As a rule, I try not to listen to Christmas music until the day after Thanksgiving. This year, of course,

I had to break that rule to check out the first holiday album from James Fortune & FIYA, titled Grace Gift. And I’m glad I did.

The twelve-track project hits stores this Tuesday, October 16th, and it’s a winner. Here are 5 Reasons To Buy it when it drops:

1. True to Form. Over the past several years, the signature sound of James Fortune & FIYA has come into better view– we see their lane and their style, and we love it. Perhaps the best part of Grace Gift is that it’s clearly a Christmas project, but it’s right in line with the FIYA sound. You’ll get intricate and precise harmonies, TONS of energy, and great musicality. Cuz that’s what they do.

2. “Mary’s Song.” That Cheryl Fortune… she can sing and she can write, and she does both beautifully on this heartfelt ballad from the perspective of the mother of Jesus. The instrumentation and progressions just scream “Christmastime” to me, and that’s not always easy to do. Definitely an album standout.

3. Faithful to the fam. It’s no secret that James Fortune is well-connected. He’s always got a who’s-who of in-demand artists offering guest vocals on his projects (most recently, of course, is the radio hit “Hold On,” featuring Monica & Fred Hammond). But on this album, Fortune takes a minute to simply highlight his folks… those who travel and minister with him week-in, week-out… cuz they’re definitely “enough.” Standout performances include D’Shondra Rideout’s “The First Noel” and Josiah “Jojo” Martin on “Holy Night.”

4. “This Christmas.” Everyone tries to remake it, but few have done it in a way that proved to be worth the effort. Not the case with this version, though. Isaac Carree and Minon Bolton trade smooth leads on this holiday classic, adding their own flavor while staying tastefully true to the original.

5. Still a gospel project. Because Christmas music rejoices in the birth of our Savior, it’s never really limited to a certain time of year. That’s a major part of all gospel music. It’s cool, then, that this album features great songs that are spinnable throughout the year. One of my favorite songs on the entire project is not holiday-ish at all– it’s the CCM-tinged oh-my-goodness-good “Love Came Down,” featuring Todd Galberth on lead vocals. That’ll be played from January to July, just cuz.

So there you have it. If you need more than five reasons, I’ll point out that “Worship the King” and “Go Tell It/Wonderful Child” (featuring Lisa Knowles and Shawn McLemore) are also faves that you’ve gotta hear!

You want this album. Take a listen to snippets and get it right here, via Amazon.com–

According to an exclusive feature at The Gospel According to Torrence at BET.com, James Fortune & FIYA will release their first Christmas album on October 16, 2012!

The project, titled Grace Gift, is said to feature guest appearances from Isaac Carree, Lisa Knowles, Shawn McLemore and several FIYA faves, including Cheryl Fortune, Zacardi Cortez, Minon Bolton, D’Shondra Rideout and more.

Visit Torrence’s blog for the full track listening, and to hear the title track, “Grace Gift.”

The nominees for the 2011 Soul Train Awards were announced yesterday!

In the category for Best Gospel Song, they are:

Mary Mary | “Walking”

Kirk Franklin | “I Smile”

CeCe Winans | “More”

James Fortune & FIYA feat. Shawn McLemore | “I Believe”

Trin-i-tee 5:7 | “Heaven Hear My Heart”

Mary Mary is also nominated in the Best Dance Performance category for their single “Walking.”

Click here for a full list of the nominees. Congrats to all of ya!

Finally, I hear that BeBe Winans is already tapped to perform on the show, likely in tribute to Gladys Knight who, along with Earth, Wind & Fire, will be honored that night.

The 2011 Soul Train Awards, hosted by Cedric the Entertainer, will be taped on November 17th at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, Georgia, and will air on both Centric and BET on Sunday, November 27 at 9pm ET/8pm CST.

In the penultimate episode of gospel music’s most popular TV competition, finalists Andrea Helms and Amber Bullock squared off for the title of Sunday Best.

Before they did, though, the show opened with James Fortune & FIYA singing their hit single “I Believe,” with Shawn McLemore and Zacardi Cortez. It was a rousing performance showcasing ranges, agility and skill, and the audience went straight to the cross on this one.

Kirk Franklin said the show would feature the finalists singing classic tunes from the incomparable Walter Hawkins. And so they began…

Andrea Helms – “Changed”
This is the best I’ve heard her all season– it was tasteful and controlled, backed by her signature passion. I agree with Donnie on this one– glad Andrea didn’t try to recreate a Tramaine Hawkins moment. I wanted a bit more vocal styling at the end (it got a bit wordy with ad libs that, while passionate, were a lot to follow at times), but it was a solid performance.

Amber Bullock – “Thank You”
At first, I heard the acoustic vibe and I thought “nooooo,” but when I heard the beat come in, I thought “yeaaaaah!” I do agree with the judges that she added a bit too much riffing and movement, and didn’t stay true to the simple complexity of the song, BUT the woman just flat out sang it.

It appears that the Walter Hawkins theme was just for a time, because they moved on to Richard Smallwood and Kurt Carr for round two… I’ll allow it.

Andrea Helms – “I Love The Lord”
I really wanted a fast song from her, but her voice seems to do better on ballads. I echo my season-long issue– passion and purity does not overshadow the need for precision on pitch, a controlled tone and the execution of the runs an artist attempts. Now, I DID enjoy her impromptu worship flow at the end– I think that’s what has sustained her in this competition– but from a technical standpoint, this wasn’t her best.

Amber Bullock – “For Every Mountain”
Kirk was right when he introduced her– “she’s gonna have to sing from the heart” if she wants to win. It began as pensive and trained as she’s been all season, but mid-way through it, the game was OVER. Amber lost herself in every note and word, and we saw a part of her that we haven’t seen all season– passion, conviction, connection with God, then us. I’ve never seen a finalist send the judges IN to wrap up your song.

Richard Smallwood followed with his latest single “Trust Me.” He consistently writes classic tunes– they just come out “classic.” It’s always great to see and hear from him.

Coulda sworn Kierra Sheard was gonna be on the show– they even did a teaser about it– but I guess not. *shrugs*

And that was it, folks!

Check my earlier post for all the details on how to vote for Amber or Andrea. You have until this Saturday at noon Eastern Time, and can vote up to 10 times per voting method.

I pick Amber. What about you???

From the family and friends of Walter Hawkins, to Shawn McLemore and Darwin Hobbs, there have been PLENTY of folks to pray for lately.

Today, we’re back with another addition to The Prayer List at GospelPundit.com– this week, I’m adding Jacky Clark Chisholm.

Nothing’s wrong, that I know of– this is just what we do!

As one of the eldest members of the famed Clark Sisters, Jacky is known for her smooth and subtle tone, and as the spokesperson for the female gospel group.  She does a lot beyond the group, as well, and I think we need to edify her through prayer.  Join me, fam?

Father, thank You for the life of Jacky Clark Chisholm.  Thank You for her heart of servanthood, for her humility and for her grace.  Thank You for equipping her with every good gift that she would need to fulfill Your purposes, and to glorify You through her life.

Lord, I pray for peace in her life.  I pray that Your peace, that surpasses all understanding, would guard Jacky’s heart and mind through Christ Jesus.  I pray that she wouldn’t be anxious for anything, but that she would rest in You for all things.  I pray that You would guide her with wisdom and clarity as it relates to any decisions she needs to make.  I pray that she continues to trust in You as her anchor.

God, continue to anoint Jacky for ministry, whether it’s on stage, in her church, or in her day-to-day life.  Please continue to reveal aspects of her being, as You created it, that will be used for bigger and greater things for Your Kingdom.  Shower blessings of love down on her in a way that’s almost tangible.

Father, bless Jacky’s family– from her husband and children to her siblings and extended family.  Draw them even closer to one another, that You would be glorified by their testimonies and be exalted.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Okay, folks… post your prayers here, in the comment section!

I’m assuming that most of you have Encore, the latest album from James Fortune & FIYA.

If not, though, it’s your lucky day.  James Fortune sent a Twitter message today with a link to listen to their second single, “I Believe.”  The tune features Shawn McLemore and Zacardi Cortez on lead vocals.  It’s a pretty good track!

Click here to take a listen!

Now, lemme know what you think!!!