The dynamic, instantly recognizable and captivating voice of Evangelist Kim Burrell is undeniably one of the most powerful voices in music today. Her unrivaled instrument, impeccable musicianship and ability to tap into the human experience and emotion has made her a favorite across genre and within the musician community. Kim Burrell is one of the few artists to be revered in both the spiritual and secular worlds. The Grammy-Award nominated and Stellar Award winning singer has collaborated with artists as diverse as Harry Connick Jr. and funk master George Clinton. In the middle, there’s R. Kelly, Stevie Wonder and Gospel’s First Lady, Shirley Caesar. Her soulful vocal runs have influenced a generation of mainstream recording artists ranging from Jazmine Sullivan to Justin Timberlake. Her burgeoning A-List Hollywood fan club includes Beyoncé Knowles, Mariah Carey, Omarion, Jessica Simpson and Chaka Khan. It is no wonder why Ms. Burrell was invited by BET to return to another season of Sunday’s Best, which airs beginning July 2011.
Ms. Burrell’s fans will rejoice with the release of her third Shanachie Entertainment recording THE LOVE ALBUM (released May 17, 2011), which celebrates God’s love for each of us and His love that we share for one another. The Houston native shares, “The inspiration behind THE LOVE ALBUM is simply choosing a way to relate love from my heart. I believe God’s intent for my voice is being fulfilled because I’m careful to follow his leading and direction and that is why I believe so many different types of music lovers hear the sound that they enjoy when I sing.”
For THE LOVE ALBUM Kim Burrell joins forces with a trio of producers, Executive Producer Krishnar Lewis, Asaph Ward and Cory Henry, whom Kim Burrell credits as “being the main ingredient in her ever-evolving creative process in making this record.
Producer Asaph Ward, who produced Ms. Burrell’s 1998 Tommy Boy recording EVERLASTING LIFE, reunites with the singer. “It’s always fun and enlightening to work with Asaph Ward,” shares Burrell. “We have such a great working and meaningful relationship which always helps our process. He’s a great producer and person.”
THE LOVE ALBUM is a special event for Kim Burrell fans as it showcases an eclectic mix of repertoire in a way that only Kim Burrell could pull off. Highlights on the CD include a sensational version of the Earth, Wind & Fire classic “Love’s Holiday,” as well as a strikingly gorgeous rendition of the Clark Sisters staple “Jesus Is A Love Song.” The Grammy nominated songstress also does a mind-blowing arrangement of El DeBarge’s “Love Me In a Special Way.” The album’s first single, “Sweeter,” is a joyous composition written by Kim Burrell’s sister. “Kathy’s heart is filled with such great messages about God that makes me want to sing,” shares Burrell. “’Sweeter’ is about how being in relationship with God causes each day to become better.” THE LOVE ALBUM also showcases Kim Burrell’s deft skills as a composer as she offers four originals on the album including the sublime and meditative “Prayer for Love” and the upbeat “A Lil’ More Time.” On the uplifting “Let’s Make It To Love,” the sweeping arrangement and catchy lyrics have the surprising feel of a Burt Bacharach/Hal David number. Showing off her depth as a composer, Ms. Burrell also wrote the ballad “Is This The Way It Goes,” which beautifully illustrates her range as a vocalist. Accompanied by pianist Eddie Brown, Burrell takes melodic and harmonic turns that few singers on the scene would dare to try.
“I’ve always been aware of my gift because I grew up having to use it alongside my sister and brothers in our family singing group as well as supporting my parents in ministry,” confides Kim Burrell. The Houston native hails from a musical family where they listened to a variety of sacred and secular music styles. Her father was pastor at the Greater Emmanuel Church of God in Christ (COGIC). Burrell sang her first solo at the age of one and sang in a variety of choirs around Space City in spite of suffering with double pneumonia for eight years. A gifted pianist as well as vocalist, she was mentored by the legendary COGIC music department chief Mattie Moss Clark. “My biggest influences were my mom, who sings like a songbird, and my dad, who plays like a genius,” she once said. “They caused me to do what I do.” As a teenager, Burrell was featured on recordings by the Gospel Music Workshop of America Youth Choir, Trinity Temple Full Gospel Mass Choir of Dallas, and The Inspirational Sounds Mass Choir of Houston. Circa. She eventually bankrolled her first CD TRY ME AGAIN and sold 50,000 copies out of the trunk of her car at churches and music conventions around the country.
Fans of Kim Burrell have probably taken notice of her fabulous and fit new look. At the top of her game vocally, Kim Burrell has also brought her ‘A’ game to her health and fitness agenda. After battling issues with her weight and heart, she was forced to reevaluate her health priorities. The slimmer and radiant singer, who recently became the Pastor of her own Church in Houston, Love & Liberty Fellowship Church, shares the following message for her fans. “Where would I be without you? You have made me see myself through so many of your eyes and hear myself through so many of your hearts. Don’t ever stop reminding me of Philippians 1:6. Thanks for the love. You’re the best!”
