From left: Assistant Adam Hill, Engineer Jeff Powell, and Joy Whitlock

Ardent Records' artist Joy Whitlock was in the studio this month with producer/engineer Jeff Powell and Ardent's Adam Hill. Guitarist Steve Selvidge was called in to add some special touches to "Fake," which was mixed along with "Faith Don't Fail Me Now." Read more about this remarkable artist at www.joywhitlock.com.

From Left: Engineer Curry Weber, Producer John Hampton, drummer Kim Trammell (seated), Todd Agnew, and bassist Dave Smith

Ardent Records artist Todd Agnew moved into the studio this month to start work with John Hampton on a new record, entitled "Better Questions." Todd thinks that this is his best album so far, with bigger ideas going into the project and a bigger team involved in the production. He cites John Fry, John Hampton (producer), Curry Weber (engineer), and Adam Hill (assistant) as being indispensable in the production. The album thus far has featured some of Memphis' finest players: Steve Selvidge (guitars), Kim Trammel (drums), Dave Smith (bass), Jack Holder (guitars) and Jonathan Chu (strings).

"The theme for this album is that I have better questions than I do answers," says Todd, "and that that's okay. It's okay not to know everything - the questions themselves are important." The record is slated for release this summer on Ardent Records with an accompanying DVD. Check www.ardentrecords.com to read more about Todd and for his upcoming tour dates.

Todd Agnew and Rebecca St James perform at The Provident-Integrity Luncheon

During the 2007 Gospel Music Week in Nashville, Tn, Todd Agnew was joined by surprise guest Rebecca St. James to perform "Our Great God," the first single from his forthcoming new album, Better Questions.

Joy Whitlock performs at the Greg Oliver Booking Agency Luncheon

See more pictures of GMA 2007

By Jon W. Sparks
Special to The Commercial Appeal

Todd is one rockin' angry soldier of the cross. But as he revealed during his concert at Briarcrest Christian School Sunday night, he's forgiving, which is, after all, essential to his music and his faith.

That forgiveness did not come until after he smacked around any residual theological complacency lurking in the concert hall. The CD release event came close to packing the auditorium with fans who appreciate the musicianship and message of Agnew, even as he vigorously rejects the all-happy-all-the-time sensibility he believes pervades too many churches and influences too many churchgoers.

His muscular, low rumble of a voice hammered home his theme of questioning and doubt as he bared his agony, singing: "There's a war inside of me, between who I want to be and who I am."

Between songs he was given to sermonizing from the heart about his questioning nature. Both witty and anguished, he recalled that growing up, he'd hear in church about what not to do. But he'd wonder: "Do you have anything for if you did that already? And they didn't."

Musically, his voice has unusual authority and beauty. His band is rock solid although for whatever reason they never really cut loose, despite a number of delicious opportunities. That said, the group excelled in handling several styles, from genial reggae to early Billy Joel attitude, and from hard rant rock to shades of Dave Matthews.

Opening the evening was Doug Pierce and his group, followed by solo singer Joy Whitlock. Her "Testify" was an edgy work given more power by her tough yet vulnerable voice. She was a terrific lead-in to Agnew and is a talent to watch.

Todd Agnew's album Better Questions made the Best of 2007 Chart for Chrisian/Gospel! Although they are not numbered, he is at #19 out of 53! They are editorially chosen by iTunes staffers, so this is a huge compliment and nod of achievement from them.