Since their 2006 debut, when they absolutely clobbered (in a good way) their remake of the Clark Sisters’ “Is My Living In Vain,” Stellar Award-nominated gospel girl group Zie’l has demonstrated powerhouse vocals, tight harmonies and unmistakable stage presence in the industry.

They’ve gone through a couple of member changes, downsizing from five to four, and most recently to three (Christina Bell is now amicably pursuing a solo career), but the remaining members of Zie’l (Keyondra Lockett, Aphten Jones and Crystal Bell) are still going strong, prepping for a new album with a new sound in 2012.

The new music, which will be released independently on their own Bella Dawn Records, is said to have an edgier, more urban contemporary vibe than their previous work. I’m looking forward to it!

Not familiar with Zie’l? You’ve gotta be. Check ‘em out:

I’m a patient dude. At least, I try to be.  But there are a three albums that I’m anxious to get, and I’m just about tired of waiting!

In no particular order, I’m tapping my foot HARD about new albums from:

21:03, Z’iel, Crystal Aikin

Sure, the new albums from Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary will tide me over with great music for the next several months, but I’m not just eager for good music…

I’m particularly interested in these three albums so that I can see the growth of these 3 artists.  We, as an industry, have kinda had the opportunity to watch them from the beginning, and each is said to have evolved or developed in some unique way leading up to now.

I wanna see.  I wanna hear.  Like… soon! Lol

What albums are you not-so-patiently waiting for, and why?

Word has it that gospel girl group Zie’l has FINALLY returned to the studio this week, prepping for their new album.

I think it’s gonna be dope– I remember that they were planning to work with PAJAM (who will be great for them) and they’ve had some time to really plan their direction and focus in on the type of group they wanna be.

I’m ready.  You?

Keyondra Lockett (top right in picture) of gospel group Z’iel weighs-in on what Christmas means to them and what they have planned for this year.

“Our favorite part of the Christmas Holiday would be driving around the neighborhoods and looking at the Christmas lights. LOL.  For some reason looking at other peoples nicely decorated homes is comforting and relaxing… Silly huh? lol

Christmas for Aphten and Christina will be crazy ’cause they now have children, so THEY HAVE Toys R’ US shopping to do… lol

We will be at home this year, so we’ll be celebrating each other, our families, and passing out gifts (I need the three of you to save for my Prada bag) *hint hint*.

AS WELL AS… *Horn plays* Finally Working On the NEXT ALBUM! YAY…  Keep praying folks… ”

Word has it that Zie’l is heading to Detroit for some help on their next album.  They’re gonna be working with PAJAM, 21:03, and J Drew on some blaaaaaazin’ new tracks for their upcoming album.

Those ladies sing so tough, I can only IMAGINE what these sessions are gonna produce!

It’s no secret that the women of Zie’l are vocal powerhouses.  They have great voices and use intricate harmonies, which explains why they’re so frequently compared to the Clark Sisters and the Pace Sisters.  But I think those comparisons can also serve to limit them.

I don’t think they’ve really received the recognition that they deserve (yet), and I may have to feature their album as part of the Slept On series…

In the meantime, check out what happens when Larry Robinson (GospelSingingOnTheSpot.com) gets the ladies of Zie’l (minus one in this particular video) to give an impromptu performance… niiiiiiiiiice!

What do you think???