Thirsty * by Marvin Sapp

Personnel: Derrick Horne, Tim Stewart (guitar); Jimmy Bolin (saxophone); Vinnie Ciesielski (trumpet); Roy Agee (trombone); Matthew Brownie (organ); Aaron W. Lindsey, Buddy Strong, Jerry Harris Jr (keyboards); Derrick 'Swole' Ray (bass guitar); Calvin Rodgers (drums); Javier Solis (percussion); Jamil Whiting, Aisha Cleaver, Caltomeesh 'Candy' West, Chelsea 'Peaches' West, Daniel Johnson, Deonis Cook (background vocals); Lu Di, Li Peng, The Asian Philharmonic, Jim Gray. On Marvin Sapp's chart-busting 2007 release, there's no questioning his sincerity. On tracks like "Place Of Worship," "Praise Him In Advance," and the title song; the popular preacher and gospel singer emotes when he sings, as if his heart is aflame with an unquenchable spiritual fire. The key to his success seems to be flexibility, with vocal chops that are equally adept at string-laden ballads (he's joined on some songs by a full orchestra) and funky R&B workouts.