With his falsetto reigning as king over the entire ten-song album, Bro. Glenn Allen Gray brings together a trio of producers (Jeffrey LaValley, Simeo Overall, Richard Battle) to create a nice set of worship material.

Gray's sincerity comes shining through on the title track, "I Honor You", a moving ballad that gives reverence to God as Creator and Ruler Supreme. He shares the testimony of a grateful heart on the honestly titled "I'm Underserving, But I'm Blessed", as he relates to the listener that we are sustained and kept by God's grace and mercy. "Lord We Need Your Blessing" is an up tempo prayer asking God to bless us daily. Also in the mix is "It Was Your Love", with the Chicago artist giving a heartfelt recollection of Jesus going to the cross for us.

(SN/GG: October 18, 2004)

UK group Ekklesia make their move with a four-track EP that not only declares their testimony, but serves notice that they aren't ones to mess around in the studio.

This EP contains some serious stuff. The project hinges on the title track, written by Raymond Isaiah Dyer (of Raymond & Co.), and comes with projection from Adrian McKenzie and an innovative, fresh remix from Antoine Stone, which incorporates a layer of acoustic guitar.

"Move" brings in Practical Wizdom of respected UK crew Green Jade, to drop his flow over the vocal and organ-backed groove. The third tune, "Never Forget" is marked by faux-classical intro that inevitably blurs into balladic flow, as Ekklesia shows their softer musical side. Urban collectors, take note, and watch for more from this gifted and ambitious ensemble.

(SN: September 7, 2004)

Columbus, Ohio is home to New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, and that church is home to the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church Mass Choir, a 140-voice strong assembly of voices that on their second release, deliver a strong, 16-song project.

The album fulfills all expections from an independently-released, live church project, and then some. Great songs, great voices, and some extra oomph courtesy of national recording artist Rodney Posey, who steps in to cover two of his own songs ("We Come To Bless Him" and "Awesome God"). Other songs to catch are "You" and "I Love You More Each Day", both penned and sung by rising newcomer, Nia Allen. With a praise and worship smoothness along the lines of CeCe Winans, Allen immediately captures attention.

Mark Sweet Aroma as one the indie choir picks of the year
(SN: September 6, 2004)

Don't let the fact that community choir from Winston-Salem, North Carolina has been in existence for a scant two years deter you from investigating what the have to offer. Under the direction of Dionn Owen, the forty-voice choir makes good on a debut recording that combines the essential aspects of a captivating choir project: good sound, good songs and a great spirit.

Owen uses his experience with the James Cleveland Choir of the GMWA to ensure an overall balanced vocal sound. He also wrote the lion's share of the original songs on the project. Look for the novel interpretation of "You Are Holy" and "Come By Here" to up your appreciation for the choir. The Renaissance also does well on the swing-rhythm of "A Mighty Long Way" and the reflective praise evidenced on of "The Storm".

"The Children's Jam" sticks out with its reliance on young voices singing out "He loves my soul today, Jesus washed all my sins away". The song quickly moves from down-tempo to an increased vibrancy and uptempo twist to reflect the reality of the lyrics.
(SN: April 27, 2004)

Newcomer Robert Earl Norwood uses his experience in jazz, Big Band and Broadway peformance styles to coat his solo eponymously-titled debut with these influences. From the standard "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" to self-penned originals such as the fast-paced "Pleasures" and the meandering "1-2-3-4", Norwood uses his broad and wide-ranging pipes to paint his praise on an aural canvas filled with strings, piano and judicious backing vocals.

Reminscent at times (but not derivative) of Al Jarreau, George Benson and Daryl Coley, Norwood is a breath of fresh air. Check out the easy-listening flows of "I Make Melody" and "Must Be Your Love" —both capture the essence of this artist.
(SN: April 13, 2004)

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