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 Live Recording Recap (May, 2005) She ended the wait with Finally Karen, she gave God thanks and adoration with Second Chance, and after that, she declared His glory with The Heavens are Telling, but Sunday, May 1, 2005 marked the third live recording, and fourth LP from the newly dubbed "Angel of Gospel Music," Karen Clark Sheard.  It is no secret that Donald Lawrence has been a key element in her solo career, so when news came that she was stepping away from a formula that had worked so well in the past, some were worried. But producers Israel Houghton and Aaron Lindsey have not fallen short of the Sheard standard; they have given her the proper tools to ensure that the next season of her ministry will catapult to the next level.The night began with a praise and worship experience from Karen's home church praise team at Greater Emmanuel. Bishop and Superintendent J. Drew Sheard then took the mic to acknowledge the many recording artists who came to support such as Byron Cage, Donald Lawrence, Darius Twyman, Desmond Pringle and long time friend, Pastor Marvin Winans. Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and House of Representatives' Carolyn Cheeks-Kilpatrick were also in the house. Israel Houghton took to the stage to continue in the flow of worship and sang a medley that consisted of "Again I Say Rejoice," "So Easy to Love You," and "I am a Friend of God." Immediately following the introductions of the backup singers, Houghton presented the woman of the hour. Karen Clark Sheard took center stage with a commanding presence and set the atmosphere for worship with a song called "Rejoice," reminding us that we have come to bless and worship him, putting all the focuses of the night on God. The second song, entitled "He's Never Failed Me Yet", encouraged us to remember that God has always been there and He will never fail us because He hasn't yet. Looking stunning in a burnt orange Spanish influenced ensemble, Clark Sheard directed the song into a vamp that went into a remix of "You Brought The Sunshine" and introduced the dynamic Clark Sisters to the stage for one of the biggest surprises of the night.  The end of the first half was met by a newer more urban rendition of "Glorious" jam-packed with Clark riffs, runs, and growls. Clark Sheard left the stage for intermission, which was not left uneventful by any means. The band played until the introduction of Five-Fold, a group of four young men out of Detroit, who came forth with a liturgical dance to "The Heavens Are Telling."Clark Sheard re-emerged in a princess-like, baby blue chiffon dress with a stole and an elegant up do to match. The second half was full of God's power and anointing, this was made evident in the opening song called "Authority", written by Clark Sheard herself. This song urged us as believers to use our God given authority and stand up against the enemy. The piece served as a call to ranks so to speak for God's people to go on the offense, stirring up the crowd even more as the backup singers continued to sing the vamp "Taking it back" while Clark Sheard, on lead, named the many things she was reclaiming —peace, joy, and happiness. "Authority" is sure to quickly become a church anthem. After we reclaimed everything the devil stole from us, a sweet worship entered the room and Clark Sheard began to speak of God's favor and how sometimes "[favor] just isn't fair." After her mini sermonette, she went into the song "Favor" written by Houghton and Lindsey. The song was written from the perspective of God speaking to His children, assuring them that they will be taken care of as well as admonishing them to simply sit back, and enjoy  the favor He has granted. As the song progressed, it intensified and Clark Sheard started to do her now famous echoes as though she were the voice of the Lord singing, "Sit back (Sit back), I want to bless you (I want to bless you), I've given you favor (I've given you favor)..." Two words can describe the ministry that went forth - MIND BLOWING!As the room continued in worship, Karen Clark Sheard took a seat on a stool and continued to press into the Spirit as she sang "Show Me Your Glory," a song seeming to have been written around Psalm 46:10. The song spoke on how we need to be still and allow God to show us His glory in our lives. Clark Sheard really sang from her inner most being on this song as she begged God to hide her in His hand as she watched Him manifest His glory. The final song of the night was a new rendition of "It's Not Over Till God Says It's Over," a song written by Clark-Sheard that appeared on her Second Chance album. She then elated the audience when she took a seat at the piano and tickled the ivories something fierce. Complete with an anointed version of chop sticks and electrifying chords, she began to sing sharing with us that the enemy told her she'd never play again but tauntingly asked him "Who has the last laugh now?" Just when we thought the song was over, she called Twinkie Clark to the stage and encouraged her, telling her that there was more ministry inside of her waiting to be birthed. Clark Sheard then took her seat, and sat in awe as her sister took to the piano  reminding us she's not only an anointed singer with a gift from God, but also a Howard University classically trained pianist. As she was about to take her seat, Clark Sheard walked with her to the organ where she then reminded us why she is referred to as the QUEEN of the B3 Hammond.There are so many aspects to Karen Clark Sheard: wife, first lady, mother and sister; yet she has managed to remain one of Gospel music's most prolific and innovative artists. By the end of the night, it was clear that the her newly formed dream team, and her new found home within Word Records spells S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fans and supporters of Karen Clark Sheard's ministry can rest assured knowing that the next season of this artist's ministry is bursting with promise and endless possibilities, promising us that hers will be one to be reckoned with for years to come. Email This To A Friend
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