Sounds Of Blackness Time For Healing (Polygram)

Not since Earth, Wind & Fire has a group so effectively blended spiritual themes with urban grooves. On their fourth release, this 25-year-old choir continue to deliver a smorgasbord of blues, jazz, hip hop and soul over a gospel base. Though the absence of long-time producers Jam & Lewis and powerhouse vocalist Ann Nesby are significant, the Sounds still come through with the most joyful of noises. 8/10 (Gerard Dee)

God's Property/Kirk Franklin God's Property (Universal/MCA)

Kirk Franklin has been at the forefront of the contemporary gospel music movement for the past five years. Though not officially part of God's Property, he is the album's producer and the driving force behind this youth-oriented choir. GP make a conscious effort to push the limits of the gospel sound, especially with the irresistibly funky "Stomp," an effort that may disappoint purists but will capture the attention of the hip hop nation. 7.5/10 (Gerard Dee)

Chris McCann, Billy Pierce Froggin' Around (CIMP/Import)

McCann is a superb drummer who teaches at McGill; reedman Pierce is also a strong voice and ex-Jazz Messenger. They're joined on this highly charged nine-tune set of improvisation. Recorded in February of 1996 in Rossie, N.Y. by the excellent Steve Wallace, a bassist out of Toronto. Trio music of the first order! 9.5/10 (Len Dobbin)