Spirit Rising Volume I & IIVarious Artist

This two disc set is chocked full of good spiritual and worship tunes from some of the greatest artists on the scene. Featuring performances from the best inspirational and mainstream artists including Bishop TD Jakes,
Michelle Williams, the late Mahalia Jackson, Kelly Price, Marvin Winans, Mary Mary, and others, this CD does not disappoint. From the up-tempo opening of "Who Is Like The Lord" by Israel and New Breed to the smooth flowing ballad of "The Word" by Brian Wilson this project offers something for everyone. Excutive produced by Matthew Knowles on his new Spirit Rising label, the CD is set to deliver non-stop worship music with each of the 26 tracks. Check out the vibe on the project for yourself at www.spiritrisingmusic.com

My Destiny I Know What I'm Here ForStephen Hard

Stephen Hurd is back with another project that proves praise is truly what he does. Launching the project with the pulsating "Great Praise" (The War Cry) backed by the Stephen Ford Singers, (Stephen Ford is also the producer of this project) and the First Baptist Church Combined Choirs, Hurd gets the praise fest into full swing. With each "Oh oh oh" the pounding rhythms take you to a total victory chant and you easily feel that any war you have to encounter in life can be won as long as you are singing this song. Next he moves on to "The Glory Chant" and once again you are caught up in the full inspiration of the tune. Giving "Glory, glory, glory" to the name of the Lord is easy when you listen to this island flavored cut. Other tunes to check out are the title track "Destiny" co-written by Jonathan Nelson and Justin Savage and featuring the wonderful vocals of Maurette Brown-Clark and Nelson. The sweet ballad "The Glory of the Lord" is also a standout. My favorite on the project is the jazzy "Todah" a simple song with a strong message. It's a beautifully mastered musical journey filled with wonderful string, organ and piano arrangements and bumping guitars played by Kenneth Diggs and Jonathan DuBose. This song can be described in one word...heavenly. Hurd is an unusual praise and worship artist because he can really sing with the song and not sing at the song as so many praise leaders are privy to doing these days. This CD is a breath of fresh air and a project that will be used by church choirs all over the world. I plan to teach my youth choir "Todah" soon. (Smile) Good job Stephen...keep up the great work. To learn more about this wonderful artist check out www.hurdthewordmusic.com