Folks, I’ve got a great developing artist you need to check out– Kevon Carter.  I think he’s got a great voice– nice tone with an impressive range.  He’s also a songwriter with placements on albums by Dewayne Woods, Chicago Mass Choir and Kevin Vasser.

His single, “I Can,” features vocal production by Dewayne Woods and is a rousing anthem that declares, simply, that “I can” do all things through Christ.  By the end of the track, I kinda felt like running a marathon.  Just “kinda,” though, cuz I’m not big on running.

His full album, Philippians 4:13, with production by Daniel Weatherspoon (Donald Lawrence and Shekinah Glory) and Loren McGee (The Clark Sisters and The Murrills), will be out soon.  In the meantime, listen to his single, “I Can” here:

And make sure you check him out at his MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/kevoncarter.

Whatd’ya think???

Word has it that Daniel Weatherspoon has released his first solo project.  The sound of the album, titled Official, is being categorized as a fusion of gospel and jazz.  Listening to some of the tracks, though, I think it also has some influences from funk, and it’s DEFINITELY got a couple of Chicago house tracks on it (I could feel my Chicago roots thumpin’ to the beat… what y’all know about that?!).

If you don’t know who Daniel Weatherspoon is, he’s a producer and music director extraordinaire.  He’s served as an M.D. and/or producer on albums from some of the greatest, including The Clark Sisters, Hezekiah Walker and, most recently, on Donald Lawrence’s The Law of Confession, Part 1 (and you KNOW how we feel about THAT… but if you don’t, click here for the review!).

Visit his website, http://www.longlifeentertainment.com/, to check him out.  You can hear snippets of the full album by clicking on the “Downloads” link.

Whatd’ya think?

Some streets in Nashville are confusing.  I drove RIGHT past stuff so frequently… but by the time we made it to the swank, reception-style gathering at the ASCAP offices, all was well.  Gospel industry powerhouse, Neily Dickerson, coordinated the event and it was great.  I grabbed some hors d’oeuvres and got ready for the showcase, hosted by Darlene McCoy.

First up was Darrel Petties & Strength In Praise.  They did a great job.  The choir was tight and Darrel Petties was rather engaging.  I don’t own any of his stuff, but I may have to make a quick purchase.  This one song they sang, “Down At the Cross”… good Lawd!

After that, we were blessed by Jessica Greene (multiple Stellar Awards nominee and, ultimately, winner of the Best New Artist award).  Though she’s a “new artist,” she gave it to us like a seasoned professional.  She commanded the attention of that whole room– yes, folks, put your sushi down and gather ’round.

Finally, mega-producer Tommy Sims got up with an acoustic guitar and, with Daniel Weatherspoon on keys, performed “Sinner’s Prayer,” which he wrote for Marvin Winans’ recent solo release.  An amazing performance!

Also in the house were artists Andraé Crouch, Darwin Hobbs, Isaac Caree, Kevin LeVar, David Ivey and industry folks Sheilah Belle, Teresa Hairston, and Monica Coates.  There were tons of other folks, too, but I can’t name ‘em all.  Great job, ASCAP and Neily!

No time to waste, though, cuz I had to run to the Red Carpet event.  Stay tuned!

And look for photos SOON in the 2009 Stellar Awards Weekend Photo Gallery!