Hero (CD - 2005)

Personnel: Kirk Franklin (piano, keyboards, mini-Moog synthesizer, drum programming); Kirk Franklin (vocals, rap vocals); Daphanie Wright, Faith Anderson, Nikki Ross (vocals, soprano); Jason Champion (vocals, tenor); Dorinda Clark-Cole, Jana Bell, Erica Davis, Anthony Lavon Evans, J. Moss, African Children's Choir, Myron Butler, Ashley Guilbert, Stevie Wonder, Tye Tribbett (vocals); Todd Parsnow (guitar, guitars); Jason Bell (guitar); Doc Powell (guitars); Katie Kirkpatrick (harp); Brent Fischer (violin, cymbals, timpani); Assa Drori, Brian Benning, Shari Zippert, Sally Berman, Robert Brosseau, Elizabeth Wilson, Irma Neumann, Armen Garabedian, Berj Garabedian (violin); Jorge Moraga, Kazi Pitelka, Karie Prescott, Renita Koven (viola); Don Smith , Earl Madison, Miguel Martinez (cello); Sheridon Stokes (flute); Don Shelton (clarinet); Jeff Driskill (alto clarinet); Phil Feather (bass clarinet, oboe); Dave Monsch (baritone saxophone); Chuck Koontz (tuba); Braylon Lacy (electric bass); Terry Baker, Terri Baker (drums); Jason Boyd, Ryan Toby (percussion); Chris Godbey (programming, drum programming); Matt Butler (cello); Paulie Cerra (saxophone); Lee Thornburg, Jamie Hovorka (trumpet); Humberto Ruiz (trombone); Shaun Martin (piano, keyboards, mini-Moog synthesizer, drums, programming, drum programming); Jerome Harmon (keyboards); Andre Harris, Sheila E., Vidal Davis (percussion).

Audio Mixers: Vincent Dilorenzo; Dave Pensado; John Jascz.

Recording information: Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA (07/2005); Luminous Sounds, Dallas, TX (07/2005); Studio 609, Philadephia, PA (07/2005).

Photographer: Mark Mann.

Though testimonies of faith and questions of morality are still at the heart of Kirk Franklin's message, 2005's HERO represents something of a musical departure for the gospel superstar. Recorded with a full orchestra--complete with lush strings and driving horns--HERO is one of Franklin's most musically ambitious outings.

Featuring guest appearances by Stevie Wonder ("Why"), Dorinda Clark-Cole ("Hero"), and Yolanda Adams ("Afterwhile"), not to mention a song that utilizes a Tears for Fears sample ( "Let It Go"), the album offers plenty of variety, and a few surprises, in addition to its large-scale arrangements. Franklin manages to integrate these new elements perfectly into the celebratory and healing music on which he's built his career. minimize