Zacardi Cortez – The Introduction

Zacardi Cortez

Black Smoke Worldwide (2012)

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog

Notwithstanding the title of his new album, Zacardi Cortez really needs no introduction.  His signature performances with James Fortune and FIYA on “I Believe” and “The Blood” were sufficient to sear his gruff but tuneful preacher’s tone onto the minds of gospel music enthusiasts.

Cortez is not just a hard-shouting vocalist.  On The Introduction, he also croons while traversing the gospel scale.  He is joined on the album by an all-star crew of artists, including Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, and Isaac Carree as well as Kierra Sheard and Lalah Hathaway.  Ay’Ron Lewis, Preashea Hilliard and Aaron Sledge are among the team of songwriters who provide the album with its raw material.

Of the songs, none is more beautiful than the inspirational “Every Promise.”  This duet with Lalah Hathway is stunning and makes mince meat of the lazy writing that dominates the pop charts today.  The smooth and soulful  “It Was Love” has the ingredients of a Babyface composition and then transitions seamlessly into a B3-drenched hymn medley that includes “Love Lifted Me” and “Pass Me Not.”

The hit from Gospel Mix Volume V, “One More Time,” is a bluesy cry for one more heavenly favor that teams Cortez with John P. Kee.  The duet with James Fortune on “God Held Me Together,” however, demonstrates that this duo still generates the most gospel electricity.

Cortez also demonstrates fealty to the quartet sound on “Praise You” (featuring Fred Hammond) and the concluding “He Brought Me,” with the Williams Singers.

While “The Blood” remains Zacardi Cortez’ all-time church wrecker, The Introduction is a fine package of performances that showcases several sides of the singer: from praise and worship to southern soul quartet.

Picks: “God Held Me Together,” “Every Promise.”