I’m a bit late on this, but it’s not my fault.  E’rybody’s got so many blasted inauguration gospel events, I couldn’t make heads or tails of ‘em.  And I still don’t have a grasp, but I figure I’m supposed to say sumthin…

There’s a “People’s Inaugural Gospel Concert,” on the afternoon of Sunday, the 18th.  That’ll feature Richard Smallwood.  Plus, there’s the “African American Church Inaugural Ball,” later that evening featuring Shari Addison, Micah Stampley, Regina Belle and others.  Simultaneously, someone’s doing the “2009 Inaugural Praise Ball,” featuring Tramaine Hawkins.

The “Celebration of Change” concert will be held on Saturday, the 17th, at Consitution Hall.  It is slated to feature John P. Kee ‘n ‘em, Hezekiah Walker ‘n ‘em, Kim Burrell, Regina Belle and Angelo & Veronica.  Colin Powell is even expected to make an appearance.  Cuz, you know, when you think “gospel music”…

Why didn’t y’all just get everyone together on this one?

Tangentially, anyone going to the inauguration or any of the events?  I know that a good friend of mine (and a musical BEAST– shout out to Damien Sneed) was asked to help with music at the actual inauguration.  Anyone else, especially you DC-metro area folks, attending or participating in some way?

Whooo hooooooooo!!!

Zomba Gospel was named Top Gospel Album Label in Billboard Magazine’s Year-End issue this year.  The honor makes sense, I think… Zomba Gospel had a killer year and they’re not finished yet.  Marvin Sapp was #1 at retail for a looooong time (39 weeks), and we know that he broke a cross-genre record at radio (47 weeks at #1).  They also hold top spots in several of Billboard’s lesser known charts, including Top Gospel Imprints and Hot Gospel Songs.  And a boatload of other artists (sidebar: I really wanted to say “truckload,” but realized that I used that term in yesterday’s post about Kevin LeVar… the only other options weren’t gonna be holy… so…)  Yes, a BOATLOAD of other artists had chart-topping success from Zomba Gospel, too.

We may see similar results from them in 2009, with scheduled releases from Crystal Aikin, Shari Addison, Donald Lawrence and Donnie McClurkin in January alone!

Congrats, folks!  And, no favoritism, but extra applause to my big bro, D!W.

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???

Depending on whether or not you watched much of BET‘s hit gospel talent search, Sunday Best, you may or may not have heard of Shari Addison (she was the runner-up to the winner, Crystal Aikin).  But if you haven’t yet, you soon shall…

Honestly, I had heard of her, but wasn’t really checking for her.  I planned to listen one day, but hadn’t gotten around to it.  I played myself!  LOL

Last week, my wife and I watched an episode of the Bobby Jones International Gospel Industry Retreat, airing on The Word Network, and she was a featured guest.  She was singing an old James Cleveland cut, “Please Make Me Better.”  In the interest of full disclosure, I have to tell you that I immediately thought “she’s cool, but more of the same.”  Not so!

This sister got to singin’ and shufflin’ across that stage, and I nearly LOST MY MIND.  She BRINGS IT!  And I cannot stop listening to her and watching the video clips.  I love that she praises God from the moment she hits the stage, that she’s got great vocal stamina and stage presence, that she’s mature and seasoned, that she can ad lib well, that she is committed from the first beat to the last… she’s just a refreshing addition to the industry (plus, she’s from Chicago, so you KNOW I’m partial!).

Featuring production and songwriting help from Kevin Bond, Donald Lawrence, and Percy Bady, her self-titled debut album (from Zomba Gospel) is due on January 13th.  I can’t wait to hear more from her.

Do yourself a favor and check her out: http://www.bet.com/onblast/?chan=3&id=2326&sub=3&itype=v

(Note: Click the link above for the video clip… it’s the only one I wanted to use, but it’s only available streaming directly from BET directly, so I can’t embed it.   BUT WATCH IT!)