Thirsty (CD - 2007)

Personnel: Tim Stewart (guitar); Arthur "Buddy" Strong (organ, keyboards); Buddy Strong (keyboards); Derrick "Swol" Ray (bass guitar); Candy West, Aisha Cleaver, Caltomeesh 'Candy' West, Chelsea 'Peaches' West, Aisha Cleavers, Late Great Daniel Johnson, Chelsea West, Daniel Johnson (background vocals); Derrick Horne (guitar); Jimmy Bolin (saxophone); Vinnie Ciesielski (trumpet); Roy Agee (trombone); Matthew Brownie (organ); Aaron Lindsey, Jerry Harris Jr. (keyboards); Calvin Rodgers (drums); Javier Solís (percussion); Jamil Whiting, Deonis Cook (background vocals); Lu Di, Li Peng, The Asian Philharmonic, Jim Gray.

Audio Mixer: Chris Godbey.

Recording information: Nomad Studios, Carrollton, TX (01/26/2007); Oasis Studio, Beijing, China (01/26/2007); Resurrection Life Church, Grandville, MI (01/26/2007); the Bennett House, Nashville, TN (01/26/2007); The Groove Habitat, Houston, TX (01/26/2007).

Photographer: Keith Major.

Arranger: Marvin Sapp.

On Marvin Sapp's chart-busting 2007 release, there's no questioning his sincerity. On tracks like "Place Of Worship," "Praise Him In Advance," and the title song; the popular preacher and gospel singer emotes when he sings, as if his heart is aflame with an unquenchable spiritual fire. The key to his success seems to be flexibility, with vocal chops that are equally adept at string-laden ballads (he's joined on some songs by a full orchestra) and funky R&B workouts. minimize