Urban Inspiration
The line between secular and gospel music is a thin one, and while a good number of artists have been able to successfully walk the tightrope of both genres, very few have been able to blend both sounds into one art form. Enter, Frank Henderson. Even though Frank Henderson is both a gospel vocalist and a minister, you won’t find him doing the traditional hand clapping, foot stomping, over-the-top performances normally associated with most gospel artists. That’s not Henderson’s style. With a mindset that’s in tune with R&B as much as it is sacred music, it s no wonder why both secular and gospel audiences were calling Henderson the R. Kelly of the gospel world when he first stepped onto the music scene. Blessed with a rich voice that can be both smooth and edgy, Henderson is a vocalist/songwriter and musician that you instantly notice once he takes the stage. More David Hollister than James Cleveland, Henderson blends a wide variety of sounds and styles in his music to create sound that’s all his own. With Henderson, you get some R&B, a bit of soul topped off with a little funk just for good measure. Some in the traditional church crowd might say that Henderson’s mixing gospel with the Devil’s Music. Henderson just sees it as his way of artistic expression. I see myself as a pioneer in the sense of you seeing a lot of people making a more authentic music, Henderson says. I’ve never put any boundaries on my music, so I plan on including anyone that wants to hear my sound. People like to categorize their lives, so I want to make my music where it’s not able to be put in a box, but just be considered good music. Henderson’s debut CD, Urban Inspiration, became a cutting-edge, independent classic in the gospel music world. With its sublime mixture of R&B and soul in a gospel package, Urban Inspiration gained the attention of secular radio, which was Henderson’s goal all along. Henderson plans to take his next album, which is currently being recorded, to an even higher plateau than Urban Inspiration reached. I m trying to take my music a little deeper this time, because I recognize that the audience I m trying to reach needs to relate to my sound better, Henderson says. My last album, I was talking about taking my music outside the four walls of the church, but I was still in some respects speaking church. This time I want to be more urban and relate to even more people. It’s that urban side of the music that keeps Henderson on the innovative curve of gospel. Although his lyrics give you an uplifting message of enlightenment, Henderson understands it’s not a sin to get your hips moving and fingers popping to get his message across. So be on the lookout, if Frank Henderson has his way, he’ll be moving you both physically and spiritually in the near future.
Sincerely Yours :: Kim Person
Propelled by excellence and driven by a divine calling on her life, Kim Person, a four time Apollo Award Winner, is setting a new standard for female gospel artists. Kim’s unyielding sense of purpose is evident both on and off stage. As for the depth of her character, she is humble – but not meek. She is submissive – but not subservient. Kim Person is a strong woman of God.
Raised in a small town in North Carolina, her grandparents were determined she was destined to make a difference in the music industry. From the age of 2, they stood her up on a cement block and let her minister to crowds in song. Today, as a national recording artist, her compelling sound has touched the hearts of many and has helped many to quench their thirsty spirits.
Kim’s experiences have given her the privilege of performing at select major venues for legendary favorites like Donnie McClurkin, Angelo & Veronica, Bishop TD Jakes, Vicki Winans, Deitrick & Damita Haddon, Kurt Carr, Hezekiah Walker, Karen Clark-Sheard, Helen Baylor, Yolanda Adams, and more. Kim tours nationally and her extensive schedule keeps her busy spreading the “good news”.
The ministry of her music has been seen on The Inspirational Network (INSP), The Black Entertainment Today (BET), The Word Network, NBS, ABS and CBS – reaching audiences of over 100 million viewers.
Applauded for her vocal range, melodic sensitivity and ability to evoke the presence of God through music, Kim has performed at numerous major conventions including the 2001 Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), Shirley Caesar’s Outreach Convention and Springfest 2001.
Female Vocalist of the Year
2 Time NCGAG Winner
4 Time Apollo Award Winner
McDonald’s Gospel Superfest III New Artist Showcase Winner
The NCGAG Project :: Various Artists
The artist on this compilation are already making great strides and joint venturing with the NCGAG and it’s pioneering spirit will prove to be a new way of doing things in the music industry.
From track 1 to track 17 you will enjoy the moving, uplifting, hand clapping, foot stomping sounds of artist like Warren Caldwell, Shontae, Anthony Jones and the UWF Mass Choir….Be sure to check out the up and comers like Mr. Johnnie Foster and Cin~Sier yall with that Chicago style “Goodtime”. Of course some industry sophmores are in the mix as well and still giving it to the people like the champions that they are. Kim Person, Brotha2Brotha and Frank Morrison-Henderson are already known to the CD Baby Family and will NOT let you down here. Mercy and Grace round out the project from Nation of Praise featuring Mr. Jaye Nixon on leadz, a former Savoy records artist. THIS ALBUM IS SIMPLY A NEEDLE DROP!
Brand Nu :: Brotha 2 Brotha
Brotha 2 Brotha
The New Flava Of Quartet
Quartet has never seen anything like the amazing sounds of Brotha 2 Brotha. The group, currently managed by Mondre Bynum, has been on the gospel scene for more than 6 years. Their harmony and style is not only distinctive, but it is filled with a burning passion finally realized – to do God’s work and bring people to the gospel through the powerful ministry of song.
From the sleepy town of Greenville, North Carolina, these 5 young men (ranging from 23-29 years old) have taken the gospel industry by storm. They’ve recorded several successful singles, a truly anointed Christmas CD and have been on the circuit touring with the likes of The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Wonderboy and The Gospel Keynotes.
With live performances that include venues in Washington DC, New York and Chicago, these boys are hot! With the release of their latest project “Brand Nu”, the group hopes to attract an even broader audience to their special blend of Quartet music. It’s important to Brotha 2 Brotha that people everywhere and of any age understand that Quartet is alive and kicking in the music industry. Quartet music has roots in our culture going back for decades – and with each year that passes, the blending of the old sound with the new groove has become more seamless.
The group’s motto “If we’ve touched a heart then we’ve accomplished something” rings true in every project and in every performance. Their goal is to create such buzz about Quartet that folks will be wondering, “Is that really Quartet music”?
Brotha 2 Brotha has intentionally gone against the grain of traditional Quartet by adopting an urban contemporary look in their style of dress, their body language and their attitude. They don’t fit into anyone’s mold of Quartet – and quite frankly – they like that. They enjoy being singled out and not pegged into a category. Their music morphs musical tastes so that anyone can bounce to it and feel good. The group boasts “It’s not about race, religion or ethnicity, it’s about giving your self wholeheartedly to God.”
“Behold how good and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Psalms 133:1
