Nothing Without You (CD - 2004)

Personnel: Smokie Norful (vocals, piano); Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Darrel Petties (vocals); Victor Caldwell, Cedric Caldwell (various instruments); Paul Jackson, Jr. , Al Willis (guitar); Steve Patrick (trumpet); Tim Bailey (organ); Tavarius Johnson (drums).

Smokie Norful consolidated his status as one of gospel music's brightest hopes with his sophomore set, Nothing Without You, a surprisingly broad-based collection of contemporary and traditional gospel. Listeners who are suspicious of Norful trying a little of everything shouldn't be afraid. The musician, arranger, songwriter. and community activist proves immensely skilled at everything he attempts here, starting with the opener, a horn-driven blast of affirmation named "Power." Percy Bady's "Worthy" is another success, a rousing gospel choir number with Norful leading the faithful while exhibiting as much fire and charisma as Donny Hathaway. Even when he moves into slower material, as on the traditional "I Know the Lord Will Make a Way" and the title track (featuring George Duke), Norful displays the same sure touch with his stirring, soulful tenor. There's only one nod to R&B, titled "Can't Nobody," but it's a success as well. ~ John Bush

Smokie Norful found instant success in 2002 with his blend of classic R&B and gospel inspirations, scoring a Number One gospel album with his debut I NEED YOU NOW and the crossover hit of the same name. Two years later, with that album still outselling most other contemporary gospel records and his song still receiving frequent play on R&B radio, Norful attempts to repeat that success with sophomore effort NOTHING WITHOUT YOU.

Norful opens on the strongest of notes with a worthy follow-up to his 2002 surprise hit; "Power" boasts a funky bassline and horns straight-out of the mid-70's Stevie Wonder playbook while Norful's malleable voice masterfully moves up and down the scales on a sweet, yet groovy song of hope. On "Worthy," he proves himself equally capable of more traditional gospel as he ably engages in call-and-response revival with a lively chorus. Norful is impressive in the manner in which he can fluidly switch moods, incorporating everything from R. Kelly/Babyface-style smooth R&B balladry to an edgier blues sound in his mix. With NOTHING WITHOUT YOU, Norful confirms his ability to create gospel songs that gospel and R&B fans can enjoy equally. minimize