From the first time I heard Brian Courtney Wilson’s voice, I couldn’t help but think of some of soul music’s greatest crooners– like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and David Ruffin. Wilson’s tone and downright in-the-pocket delivery stand out in a sea of gospel male vocalists who often substitute acrobatics for solid singing.

On his sophomore LP, So Proud, Brian Courtney Wilson affirms the very reasons we fell in love with his artistry the first go ’round– a soulful sound reminiscent of the old school, new songs that are somehow nostalgic and a message that both inspires and encourages.

Stand-out tracks for me include “Right Back,” “One Day At a Time,” “Storm In Mind,” “Perfect,” and the title track, “So Proud.” On each of these, Brian Courtney Wilson demonstrates a keen awareness of his vocal ability and range (it’s more versatile than I think we saw on his first project) and he absolutely delivers.

I encourage you to check it out and grab it. Even more, I think the industry would do well to watch Brian Courtney Wilson as he continues to grow– he’s one of those that will be in this game for a while, especially in the “next generation” of solid artists.

Listen to snippets and buy So Proud right here–

I wanna take a quick moment to feature a cool new artist, Josiah “Jojo” Martin.  He’s actually been writing and doing background vocals behind the scenes for quite some time, but he’s just now stepping out on his own as a solo artist.

In addition to offering BGV’s for PJ Morton and Fred Hammond, Jojo is currently producing an album for Stephanie Mills, as well as writing and providing vocals for the long-awaited album from Dalon Collins (former member of Kirk Franklin & The Family).  You’ll also find his work on the latest releases from James Fortune & FIYA and, soon, on the newest album from VaShawn Mitchell.

At age 25, Jojo’s voice is incredibly reminiscent of the great crooners from the old skool.  He’s got a gritty tone that reminds me of someone like David Ruffin or Jason Nelson, but a vocal delivery that definitely has some modern, urban flavor to it.

He’s anticipating a full album release later this year.  In the meantime, I’ve just added his first single, “Always,” to the PunditPlayer.  I’m REALLY diggin’ it.

Click here to take a listen and lemme know what you think!!!

It’s no secret that Jason Nelson is one of my favorite vocalists… like… on Earth.  Even he knows it… I think.

He just has one of those naturally warm tones.  His delivery is confident and in-the-pocket.  He’s a REAL singer… he doesn’t rely on his tricks (though he’s got a BUNCH of ‘em–with precision– up his sleeve).  My dad might call him a “crooner,” reminiscent of gritty-and-great vocalists like Sam Cooke and David Ruffin.

More than that, though, he’s a dude who just CLEARLY loves him some Jesus.

OKAY.  Now that I’ve finished by “Jason Nelson For President” campaign, watch this video of him singing “The Old Rugged Cross”:

PuhLEASE, tell me what you think of THAT!