NASHVILLE, TN. (Beatmart Recordings) - Newcomer Pee Wee Callins' debut solo album, Street Soul, showcases a voice that is rich with color, expression, power and emotion. The CD, which released April 19 on Beatmart Recordings, offers listeners straight-up R&B/Soul music - one of the most popular musical genres in the country, but one that is rarely presented with excellence in today?s Christian music scene.
"Sunshine," a love song to the Creator and the first single from the CD, is currently going for adds on Gospel radio stations nationwide.
The 14-track album combines Pee Wee's silky-smooth vocals with the R&B/Hip-Hop grooves of veteran-producer Todd Collins (dc Talk, The Katinas, Out of Eden) and is a "melting pot" of old school R&B and up-to-the-minute sounds. The street vibe and credibility of the project are further enhanced by the contributions of celebrated emcees Rob Hodge, Big Sonny, and Bobby Bishop.
Collins, a long-time friend of the crooner, exclaims that "Pee Wee is one of the best pure singers I've ever had the privilege to work with."
"The songs on this album are like a collection of short stories," says Pee Wee. "My approach to writing was to give the characters in the stories something to look forward to. The main ideas are hope, love, joy, and a better life. The conclusion is that these things can be obtained through Jesus Christ."
Although primarily R&B in nature, Street Soul blends smart infusions of hip-hop, pop, soul, rock and gospel, as well as taking the listener on sunny excursions to the land of 70's radio.
The album speaks about the love God has for His children, and they for Him in songs like the rolling guitar Earth Wind and Fire / Marvin Gaye-vibed "I Choose Love."
The CD also addresses issues relating to the importance of men living up to the role set for them in songs such as the catchy "Party," the impactful "Better Life" and the soulful "Can Somebody."
The songs touch on subjects such as fatherless children, abandoned women and weak spiritual leadership in the home and church, and encourages healing for those of both genders.
The album focuses on the way that God sees all of us through our struggles every day.
"Most of my career, I sang traditional black gospel," Callins explains. "But I felt the urge to broaden my singing experiences and received confirmations from the Lord that He was going to fulfill all the promises He made to me. And while fulfilling those promises, He said He would use me to further the Gospel by saving, restoring, delivering, and healing souls."
Pee Wee's love for music began early in life; as a three-year-old he played drums in his grandfather's church. He later took up the keyboard, and became a minister of music at 12 years of age. By 1988 he started touring locally with his aunts as Pee Wee and The Heavenly Voices.
In 1994 he recorded an album, called The Family That Prays Together Stays Together, with sixty of his family members. His musical success has enabled him to share the stage with such acclaimed artists as Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Shirley Caesar and more.
Street Soul is available on Beatmart Recordings and is distributed by Word Distribution.
Beatmart Recordings was founded in November 2003 by the Collins brothers - music industry veterans Todd and Troy Collins. Todd is co-founder of Gotee Records and one of the most versatile producers on the scene today, having worked with the likes of dc Talk, KJ-52 and Relient K. Troy is the former Sales Director for Gotee Records and Forefront Records. After feeling led to pursue independent endeavors, they decided to join forces to create their own label. The current roster includes Pee Wee Callins, Bobby Bishop, DJ Morphiziz and Tony Stone. Beatmart Recordings is distributed through Word Distribution.
