Newcomer Clarence Powell makes an impressive debut with a dramatic tenor voice and a solid collection of traditional and contemporary songs. Backed by a tight, five-piece band led by the album’s co-writers and producers, pianist Mark Copeland and Freda Battle (who conducted the project’s choral ensemble), Powell is given a setting in which he truly soars. “Greater Works” is smooth, steady and soulful gospel/R&B; “I Worship You” is a powerful ballad. “Without Faith” features a jazzy groove punctuated by a hot horn section, while the smoking “Thank You Jesus” is classic hand-clapping, foot-stomping gospel. Powell has all the goods to become a formidable presence in modern gospel.—GE