Word has it that Richard Smallwood & Vision will be recording a new album later this year.

The upcoming project is tentatively titled Promises and may feature both live and studio tracks.

I’m SUPER excited for this.  They had their first rehearsal a few days ago and I hear the music is as moving and powerful as we’ve come to expect from Richard Smallwood… thank God for that guy.  His music is a big part of the soundtrack of what we know as “contemporary gospel music.”  And Vision… the vocals are downright heavenly.

Anybody else love ‘em like I do???

Word has it that Karen Clark Sheard’s fifth solo album, All In One, will be available for pre-order from iTunes beginning on March 23rd.  The project will be in-stores everywhere on April 6.

Featuring guest vocals from her sister, Dorinda Clark Cole, daughter Kierra Sheard and niece Angel Chisholm, keys by her cousin Bill Moss Jr., and production by both her son, J Drew Sheard II, and cousin J Moss, this project is definitely a family affair.

The lead single, “Prayed Up,” is already doing well at radio (and you can hear it on the Pundit Player here, too).  Make sure you call your local stations to request it.

What do you think of the album cover?  What do you think of the single?  Who’s gettin’ excited???

I may start calling them The Nelson Twins to save on keystrokes.

You folks already know that Jonathan Nelson recorded his live album a couple of weeks ago.  Word has it that it’ll be in stores on August 24th from Integrity Music.

On Friday, I posted a lil’ video of his twin brother, Jason Nelson, and some of you commented that you didn’t even know of him.

After I the shock wore off and I regained consciousness, I saw that he sent a Twitter message saying that his live recording is taking place on Friday, April 23rd at his church, Greater Bethlehem Temple in Baltimore, MD.

I think the industry’s about to be doubly blessed! LOL

Word has it that another relief song for Haiti is in the works, this time from some singers who gathered in-studio this week in New York City.

Some of the vocalists who’ve laid vocals include Kim Burrell, Nikki Ross, James Hall, Lil’ Mo, Anaysha Figueroa, Nancey Jackson, Michelle Williams, Musiq Soulchild, Tye Tribbett, Anwar Robinson, and more.

I don’t have details on an expected release date yet, but I’ll keep you guys posted…

Word has it that Tina & Erica Campbell (Mary Mary) will be performing on the NAACP Image Awards tonight.  As I mentioned yesterday, the awards show will be broadcast live from L.A. on FOX tonight at 8pm ET.

According to a Twitter message sent by Erica Campbell yesterday, the gospel duo are seeking prayers for their performance tonight– “Tina has laryngitis n I’m 8mo pregnant, pray 4 MM!!”

Geeeeeeez.  I dunno how they do it, but they do it.  Touch ‘em, Lawd!

Word has it that Onitsha will be having an online listening event next week, during which fans can help her select the first single from her upcoming sophomore album, Journey.

The listening party will take place on her UStream channel– http://www.ustream.tv/OnitshaTV– on March 5th at 8pm ET.

Onitsha’s voice… jeepers. I have no words for what she’s able to do.

If you’re unfamiliar with her, (1) WHAT?! and (2) watch this video:

Word has it that Isaac Carree isn’t the only gospel artist taking submissions from aspiring musicians via Blazetrak.com.

Paul “PDA” Allen of the hit-making production camp PAJAM recently created a profile on the music site, in which he requests submissions from male and female artists, as well as songwriters.

PAJAM has gotten award-winning placements and production work on albums across music genres, for everyone from N’Sync and Destiny’s Child to Karen Clark Sheard and Shirley Caesar.  If you’ve got an opportunity to partner with them, or at the very least, get some feedback about your craft, you should prayerfully consider it… it might be a worthwhile investment.

Whatd’ya think???

Word has it that “Be U,” the new book from gospel duo Mary Mary, will be available in stores on April 6, 2010.

You might consider the book to represent the launch of an entire Be U brand that the Marys are doing, which will include a bath & body line as well as apparel.

I believe that the inspirational book will be available on paperback and in digital form on Simon & Schuster.  Peep the book cover below:

Whatd’ya think???

Word has it that we’ll soon be getting new music from The Soul Seekers, the most modern, yet true-to-tradition, quartet group in the gospel game. 

The Soul Seekers is a group/band comprised of Warryn Campbell, Teddy Campbell, John “Jubu” Smith, Eric Seats, Charlie Bereal, Nisan Stewart, Gerald Haddon, and Craig Brockman.

The untitled album, the group’s second, will be available on May 4, 2010.

Shout-out to Jeremy for the heads-up on this and for cracking me up by calling these dudes “the Voltron of Gospel Music.”  I think you’re right! LOL

Word has it that Gospel Music Channel has changed its name to the hip and trendy name ‘gmc‘ to better represent its family-friendly (not gospel music-exclusive) content.  And they’ve got a new logo to boot:

The cable station’s website also reflects the name and logo change, and you can begin visiting their official website via the new url: http://www.gmclife.com.  The channel’s new description– the uplifting entertainment network that features music and inspiring stories the whole family will enjoy.

I’m sure that gmc will continue to give us the best in gospel music coverage– they’ll just be covering a little more, too.  I guess this means I can’t complain about them airing Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman anymore.

I like it.  Whatd’ya think???