Smokie Norful LiveSmokie Norful
Opening up with an upbeat collaboration with Tye Tribbett, “He’s Gonna Come Through” Smokie Norful gives us a brilliant live project worth checking out. Recorded in front of a crowd of more than 2,000 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis, Tenn., Norful enlists a few familiar friends to help him deliver a solid CD. His producer Jason Tyson is a long time friend and a minster of music at Victory Cathedral Worship Center, the church founded by Norful. From the nice groove of “I Will Bless the Lord” to the soul stirring ballad of “In The Presence of the King” Norful engages the listener smoothly and imparts that ever important message that nothing is as wonderful as praising the One who makes it all possible. Check this project out for yourself at www.smokienorful.emigospel.com


Mercy, Mercy, Mercy Ben Tankard
Ben Tankard revisits the Julian “Cannonball” Adderly classic “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” and in doing so takes the song on to a level of spirituality that it has never experienced before. Recorded in the home studio of Tankard, the singer stated he wanted to send a message through the music that “You are not alone, someone's got your back and yes you can do this thing” I think he got that point over well. The phenomenal instrumentalist moves us on to vibrant jazz tunes “Heavenly Vibes” and “Stirred Not Shaken” both great tunes. Finally Tankard's rendition of the Chris Tomlin favorite “How Great is Our God” is a great example of how music can be universal and yet unique all at the same time. Learn more about Ben Tankard at www.bentankard.org


No Ways Tired,Kim Burrell
It has been nine years since the lady known as the “Ella Fitzgerald of Gospel” Kim Burrell has released new music and like the old saying states “Good things come to those who wait” for this CD is a good thing. If you need me to state the facts then here they are plan and simple; Kim Burrell can sing, she can scat with the best of them…hence her nickname, and she embodies the flavor of jazz gospel in everything she sings. There is really nothing surprising about this project, that may be the one drawback about it, but if you want a solid, mellow, jazzy, feel good CD with the vocal powers of Kim Burrell then this is the CD for you. Check out my favorite “Happy” with lyrics that tell you “when you start your day don’t forget to say I’m so happy” you can’t help but love this updated “If You’re Happy and You Know It” type of joint. Other tracks of note are the funky modernized classic “No Ways Tired” and the breezy “What A Friend We Have in Jesus” both great tunes. Check out this great artist at www.myspace.com/kimburrellministries.