LIfe Changing (CD - 2006)

Personnel: Smokie Norful (piano); Jonathon Dubose, Mark Baldwin, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Lloyd Barry (strings, horns); Julie Tanner, Nashville String Machine, Anthony LaMarchina, Mary Kathryn Vanosdale, Pamela Sixfin, David Davidson , Alan Umstead, Monisa Angell, David Angell (strings); John Hinchey, Doug Moffett, Barry Green, Mike Haynes , Vinnie Ciesielski (horns); Percy Bady (keyboards); Cynthia Jernigan, Vernard Burton, Terrence Marshall, Faith Howard, Nia Allen, Denise Rutledge, Zita Smith (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Tommy Sims.

Liner Note Author: Smokie Norful.

Recording information: Dutchland Studios, Nashville, TN; Eclectic Studios, Nashville, TN; Father's Image Studio, Brentwood, TN; Pauly's Place Studio, San Antonio, TX; Pressure Point Recording Studios, Chicago, IL; Quad Studios, Nashville, TN; Tone Zone Recording, Chicago, IL; Uncle Tom's Cabin, Brentwood, TN.

Photographer: Russ Harrington.

Known as the Voice of Inspiration, gospel vocalist Smokie Norful released LIFE CHANGING in 2006. As the title implies, the album addresses a series of dramatic events that occurred in the singer's life and the way his faith in Jesus kept him strong throughout. Norful's impassioned voice dips and soars over musical arrangements that have far more of a soul-jazz and funk feel than much of the hip-hop- and R&B-tinged gospel on the market. And the full choir elevates these songs of hope and inspiration that much higher.

With only two albums, Smokie Norful achieved what normally takes contemporary gospel hopefuls a lifetime to attain: acclaim, accolades, and album sales numbering in the millions -- not bad for a former school teacher and now pastor in the Chicago suburbs. Life Changing, Norful's third full-length, further attests that he was born to do this: everything comes to him so effortlessly, so naturally, you'd think this is the work of a veteran. A cornucopia of producers and styles are represented throughout the album, but Norful manages to keep both in check, never letting things get out of hand or out of sync with his vision for elegance in his brand of neo-classicist contemporary gospel. Even the album's most celebratory, rhythmic moments are tempered with a dose of chic and sophistication, like the joyous "Great & Mighty," a romp whose understated choral and orchestral elements give the otherwise beach-ready groove an air of grace and style that's simply breathtaking. Of course, part of this worshipful charm stems from Norful's pastoral heart, which, when coupled with his soulful tendencies, only heightens his sensitivity toward the more corporate material -- the songs that are chiefly intended for a church audience, like the Sunday-morning praise of "Celebrate" or the convocational "Right Now." When not leading the choir, Norful sits at the piano and turns into a consummate soulster -- John Legend who? -- absolutely killing a rewrite of the Whitney Houston hit "Run to You" and the showstopper, the self-penned quiet storm ballad "Run Til I Finish." It's Life Changing's fluency to transition from the pulpit to the nightclub -- figuratively, at least -- that explains how Norful has, in such a short time, managed to outclass other newcomers, putting him on the same wavelength, artistically and otherwise, as more seasoned mainstays in gospel, R&B, and beyond. ~ Andree Farias minimize