Famed and legendary gospel vocalist Karen Clark Sheard returns to the marketplace with her newest solo project, All In One, tomorrow, April 6th.

I want to start out and by being verrrry clear– the album is NOT in the same style, musically, as her heralded solo debut, Finally Karen.  So, don’t expect that type of project.

Fortunately, you won’t  be disappointed– the project absolutely stands strongly on its own.  In fact, I may go so far as to say that it is one of my favorite solo albums from Karen Clark Sheard to date… it’s just a lil’ different.

With production from her son, J Drew Sheard II, and her cousin, J Moss, the album definitely offers a more contemporary/urban vibe, as a whole, than her previous projects.  But it works well, as Karen Clark Sheard, one of the greatest vocal influences across genres of the music biz, commands in-the-pocket performances on each of the album’s 11 tracks.

All In One opens with the single “Prayed Up,” which continues to gain airplay at radio across the nation.  I loved it from the moment I heard it, though I must admit that it is not the strongest track on the album.  The single is followed by the energetic “Hold On,” before landing at the quartet-reminiscent “Blessings.”  Karen soars on its vamp as the background vocals just repeat a heart-resounding “thank ya.”

The project then moves to what may be my favorite song on the album, “I Made A Choice.”  The track is urban in all of the right ways– a soulful melody laid over a great beat with straightforward instrumentation… and another killer vamp.  It’s got such a mellow vibe to it that you’d almost think it was her daughter, Kierra Sheard, laying the smooth vocals.  Up next is “Take Me,” a catchy song that does, in fact, feature her daughter, Kierra, along with niece Angel Chisholm, daughter of Jacky Clark Chisholm.

From there, the album continues– great tune after great tune– with solid performances on “Good,” “Because Of You,” “Crazy Praise,” and the musical ear candy offered on the PAJAM-produced “What He Did.”  The album slows again with Karen’s duet with sister Dorinda Clark Cole on “He Knows” before the album wraps up with “Have Your Way.”

I would be lying if I didn’t acknowledge that, in listening, I had a couple of moments where I hoped the next track would be a good ol’ churchy tune like “I Couldn’t Tell It If I Tried” or “Heaven.”  But, I’m rather glad there weren’t any to be found.  The project is a cohesive unit on its own… an awesome urban addition to her solo library, replete with great songs, great production and staggering vocal performances, “all in one.”

Again, the project drops tomorrow, but you can click here to click here to pre-order now.  And I STRONGLY advise you to do so.

Word has it that Karen Clark Sheard’s fifth solo album, All In One, will be available for pre-order from iTunes beginning on March 23rd.  The project will be in-stores everywhere on April 6.

Featuring guest vocals from her sister, Dorinda Clark Cole, daughter Kierra Sheard and niece Angel Chisholm, keys by her cousin Bill Moss Jr., and production by both her son, J Drew Sheard II, and cousin J Moss, this project is definitely a family affair.

The lead single, “Prayed Up,” is already doing well at radio (and you can hear it on the Pundit Player here, too).  Make sure you call your local stations to request it.

What do you think of the album cover?  What do you think of the single?  Who’s gettin’ excited???

On Friday, I was fortunate enough to be invited to the offices of EMI Gospel, where the INCOMPARABLE Karen Clark-Sheard visited with the execs of the company to share some music she’s been working on.  (I also interviewed her, so check back here in a couple of hours to read what she had to say in our one-on-one!)

After she shared a bit about her heart, her vision and her new label (Karew Records), she played some tracks for us– REALLY GOOD STUFF.

Some info about the album…

The upcoming album, her fifth solo project, is titled All In One.  Her daughter, Kierra Sheard, came up with the title as a way to represent all that her mother does– she’s a wife, a mom, an artist, a pastor’s wife, and now a label president… and she wears each hat well.

Karen played several tracks for us and all were really good.  “Take Me,” which features her daughter, Kierra, and her niece, Angel Chisholm (Jacky’s daughter), has a sort of urban/acoustic feel to it.  Her son, JDS, produced the track and it captures a great performance from all three ladies.

The styles of music are varied, but she handles each genre well.  For example, “Never Let Me Go” is a strong praise & worship track, while another tune, ”Crazy Praise,” starts with an urban vibe before going straight churchy.  A sure favorite for the album will be “He Knows,” which is written by J Moss and features Dorinda Clark-Cole.  It’s kinda got an ol’ skool soul vibe to it.  “What He Did” is J Moss-written, PAJAM-produced, and has so much ear candy that you’ll wanna repeat it just to make sure you didn’t miss anything.

The single from the album, which has hit radio as of last week, is “Prayed Up.”  It’s got a tight sound and is written by Karen & her son, JDS.

AS IF that wasn’t enough, Larry Blackwell (VP of EMI Gospel) convinced Karen to do a little impromptu performance in the board room.  She kinda tossed out the first verse of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” like it was NOTHING, but managed to leave all of us speechless.  I tried to clap for her, but I was all late… mesmerized and what not. LOL

In any event, that’s the deal on the album.  It’s expected to drop in early 2010, so save up NOW.  It’s Karen Clark-Sheard… it’s worth it.

Major shout-out to Ken Pennell, Larry Blackwell and Cameron Hilson for the invitation and hospitality.  Thanks also to Karen Clark-Sheard & Cynthia Ellis for sharing with me.

Is it just me, or is anybody else interested in a solo album from Angel Chisholm, daughter of Jacky Clark-Chisholm?  I kinda wanna hear what she’d do…

Watch this vid from that Urban Soul Cafe event I told y’all about earlier this year.  Angel’s singing a tribute song to her mother, Jacky.

If you find a major gospel music weekend, you’re probably gonna find an Urban Soul Cafe event.  They’re put on by Carlos Hale & Preacher Kid (aka “PK”).  This particular one was held at B.B. King’s.

The event was honoring Jacky Clark-Chisholm, whose daughter, Angel Chisholm, sang the daylights out of a tribute song.  Can we… uhh… get an album from you?

I wanna highlight TWO indie artists who performed that night and who are incredibly gifted.  I hope you’ll check ‘em out cuz they represent some GREAT music in the underground scene.  Jai is a phenomenal musical powerhouse, with tons of personality and charisma to boot.  Check out her MySpace page (better than many MAJOR recording artists) by clicking here. Then, there’s J.R., another gifted writer, singer and performer.  His MySpace page (also phenomenal) is here.  Make sure you listen to “Not A Slave” from him.  Both artists are St. Louis-based and have a refreshing sound.  Jai sounds like Missy Elliott merged into gospel and J.R. is like an Outkast meets gospel, but both are original and creative and unique and… just GREAT.  Check them out.  Plus, I met both of ‘em and they’re confident, but humble, which is great to see.  I may try to feature them at some point.

Okay, back to the show… a bunch of Zomba Gospel artists were also in the house and performed: Kirk Franklin with Da T.R.U.T.H., 21:03, Crystal Aikin and Shari Addison.

All in all, the show was fun, but crowded.  Somehow, I ended up sitting next to Kirk Franklin, which meant A LOT of fans coming over and speaking, and even more fans coming over and ACTING like they’re doing something else, but really just staring and being weird.  I left with the Zomba Gospel folks, and it was laaaaate… like 2am or something.  EXHAUSTING, but a great way to end the day!

Make sure to check back for photos in the 2009 Stellar Awards Weekend Photo Gallery!  And get ready for what happened on Saturday, the day of the show!

Back in a minute!