moss – 23% (51 votes)
Smokie Norful – 20% (44 votes)
Sheri Jones-Moffett – 10% (21 votes)
Heather Headley – 7% (15 votes)

Gospel Artists Nominated In Non-Gospel Categories:

I was 3 for 3 in these predictions!!!

Tonex was nominated for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for his single “Blend” (Unspoken), but as I predicted, it went to India.Arie.

Ann Nesby’s “Sow Love” (The Lula Lee Project) was nominated in Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance.  As I predicted, it went to Beyonce for “At Last.”

Robert Randolph & The Clark Sisters were nominated in the Best R&B Performance By Group/Duo with Vocals category for their performance of “Higher Ground” (Oh Happy Day), as were Ann Nesby & Calvin Richardson, but as I predicted, it went to Jamie Foxx and T-Pain for “Blame It.”

That’s the full deal, folks!  What do you think of the winners list???