Personnel includes: Smokie Norful (vocals, arranger, piano); Reverend W.R. Norful (spoken vocals); DOA (various instruments, background vocals); Joe Archie, Antonio Dixon (various instruments); Doc Powell (guitar); Nashville String Machine (strings); Dino Saldo (harmonica, saxophone); Logan Reynolds (piano, organ); Rodney East (piano); Chad Brawley (Wurlitzer piano); Michael Williams (organ); Freddie Flewelyn (bass); Michael Neuble (drums); Denver Inspirational Voices (background vocals).
Producers: Derek "DOA" Allen, Antonio Dixon, Logan Reynolds, Smokie Norful, Edwin James Oliver III.
Digitally remastered using HDCD technology.
A triple-threat vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Smokie Norful has performed with and written songs for some of the biggest names in contemporary gospel. On I NEED YOU NOW Norful proves that he is more than qualified to run with the big boys as a solo performer, delivering a disc chock full of variety, relaxed virtuosity, and palpable joy. One of the most notable things about Norful's impressive debut is his command of rhythm. Too often in contemporary gospel the massive choirs and slick production aesthetic so characteristic of the genre tend to forgo classic hand-clapping grooves in favor of an emphasis on vocal gymnastics and fancy ensemble work. Smokie Norful, on the other hand, breaks out his Sunday shoes and goes to church, summoning up the feel of sweaty, old time four-hour services, and then adding new-school instrumental flourishes.
