Interesting results… It may be because I used the phrase “hottest production” that you picked the producer with a tremendous amount of… (I promised myself I wouldn’t use this word on the site)… “swag.” But I kinda figured he’d win this poll– his music is bananas.

Excluding producers who are also artists, some of the hottest production in gospel music comes from…

Warryn Campbell – 38 votes (41%)

Aaron Lindsey – 24 votes (26%)

PAJAM – 15 votes (16%)

Asaph Ward – 12 votes (13%)

Kevin Bond – 3 votes (3%)

Cedric & Victor Caldwell – 1 votes (1%)

I don’t think I’m necessarily surprised, though I voted for Aaron Lindsey cuz I tend to think he’s incredibly versatile in his approach.  I think we may be sleeping on the Caldwell brothers, too… they prolly deserved a few more votes.  And are y’all just over Kevin Bond for right now?  He’s quite a mastermind, too.

What did you think?  Anyone that should’ve been added that wasn’t on the list?  Lemme know!

And, head over to the sidebar NOW to vote in the next survey, which asks:

Is it okay for gospel artists to collaborate with secular artists in music?

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This project was Virtue’s last on Verity, but it’s definitely my favorite from them.  And I think almost EVERYBODY Slept On it.

I actually wrote a review for this album at NuthinButGospel.com when it came out in 2003.  I mentioned that I hadn’t been a huge fan of Virtue before, but that THIS album had me talking about them nonstop.  From the vocals, to the production and songwriting, the project is on point and I STILL play it like it just came out.

Production on this one came from PAJAM and Asaph Ward, among others.  Standout tracks for me are “Thankful,” “You’ll Win If You Try,” “Worthy,” “Lord, I Lift My Hands,” “Open Arms,” “Nothing Else I Can Do”… I could go on and on.

I couldn’t embed the full songs from this project, so I’m giving ya two 30-second clips–”Lord, I Lift My Hands” and “Thankful.”  But I reeeaaallly want you to buy this album and listen to the whole thing, cuz… my goodness.

By the way, Karima’s solo project is soon-coming and it sounds goooood. I’ma do a post about it soon.

In the meantime, FESS UP! Who Slept On it? Who has it? Do you love it? Talk to me!

Word has it that The Anointed Pace Sisters are doing another live CD/DVD recording on April 25th in Decatur, GA.  This project, titled Access Granted, will be produced by Asaph Ward and should be in stores in 2010.

I think it’ll be good, but am I the only one hoping that LaShun will make a guest apperance on this album???

Word has it that Lowell Pye (of one of my faaaaaavorite gospel groups, Men Of Standard) is preparing for the release of his long-awaited debut solo project, titled The Beginning.  The album, produced by Asaph Ward, is due in August of this year, with the first single expected to be released in June.

I cannot WAIT!  Anyone else???

I think it was better than the show.  No, for real.  Ask anyone who was there and they may say the same.  MAJOR props go to Damon Williams for putting it all together and looking out for me.  I appreciate you!

I sat with Monique Walker and Asaph Ward and chatted a bit before the program started. The post party was a mini-concert showcasing Donald Lawrence’s upcoming album, The Law of Confession, Part 1, in stores on February 3rd.  He, along with a band and 9 of his phenomenal (and unparalleled) vocalists promptly took to the stage and killed.  No, wait.  They did an awesome job!

See, the theme of Donald Lawrence’s new album centers around what we say, and the impact of those things on the life of the believer.  And one of the things he pointed out was that we need to be mindful of how we use so many negative words, especially in reference to singers and music (i.e., she killed, he’s a beast, the band is bad, that’s crazy).  I know I do it ALL THE TIME… So, I’ma try to stop.

Anyway, he gave a praise and worship experience unlike any other.  His singers are some of the best on the planet, his writing and production left nothing to be desired… some of the greatest artists in gospel music were in that room and everyone was on their feet for every song, holding their jaw-dropped mouths and shaking their heads in disbelief. There was not ONE dull moment and each song floored us all!

As for the content of the songs, two words:  the TRUTH.  I cannot say enough about this project.  The songs are relevant, life-changing and refreshing.  Guys, for real… I cannot articulate the magic of that show, but I walked away feeling SO inspired and SO excited.  Dare I say, this album is not going to be easily topped this year.  YOU MUST BUY IT.

By the time he was done, he had given us 6 or 7 songs– just enough to leave us satisfied for the night, but hungry for more.  In fact, I was starving.  Definitely one of the highlights of my weekend!

Well, it’s just about that time.  Crystal Aikin, the winner of the gospel talent competition Sunday Best (on BET) is fixin’ to release her self-titled debut album (on Zomba Gospel) on January 13, 2009.  Incidentally, it’s the same day as the release from Sunday Best runner-up Shari Addison (also on Zomba Gospel).

With production from PAJAM and Asaph Ward, and a guest appearance from CCM artist (and a favorite of my wife) Natalie Grant, Crystal Aikin’s 10-track album is being described as “a unique combination of Contemporary Gospel music sprinkled with a little jazz and rock.”  Me likes.

As for her motivation, Crystal Aikin says “I am a worship conductor and singing for me has so much purpose.  I don’t play around with it.  We all have gifts and talents. Sometimes we take them places we shouldn’t.  But for me, it is so important to honor my gift and to use it wisely.  I believe that God has put a spiritual anointing on my voice to awaken the spiritually asleep and for deliverance and healing.”

Her first single, “I Desire More,” is produced by Asaph Ward (and you can SO hear it in the background vocal arrangements).  She SINGS this song, showcasing her great tone, impressive range and awesome agility.

Hear a snippet of it here:

And check out more snippets of the full album at Amazon.com by clicking here.

You gonna buy it???