Winans, Bebe & Cece Still CD

Brother-sister duo BeBe and CeCe Winans became one of the most successful Christian crossover acts of all time, garnering hit after hit with their ultra-smooth brand of contemporary R&B-style gospel. 2009's STILL is a slick, energetic, dancefloor-ready slice of funky positive message music that benefits from both modern and vintage approaches to production. The first single, "Close to You," is a hip-grinding hip-hop slow jam, while "Things" is driven by an old school disco/funk rhythm reminiscent of Cheryl Lynn's "To Be Real." The sweeping, sting-laden "Grace" showcases CeCe's powerful vocals, while "Reason to Dance" channels Michael Jackson's propulsive grooves. Of course, beneath all the fancy sounds and impassioned singing are deep faith and reverence, which makes STILL one of BeBe and CeCe's most satisfying efforts.

Recording information: The House Studio, FL.

Illustrator: Wendell "Junior Jazz" Ferraro.

Photographer: Derek Blanks.

Arrangers: Keith Thomas ; Mervyn Warren; Peter Zizzo; Alex Teamer.

Personnel: Marvin Winans (vocals); Peter Zizzo (guitar, keyboards, drum programming); Wendell "Junior Jazz" Ferraro, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Jonathan Crone (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Tracy Silverman (violin); Dontae Winslow (horns); Keith Thomas (piano, programming); Leroy Barbie Romans (organ, keyboards); Mervyn Warren (keyboards, programming, background vocals); Alex Teamer (keyboards, drum programming); Anthony "CD" Kelly (drums, percussion); Scott Frankfurt (drums, percussion programming); Lionel Delao, Eric Darken (percussion); Darwin Hobbs, Faye Simpson, Lisa Vaughn, Lawrence Johnson , Priscilla Jones Campbell, Lain Gray (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Dave Pensado; Graham Archer; Bill Whittington; Leslie Brathwaite; Warryn Campbell; Brian Stanley .

Billboard (p.32) - "The pair's smooth yet arresting blend of R&B, pop, soul and jazz carries a contemporary vibe..."