A breath of fresh air is blowing in from Baltimore, and it’s all because of Jonathan Nelson & Purpose.

Nelson is fast becoming known in Gospel circles as one to watch. The singer, keyboardist, producer and composer already has considerable experience under his belt, and is currently Worship Leader and Assistant Minister of Music at Empowerment Temple A.M.E. Church in Baltimore.

The choir’s debut album is titled Everything You Are, and it would be no exaggeration to claim it as one of the year’s most wonderful surprises. Soloists, band, choir performance, songs, overall project fluidity, diversity of material and even album art —the album truly has it all.

Blending the best of that East coast bump and relying on traditional influences, Purpose finds a niche that will resonate with many. Credit Nelson of course, and also tip your hat to musical director and co-producer, Kenneth Shelton.

The song “Everything You Are” impacts immediately, with soul-laden vocals from Nelson and his brother, Jason Nelson. Ad libs, choir call-and-response, freely-delivered instrumental accompaniment, and lyrics that strike deep into the heart of the believer make this cut simply awesome. Play again, play again.

“Manifest”, penned by Nelson, begins with Purpose in unison. Phrasing and diction is superb, Damian Mindley’s organ intracacies perfectly capture the song’s intent. John McClure enters with a vocal lead that encourages the choir, as the song builds to an intensity, telling us that we are to ‘become what God’s desire is for [us] to be’.

Melodi Lovely adds her laidback jazzy flair to “Book of Life”. Brass from Mo’ Horns punctuates the composition, with a small vocal ensemble trading lines with choir, before things burst into an all-out big band extravaganza. Tai Jones’ airy voice feathers up to the heavens on the prayerful, piano-accompanied song, “Speak to Me”.

The renowned Crystal Rucker (Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Seminar Mass Choir, MDM & Voices, Pastor Brandon Porter & The GCT Voices) shows up on “Change Will Come”, written by David Frazier. In a laidback traditional style, her unmistakeable voice sends chills down the spine and encourages the spirit, as she sings from the paraphrased text of Job 13. The song builds to an intense praise, and the melts into acappella shoutfest leading to “Praise Unplugged”.

Amidst these overflowing riches of song is “I’m Healed”, written by Nelson. With instrumentation pared back to fundamentals at the outset and then progressing to joyous exaltation with Mo’Horns adding their brassy blares, Purpose digs deep to sing that God has healed us from all things —circumstances, disappointments and heartache. The song is as rich musically as it is lyrically.

If you make only one independent album purchase this year, make it Everything You Are from Jonathan Nelson and Purpose.