It’s no secret that Ricky Dillard, along with the late O’landa Draper, practically wrote the book on how to be choral frontmen with dynamic expression, over-the-top energy and catchy choreography.

With his 8th project, Keep Living, Ricky Dillard again demonstrates that he is THE choir director of today’s gospel industry.

After opening with the project’s banging lead single, “God Is Great,” Chrystal Rucker lends her guest vocals to the title track, “Keep Living.”  This track is a choir tune at its best– it’s the type of tune that “midnight musicals” and “special programs” are made of– and Rucker’s soprano vocal soars to unparalleled heights.

The album moves seamlessly to “Destined for Greatness,” a mellow choir groove with a driving vamp, then to “Speak A Word,” before launching into the progressive, rock-laden “He Turned It.”

Without looking at liner notes, I skipped through tracks to figure out which would feature Lillian Lloyd. Within seconds of hearing the Hammond B3 swell on “My Soul Says Yes,” I knew I had found it. And Lloyd delivers exactly what her supporters wait for– a dynamic punctuated lead and inimitable ad libs that force you to pay close attention.

There are other standout moments on the project as well, like the killer lead vocal from acclaimed vocalist Nikki Ross on “He’s Been Just That Good”, and Karen Clark Sheard’s guest appearance on the vamp of ”The Sweetest Name.”  Perhaps one of my favorite cuts on the album is the well-executed cover of the classic Hawkins tune “Strange” (featuring jazzy scats and riffs from Nikki Ross). The big-band vibe of this tune made it a perfect candidate for New G to remake it, and the newly-added shouting vamp seals the deal.

Throughout Keep Living, the now-famous wobble vibrato that New G brings to the table is consistent and well-placed, but songs like “Speak A Word” demonstrate a welcomed vocal maturity akin to Donald Lawrence’s Tri-City Singers.

Ricky Dillard & New G’s Keep Living is full of singable songs for any Sunday morning, expressed by an untouchable choir with polished lead vocals, and led by gospel music’s master of the choir.

The album drops tomorrow (April 26), but you can listen to snippets and pre-order right here, right now!

Wednesday at GMWA was a slower day, not cuz there wasn’t plenty to do, but because people were kinda dragging and showing their fatigue… folks were skippin’ events and what not. LOL

I got a chance to chat with Floyd Wilkinson, who leads the hit Donald Lawrence & Co. single, “Back II Eden.”  To be one of the singin’-est dudes you’ll find in the game, he is incredible kind, humble and down to earth.  And he’s hilarious.  Gotta love that.

I stopped by the “Tribute To The King” concert, which was being hosted by Kurt Carr.  I didn’t stay for the whole tribute, but I noticed some of his singers, so I’m sure they ministered their faces off.  I also got a chance to see Dottie Peoples and Chrystal Rucker backstage.  The attendance at the tribute was rather low, but they were goin’ in on some classic James Cleveland tracks before I had to leave.

Took a quick break for dinner at some Korean bistro (it was pretty good) before heading to the Youth & Young Adult showcase, which featured a bunch of great aspiring/new artists.

When I arrived, Isaac Cates & Ordained were on stage and sounded GREAT.  Not long after, Sunday Best finalist Zebulon Ellis got on the piano to play and sing the classic Milton Brunson tune “For The Good Of Them.”  I’ll say this– we, the Sunday Best viewing audience, were cheated out of experiencing how awesome his vocal ability is.  Dude can blow, FOR REAL.

A bit later, Melinda Watts performed “There Will Come A Day” from her new album, followed by a organ-accompanied “When We All Get To Heaven” and “When I See Jesus” medley.  It was HOT.

After her, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise took the stage and performed their hit song “Incredible God, Incredible Praise.”  Lemme tell ya– incredible PERFORMANCE, too.  They ended their set with their new single, “Resting On His Promise,” and had Bishop Eric McDaniel join them for the vamp (as he does on the recorded version).  They had great energy and an even better sound.

I ducked out before the end, lest I fell out from fatigue– this week will wear you OUT if you don’t get your rest!  Geeeeez.

That’s it for now.  ‘Til later!

Word has it that Jonathan Nelson and his family are moving to Ft. Lauderdale, FL, where he will join Faith Center International.

Don’t think he’s leaving Baltimore without a bang, though.  According to The Belle Report, Pastor Jamal Bryant and Empowerment Temple are throwing him a star-studded, sure-to-be-bananas farewell concert on Sunday, May 31st.  The event will feature performances from Karen Clark-Sheard, Tye Tribbett, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, VaShawn Mitchell, Chrystal Rucker, Stephen Hurd and more.

Now, THAT’S a farewell concert.  Geeeeeeez…