Kim McFarland, Monique Walker, Táta Vega…

At a time, these were some of the choir/ensemble soloists whose names were practically synonymous with the leader of that choir or ensemble.

You saw Andraé Crouch, you expected to see and hear Táta Vega. You saw Hezekiah Walker, you expected to see and hear Monique Walker. You saw Milton Brunson & The Tommies and you’d better get to see and hear Kim McFarland!  With solos on various songs by their respective groups, these and other voices served as the benchmark for the sound of contemporary choir music.

Out of curiosity– who are the choir/ensemble soloists of the new school?

My mind instantly wanders to folks like Zacardi Cortez (James Fortune & FIYA), David McClure (JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise) and Lillian Lloyd (with Ricky Dillard’s New G).

Who else comes to mind???

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!!!

Word has it that James Fortune & FIYA’s new album, entitled Encore, will feature quite a few guest vocalists.

Expect to hear tracks featuring Kierra Sheard (on “The Greatest”), William Murphy (on “I Need Your Glory”), Isaac Carree (on “I Want To Praise You”), Nikki Ross (on “Can’t Stop”), Lowell Pye & Zacardi Cortez (on “You Are Here”) and Anaysha Figueroa (on “Draw Me”).

Encore is the group’s third project and will be available in stores on January 26, 2010.  The first single, which is the title track, will hit radio this month.

Also, wanna clarify something about their upcoming recording on December 3rd in Houston, TX.  Despite earlier reports that the group would be recording a live album that night, the recording is just a DVD recording.  Don’t fret, though– the live DVD is expected to mirror the studio album, just… live.  The DVD will be released in May of 2010.

Who’s going, who’s buying, who’s supporting?  Talk to me!