Martha Munizzi Best Is Yet To Come CD

Looking at the photos that adorn her albums, one might be forgiven for assuming that the petite, golden-locked Martha Munizzi sings either teen pop or smooth CCM of the Sandi Patty sort. In fact, Munizzi's THE BEST IS YET TO COME is filled with soulful contemporary praise & worship gospel that has a distinct urban edge. Like that of pop diva Christina Aguilera, Munizzi's voice is a powerful and supple instrument that seems an unlikely match for her diminutive physical appearance. The stirring ballad "I Will Always" wouldn't sound out of place on a PRIVATE DANCER-era Tina Turner album, while "I Know the Plans" is a vocal tour de force that recalls the best full-throated work of Joss Stone. The record's most exciting moment, however, comes in the form of "Shout," a "Brick House"-style funk workout that summons the Holy Spirit with roof-raising intensity. Recorded live at superstar television preacher Pastor Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, THE BEST IS YET TO COME is an inspired and entertaining document of faith.

Recording information: Lakewood Church, Houston, TX (07/21/2002).

Personnel: Martha Munizzi (vocals); Jamil Whiting (vocals, background vocals); Mitch Waddell (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Aaron Pearce (keyboards); Jovaun Woods, Dakri Brown, Danielle Stephens, Mary Alessi, Candace Martin, Stacie Joseph, Mattie Calloway, Jerard Woods, Josh Lopez (background vocals); Israel Houghton (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keyboards); Derrick Horne (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Tim Johnson (organ, keyboards); Aaron Lindsey, Dan Munizzi (keyboards); Terrance Palmer (bass guitar); Cledel King (drums, percussion); Melody Chambers (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Mitch Waddell.