Kicking off with an intro that's entirely jazz fusion, gospel singer
Zacardi Cortez brings a '70s and '80s feel to his debut album,
The Introduction, bringing reminders of
Earth, Wind & Fire,
Kool & the Gang,
the Time, and Washington, D.C.'s go-go music scene throughout this exciting release. Then there's the voice, a natural powerhouse that still stands out in a genre that has plenty. Add a top-notch set of tunes, from the hit single "One More Time" to the church organ classic run-through called "Hymn Medley," plus an all-star guest list --
John P. Kee,
Lalah Hathaway,
Fred Hammond, and
James Fortune are practically the lineup of That's What I Call Gospel 2012 -- and this is an easy-to-recommend debut that keeps rewarding return visits. ~ David Jeffries