October 5, 2011 – Eddie James knows how to bring the people of God into His presence. The dynamic singer and songwriter and the founder of the renowned Phoenix Mass Choir has been on a roll lately. The artist, who’s known for writing riveting and God-directed praise and worship songs, is also the owner of Fresh Wine Records. His fans have been supporting his releases on the label catapulting him to the national charts.

On the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart, James is charting with three different projects: Freedom Live is at # 24, God is resting at #32 and The Phoenix Mass Choir: Victory is sitting at the #47 spot. The noted songwriter also has other impressive placements. The lead single from his recent release, God, “I Need You”, has been catching the attention of radio with the song placing at #65 on the BDS charts and #58 on the Mediabase charts. Also, the new single, “The Battle”, from The Phoenix Mass Choir: Victory is at the #115 spot on the BDS chart and at #114 on the Mediabase chart.

New stations are adding the songs weekly and James is excited at the response the singles are receiving. “The Battle”, a traditional and gut-wrenching choir track, does not feature James, but instead includes the lead vocal talents of Kerry Vaughn, Celia King and Bridgette Kern. “I Need You”, a soft and emotive love song to God, is breathtaking. Fans of the artist should look out for the upcoming single from God entitled, “I Am”.

In addition to his success at radio, Eddie James will be making an appearance as the musical guest on the Trinity Broadcast Network. Hosted by comedian John Gray, the Praise The Lord episode will be airing on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, and will feature James singing his most popular songs; please check local listings for air times. In addition, Eddie James is also prepping for a Christmas release. The first holiday project from the artist will contain two lead singles, “He Is Here” and “Jesus Saves”, which will be serviced to radio in late October by Edmondson Communications, Inc. More information about James’ upcoming release is to be announced.

Eddie James’ ministry is currently headquartered in Hamilton, AL, where he also operates DreamLife. He’s been seeing young people come to the Lord in record numbers. “I see the youth crying out for a real experience with the Living God,” says James. “We are finding God raising up a generation that is truly hungry for the presence of God. He is visiting this generation in a very profound way, and impacting young and seasoned saints in a life changing way. We are seeing young people being set free and crying out to God for our nation, their schools, communities and families. It is exciting to be part of such a move.” For more information about Eddie James, log on to www.ejworship.org.

Excitement brews daily as Shirley Murdock gets closer to the release of her new CD/DVD, Live: The Journey on October 18th. Throughout her travels, Murdock has shared new music from The Journey with fans across the country including her current single “Dream”.

One of Shirley’s strengths is her ability to connect with fans during her performances. She has remained consistent in her call of winning souls to Christ. No matter the city or venue, Shirley makes it known that she walks with God and He is her source!

In addition to radio success and national TV performances, Shirley has also made a name for herself in various successful stage plays.

On October 7-9th, in New York City, Murdock will share her talent as an actress in the hilarious, inspirational and entertaining play “Loving Him is Killing Me” at the Beacon Theatre. Fans will have a chance to enjoy Murdock as she joins other casts members and also sings her current single “Dream”.

Murdock’s acting role in “Loving Him Is Killing Me” is a huge opportunity for her to share her many talents during preparation for the release of the CD/DVD, Live: The Journey. The Journey was produced by Grammy Award winning producer, Cedric Thompson and features a few of Shirley’s friends, Kelly Price, Beverly Crawford and Regina Belle. From beginning to end, music lovers will enjoy songs which acknowledge God through praise and worship and speak of destiny, hope and unity. The Journey is a great representation of Shirley’s heart and personal journey.

Loving Him Is Killing Me Stage Play:

Oct 7-9, 2011-Beacon Theatre- New York, NY

For More Information: www.ticketmaster.com or www.beacontheatre.com

Clementine Camille trilogy of novels spans the love relationship years of Clementine Brown, an African-American young woman and Tyler Roberts, a Caucasian-American young man, from their meeting as high school students through their maturity, when the inevitability of death threatens to destroy the survivor. Along the way, the novels portrays both the ways in which the couple deal with the intrusive facts of American racism as well as, more important, their remarkably supportive families and friends, who contribute to the couples’ ability to grow beyond prejudice and simply learn to love one another.

Path got the chance to ask the esteemed author a few questions about his novels. 

1. Tell us a little bit about the CLEMENTINE CAMILLE trilogy.

In January, 2002, I was busy redrafting my way through a four novel series, THE BOOKS OF GENESIS, when I woke up one morning with Clementine and Tyler fully formed in my imagination. I could see them. I understood their relationship. I understood they would face problems with racial prejudice, but not from their families. I resolved to let them take me along with them on what I assumed were going to be a series of adventures. (They were full grown adults in the first scene, but what was going to matter was that Tyler was going to tell the story of loving Clementine and all that it involved, and it involved many, many things I did not yet know were coming and did not yet understand.) From that day on, I got up every morning and followed the maxim, “Where are you two taking me today?” I mean it. They were alive; they led; I followed. It was an adventure. It was not always easy for them, but it was an adventure for me. I admit there’s a whole lot of “wish fulfillment” in the story as it unfolded; a whole lot of gritty truth in terms of what they must go through but a whole lot of fanticizing for me. However, what I did not realize as i began was the number of serious highly personal Ronald Vierling psychological issues that were going to be exorcised through writing their stories and their story. That would take some explaining, but the fact is a number of issues that drive THE BOOKS OF GENESIS also drive the CLEMENTINE TRILOGY. I would be happy to provide a list.

2 What promoted you to write this novel?

My other writing (THE BOOKS OF GENESIS and the two books of Judaia plays) portray people who succeed but only after some really hard and bitter confrontations with others and with themselves. I now recognize I wanted to write a love story. I wanted to write a story about two people who deal with tough situations and wonderful situations with the same kind of grace and intelligence. I wanted to really and truly enjoy the adventure. I wanted to get inside a hero would was head over heals in love with a splendid and remarkable young woman. I wanted a chance to be in love with Lisa Surles, the model for Clementine’s character. One more important point: when I was in junior high school I began hearing adults say “if you want to understand America you have to understand baseball.” I knew that was wrong the first time I heard it. I knew from all my grandfather George Vierling had told me about his experiences as a chef in downtown Des Moines and the stories my dad told me about seeing black people not get a fair shake and what I was reading about slavery and the legacy of slavery and the black jazz musicians I came to admire and the black athletes I came to admire that if you really wanted to understand America you had to understand race. Everything about America from the colonial era to today hinges on that issue. It’s just that most white people “didn’t want to go there.” Even my school teachers never expressed any outrage at the history of slavery and the history of prejudice and the history of real estate “red lining”. I was prepared to “go there” because I didn’t know any other way of facing myself in the mirror.

3. What are some of the recent novels that you’ve read that you absolutely admire?

I re-read MOBY-DICK about once every two years. I re-read WAR AND PEACE when I’m not reading MOBY-DICK. I adore Jane Austen, but what writer doesn’t. E.M. Forster’s novels are brilliant. The best 20th century novel is William Faulkner’s novella “The Bear.” I read that outloud about once a year. Otherwise, I read history. Of course, let’s face it; writing novels takes up 80% of my time. So one could argue I read my own novels in draft form. (It always seems to take five drafts to write each of my novels.)

4. What or who is your inspiration?

I am inspired by several of Shakespeare’s plays, but Melville, Tolstory, Faulkner. Most of all, I was inspired by my affection and respect for Lisa Surles. I am inspired by the African-American women I know. I want to tell stories that they will read and enjoy and believe tell a brand of truth that no other white man has told.

5. What advice would you give an up and coming writer?

Know your characters. Trust your characters. Follow your characters wherever they want to go. If you are honest with them, if you are not trying to make them do something you want and not what they want, you will get along fine. If you try to fit them into a preconceived mold, they will not only not fit, they will not go; they will probably desert you, which they should. Characters trust writers to do them justice. That is your obligation. Do right by them and they will do right by you.

CLICK HERE to Purchase the book and read Excerpts

About the Author:
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1938, Ronald was educated in the public schools before attending the Chicago Art Institute. After service in the army, he completed his B.F.A. Degree in Art and English at Drake University in 1963. He then began a forty-year teaching career at five college preparatory independent schools in California, Missouri and Florida, taking time to earn his M.A. Degree in English from the University of Wyoming, where he studied with scholar Keith Hull and poet and novelist Robert Roripaugh. In 1989, he studied at Yad Vashem Institute, Jerusalem, Israel; more recently, he has studied at the University of Wales, Swansea. The father of five adult children, Ronald lives with his wife in Orlando, Florida. While Ronald retired from teaching in 2002 and part time teaching in 2005, he continues to be active as a second grade Read2Succeed mentor in Orlando. For speaking engagements, book signings and interviews, contact Rhetta Peoples at (407) 230-7686 or via email at rhetta@oncreativestreet.com. Be sure to follow Ronald Vierling on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/ClemCamille or @ClemCamille or Like the Clementine Camille Trilogy fan page on Facebook.

Aaron Shust delivered Centricity Music an important milestone as My Hope Is In You stayed at #1 on the AC Indicator Chart for the third week, while the song is enjoying its fourth week at the top of the chart on the Soft AC chart. This marks Centricity Music’s first #1 AC single. At the same time, the song is #4 at AC Monitor, while reaching the #1 position on the Canadian Christian Radio Chart. My Hope Is In You is the first single from Shust’s debut project for Centricity Music, This Is What We Believe. This is Shust’s third chart-topping single of his career with My Savior, My God and O Come O Come Emmanuel going to #1 in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

Shust is currently on the road with The Called To Love Tour that launched Oct. 1. Shust joins his Centricity Music labelmates, Downhere and Jason Gray. For tour updates please visit www.centricitymusic.com.

As reported by the Christian Post.com, The senior pastor of America’s largest Christian church said Tuesday that he not only would have no problem voting for a Mormon presidential candidate, like Republican Mitt Romney, he also would not rule out the possibility of some day voting for a Jewish or even Muslim candidate for the nation’s highest office.

“Sure I could,” said Joel Osteen, leader pastor of Houston’s Lakewood Church, in an appearance on Piers Morgan Tonight, which airs on CNN. However, he added, “90 percent of America is Christian so I’m pretty sure I’d find somebody who more shares my beliefs.”

Among those beliefs, said Osteen, is that the Bible explicitly instructs Christians to support the nation of Israel. Thus, said the pastor, “We stand with the Israeli people.”

Osteen expressed empathy with the Palestinian people, who currently are seeking statehood. “Our hearts go out to the Palestinian people,” said Osteen. “They want peace. They want to live their life in victory, as well.”

The popular pastor and his wife Victoria actually visited Israel this past February, where their “Night of Hope” worship service played to a full auditorium. Contrary to perceptions here in the United States, Victoria Osteen told CNN’s Morgan, the couple found Israel “very peaceful.”

The Osteens appeared on Morgan’s nightly show to promote the pastor’s latest book, Every Day a Friday, which this week hit Number 1 on the New York Times Advice, How-To, and Miscellaneous Hardcover best seller list.

Aside from presidential politics and Middle East policy, Joel Osteen was asked his positions on such hot-button issues as abortion, the death penalty and same-sex marriage.

The pastor reiterated his previously-stated opposition to abortion. “Every baby should live,” he told Morgan. But he was considerably more equivocal in discussing his views on executions and gay marriage.

“It would be against my faith to marry two gay people,” said Osteen, noting that, of the many marriages mentioned in the Bible, none were same-sex. Yet, Lakewood’s senior pastor and his wife said they would have no problem attending a same-sex wedding, if the gay or lesbian couple happened to be friends of theirs.

Osteen neither said he supported or opposed capital punishment. He told Morgan he had not really studied the issue sufficiently to make up his mind, notwithstanding the fact that his home state of Texas executes more offenders each year than any other state.

Music World Gospel/Interface Entertainment recording artist and international worship leader, Micah Stampley, will release his fifth CD, One Voice, in stores October 18, 2011. One Voice features 12 songs, including two interludes. The CD is produced by Micah Stampley and co-produced by Cameron Sankey.

Currently, “Shout” and “Hosanna” are both at gospel radio. Micah brings each track on the CD vibrantly to life—from the thumping, joyful world-beat of “Hosanna,” to “Shout,” a celebratory, praise and worship song that calls believers to action because of their victory in Jesus Christ, which is a song that will resound in congregations around the globe. In writing songs for his new album, Micah didn’t have to go far to work with his favorite collaborator. His wife, Heidi, co-wrote much of the album, including the potent title track, “One Voice.” “I wrote the music and Heidi wrote all of the lyrics for that song,” said Micah. “She began to write the lyrics of that song: ‘different colors, many expressions, but when we worship, we sing to an audience of one, we are salt and light, the world must see us unified,’” Micah says reciting the lyric. “It was just amazing to hear. She’s such a poet. I feel that ‘One Voice’ is definitely my best album to date. I hope that by listening to this album people around the globe will experience a spiritual awakening and renewed passion in their relationship with God.”

The album opener, “Heaven on Earth,” is a vibrant anthem that is connecting powerfully with people. “Desperate People” is a moving ballad that resonates with the body of Christ, it speaks of people seeking a deeper relationship with God. “Overcome & Worthy” is among Micah’s favorite songs. “The first time I heard it was at our local church in Houston,” he says. “I fell in love with the song, it was so powerful and so amazing.”

“Call of Love” was written by Heidi. One evening Micah and Heidi had loaded up their car with blankets and thermos full of hot chicken soup to distribute among the homeless in Houston. “We went under the bridge downtown and began distributing hot soup and the blankets,” recalls Micah. “I remember one gentleman shook my hand. He was freezing. He was shivering he said, ‘I thought that He had forsaken me, but I now believe that God really does love me.’ I cried and cried and cried. Heidi and I were literally crying driving home and singing the song that Heidi had written early last year [2010]. It was uncontrollable and I said, ‘this is what true ministry is.’ So ‘Call of Love’ speaks of that type of work—‘for the broken and the shamed, let my heart burn like a flame, let me be the conduit of perfect love.’”

Named the 2004 Stellar Awards National Star Search winner, Micah Stampley is a musical prodigy who has been performing since the age of seven. He is widely known as an international worship leader and for his astounding bass-to-first soprano vocal range. In 2005, Billboard magazine placed him on its Top 10 Gospel Music Artists list and AOL Black Voices included him on its roster of the Top 11 Gospel Geniuses. Micah is married to Heidi, a kindred spirit with whom he now raises five children, ages six to 16. A partner in life and in music, they are the co-founders of Interface Entertainment and Operation I Believe, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, launched in 2006 with platforms that include humanitarian and outreach initiatives. Micah is a third-generation license preacher.

As reported by the Baptist Press, Sherwood Baptist Church once again shocked Hollywood over the weekend when its latest film “Courageous” finished No. 4 in total gross, No. 1 among new movies and No. 1 in per-theater average, nearly doubling most of the competition in that category.

Its $9,063,147 ended up fourth behind “Dolphin Tale,” Moneyball” and “The Lion King 3D.” But all three of those other films — and every other film in the Top 10 — played in at least 2,300 theaters, significantly more than Courageous, which opened in only 1,161 theaters and still beat three new films with much bigger budgets and far more screens — “50/50,” “Dream House” and “What’s Your Number?” While Courageous’ production budget was $1 million, the average budget of the other films in the Top 10 was $41 million.

Courageous’ per-theater average of $7,806 blew out the competition, with The Lion King 3D’s $4,537 coming in second. Courageous follows the story of five men — four of them police officers — as they seek to become better fathers. 

Sherwood Films are the makers of other popular Christian films “Fireproof’ and “Facing the Giants.”  Click Here to read the report by the Baptist Press.

America’s favorite television channel for uplifting music and family entertainment, announced today that it will begin production in October on a new GMC World Premiere Series, She’s Still Not Our Sister, for airing in December.

The limited-run series, starring Jackée Harry, is based on the GMC World Premiere Gospel Play, She’s Not Our Sister, which aired to stellar ratings in June. She’s Not Our Sister was the highest-rated GMC World Premiere Gospel Play to date and reached over one million viewers on its premiere night.

She’s Still Not Our Sister will pick up where the play left off, when the sisters buried their father, and discovered he had millions of dollars and an illegitimate fourth daughter. In the four original episodes premiering in December, the sisters are at it again: Cynthia (Drew Sidora) plans her wedding to D’Andre (Christian Keyes); Deniece (Azur De) graduates from college; Vivian (Kellita Smith) goes to Paris; and Allison (Jazsmin Lewis) overcomes her addictions. Aunt Connie (Jackée Harry) is still in everyone’s business. The series also stars Clifton Powell as Reverend Beckley and Tony Grant as Elliot.

“We are delighted to be bringing back the cast and crew of She’s Not Our Sister in order to continue a story that was thoroughly enjoyed by our viewers,” said Leslie Chesloff, GMC’s executive vice president, programming. “In She’s Still Not Our Sister, the sisters will deal with the aftermath of shocking family revelations as they each seek to find their own way in the world.”

About GMC: GMC (www.watchGMCtv.com) is America’s favorite television channel for uplifting music and family entertainment. The Parents Television Council™ recently awarded its Entertainment Seal of Approval™ to GMC for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.” GMC was the only television network to receive the highly coveted honor in 2010. GMC can be seen in more than 51 million homes on various cable systems around the country, including DISH Network on channel 188, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.

“The Story Tour” to Launch This December. With a ‘who’s who’ line-up, one might expect nothing less than five-star reviews for the monumental project (Music Inspired By) The Story available nationwide. Such is the case as it released this week debuting at No. 1 on iTunes® Christian & Gospel Album Chart with critics nationwide singing its praises:

“This is the most inspiring and emotionally stirring collection of songs I’ve ever heard. There’s something for everyone: Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, Mandisa, Francesca Battistelli, Lecrae and eighteen other artists all brilliantly bring us to the throne room by passionately performing these soul-piercing songs perfectly orchestrated by Nichole Nordeman and Bernie Herms. This is a five star compilation that needs to be heard and experienced.” – NewRelease.com

Furthermore, in-depth interviews with the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Nichole Nordeman, who penned all 18 tracks on the musically diverse album, can be found at Yahoo.com, in CCM Magazine and Christianity Today.

This was an experience that Nordeman will never forget: “As a songwriter, being involved in The Story has been, without a doubt, the most fulfilled I’ve ever felt creatively,” says Nordeman. “To be charged with giving Biblical icons a modern voice and then to get a front row seat as those songs are brought to life by such gifted artists, was an honor I could never have imagined. As Bernie and I wrestled with these songs, I was reminded daily, sometimes hourly, that Scripture was meant to live and breathe in our lives. Not as mere history or cultural context, but as bold evidence that God really does long to be the Author of our own pages. This experience has deeply changed my own story, both as an artist and a Christian.”

(Music Inspired By) The Story is the first release from the revolutionary partnership between EMI CMG, Provident Label Group, Word Entertainment, Zondervan, World Vision, Proper Management and CAA. The 2-disc album was built on the foundation of Zondervan’s best-selling Bible, The Story, Randy Frazee’s book The Heart Of The Story and Max Lucado’s Book God’s Story Your Story, and features a top-notch cast Matthew West, Leigh Nash, Mark Hall & Megan Garrett (Casting Crowns), Brandon Heath, Bart Millard (MercyMe), Michael Tait (Newsboys), Blanca Callahan (Group 1 Crew), Lecrae, Nichole Nordeman, Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, Peter Furler, Mandisa, Todd Smith (Selah), Francesca Battistelli, Mac Powell (Third Day), Steven Curtis Chapman, Natalie Grant, Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay), Matt Hammitt (Sanctus Real), Jeremy Camp, Michael W. Smith and Darlene Zschech. See full track/artist listing below.

Produced by the esteemed Brown Bannister and acclaimed Bernie Herms, all of the 18 new songs Nordeman wrote from a first-person perspective based on principle biblical characters and accounts telling God’s story from Creation to The Second Coming.

“When I first started working on The Story, I made a ‘dream list’ of 24 artists who I wanted to be part of this project,” says Executive Producer Norman Miller. “God showed us tremendous favor, because we ended up with 22 of these 24 artists singing on the record. I believe that Nichole wrote the best lyrics of her life and Bernie matched her every step of the way with wonderful melodies. Brown Bannister and Bernie Herms were the ultimate production team and this has resulted in The Story being my favorite record of all time”.

In support of the album, a new website has launched, www.thestorycd.com where fans can access exclusive video content, the latest breaking news and more.

Additionally, fans can see The Story come to life this December as Lucado and Frazee join multi-platinum selling artist Steven Curtis Chapman, award-winning band Newsboys, Francesca Battistelli, Natalie Grant and other artists featured on the album will travel around the country on “The Story Tour.” Sponsored by World Vision “The Story Tour” will be a fully produced multi-media experience with the artists performing the album in its entirety and will include stunning visuals to accompany every song projected on a massive screen encompassing the entire stage. See full list of tour dates below.

For more information on (Music Inspired By) The Story, please visit www.thestorycd.com.

(Music Inspired By) The Story Track Listing Disc 1
1) CREATION (“I Am”) – Overture 2) ADAM/EVE (“Good”) – Matthew West & Leigh Nash (Sixpence None The Richer) 3) ABRAHAM/SARAH (“Who But You”) – Mark Hall & Megan Garrett (Casting Crowns) 4) JOSEPH (“Bend”) – Brandon Heath 5) MOSES (“It Must Be You”) – Bart Millard (MercyMe) 6) JOSHUA (“Bring Us Home”) – Michael Tait, Blanca Callahan (Group1Crew), Lecrae 7) RUTH/NAOMI (“I’m With You”) – Nichole Nordeman & Amy Grant 8) DAVID (“Your Heart”) – Chris Tomlin 9) DANIEL (“No Compromise”) – Peter Furler 10) ESTHER (“Born For This”) – Mandisa 11) JOB (“Broken Praise”) – Todd Smith (Selah)

Disc 2
1) MARY (“Be Born In Me”) – Francesca Battistelli 2) JESUS (“When Love Sees You”) – Mac Powell (Third Day) 3) THIEF (“How Love Wins”) – Steven Curtis Chapman 4) MARY MAGDALENE (“Alive”) – Natalie Grant 5) DISCIPLES (“Empty”) – Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay) & Matt Hammitt (Sanctus Real) 6) PAUL (“Move In Me”) – Jeremy Camp 7) SECOND COMING (“The Great Day”) – Michael W. Smith & Darlene Zschech

“The Story Tour” Dates:
* all dates subject to change
December 1 – Wichita, KS
December 2 Dallas, TX
December 3 – Tulsa, OK
December 7 – Orlando, FL
December 8 – Atlanta, GA
December 9 – Winston-Salem, NC
December 10 – Va Beach, VA
December 11 – Woodbridge, VA (Washington DC area)
December 15 – Grand Rapids, MI
December 16 – Chicago, IL
December 17 – Minneapolis, MN
December 18 – Kansas City, MO

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit worldvision.org.

From Sheilah Belle of The Belle Report:

Gospel superstar Marvin Sapp is set to follow up his highly successful 2010 album “Here I Am” with a live album of all new songs, which he’s gearing up to record this Friday, October 7 at the Evangel Cathedral near Washington, D.C., for a 2012 release.

“It’s the first time I’ve actually done a live record outside of my comfort zone of Grand Rapids, Mich.,” says Sapp, who’s the founding and senior pastor at Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in his hometown. “D.C. is one my largest audiences. They buy tons of records of mine in Washington, D.C.”

Sapp also tells Sheilah Belle of the Belle Report, “My mother and all of my children will be there with me, but this will be the first time my wife will not. Before I use to run my songs past by wife, but this time I ran them by my children.”

Sapp also stretch a bit with this project as he offered the public an opportunity to be apart of the recording. “Sheilah you know I have always tried to give new writers a chance, so I tweeted the opportunity. I got more than 2,000 songs sent my way and we decided to use 4 of them for the recording.”

As for his new CD, Sapp says it will speak to how he has managed during a rough period in his life, a five-year stretch during which he lost several people close to him, including his father and, last year, his wife MaLinda to colon cancer. “The focus of this record,” he explains, “is how you can come through situations and still remain on top. It’s about how the enemy has a way of hitting you with stuff to cause you to fold and buckle, but I’m still standing.”

As for being a single father, Sapp says, “We’ve got a slogan — ‘us four, no more, ’” he said. “Right now it’s just us, and as long as that remains the focus, I believe the rest of our days will be blessed.”

When describing what to expect on his upcoming CD, Sapp says it’s going to be a bit edgy, a little more high-energy, the production’s gonna be a little tighter.

Mapp also stayed with those he trusted from his last project including music producer Aaron Lindsey and Myron Butler.

But he adds, “Even though I’m doing the whole album live, some is going to sound live and some will sound like it’s studio. We’re gonna mix it up.”

Sapp — a former member of the group Commissioned who went solo in 1996 — has been on a career-winning streak. “Here I Am” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 — the highest charting album ever by a Gospel artist.

Nevertheless, Sapp contends that, “I feel no pressure because I’m not trying to do anything but stay in the niche I’ve grown accustomed to. One thing I’ve learned is that as long as I do what my audience enjoys, I’m gonna be all right. I know what they like. I have a formula, and my formula is if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Keep doing what you do and people that enjoy what you do are gonna buy your music and love on you.”