Washington, DC (Robert Person Official Website, www.roberteperson.com) – Washington, D.C. native and urban contemporary gospel artist Robert E. Person has recently released a stunning debut entitled The Call. Including a collection of inspirational songs while spanning the diversity that gospel music allows, Person has positioned himself as a force to be reckoned with in Christian music. Person's 12-track CD, The Call, not only showcases the artist's impressive musical talents, but gives him an opportunity to do what's really dear to him – minister the word of God through song. Lives are already being touched by his ministry all across the country; his songs are in rotation on WPGC-AM (Washington, DC), WTMR (Camden, NJ), WCDB (Albany, NY), WROZ (Pittsburgh, PA), and WCLM (Richmond, VA), among others.
Music has always held a special place in the singer, songwriter and producer's heart. 'Gospel music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember! . I was raised by wonderful parents who definitely trained me up in the way that I should go. (Proverbs 22:6),' Person says. 'However, it wasn't until I was a student in college that I became serious about the whole music thing,' Person continues.
Attending the prestigious Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), he honed his musical craft training under some of music's finest. Outside of the classroom, Person has worked with gospel music's best including Karen Clark Sheard, Daryl Coley, Sandi Patty, Richard Smallwood, and R&B's Alyson Williams. He's also pursued his passion to act and has performed in many musical theatre productions including "The Wiz", "Purlie", "Bubbling Brown Sugar", "Dreamgirls" and "Tambourines To Glory", directed by Kenny Leon, director of the Tony Award- winning Broadway hit "A Raisin In the Sun". Currently, Person is under the direction of renowned choir director and sacred music composer Kenneth Louis, where he serves as a Cantor with the music ministry of his church, Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Catholic Church in Washington, D.C.
Sacred, soul, R&B, and jazz music are clearly fused and make strong impressions in Person's ministry. The Call, the artist's first full-length project, is filled with fragments from each of these genres. Tracks like Peace Within, a song about the quiet stillness of the Lord, is peppered with a smooth jazz feel while Walking Up The King's Highway, a remake of the popular church tune arranged by Louis, contains solid traditional stylings. Person's vocal depth and pure intonation are apparent on such stand-out tracks as Edwin Hawkins' This Day and the comforting song, Right There, written by up-and- coming singer/songwriter Mario J.
One of Person's favorite songs, Right There, speaks to God's ever present help. 'The song reminds us that Jesus is always there. And He's always ready to accept us with all of our baggage no matter what,' Person states. 'Even when we choose sin, death, sickness, pain, He accepts us right back. Even in our darkest hour when we can't seem to make our way, He's there in the deepest midnight hour to provide light', says Person.
He also delivers a tasteful, moving version of the church anthem, His Eye Is On The Sparrow , along with a fine performance on the soothing track, For Granted. Person taps Allyn Johnson, Director of Jazz Studies at UDC, as co-writer, arranger and producer on For Granted and throughout the project. Another memorable track is the title tune, The Call. The rhythmic, saxophone-flavored song featuring Mo Horns' James Cheeks reminds the listener of the fact that God always hears and answers prayer.
Person provides not only a flawless compilation of great music, but he encourages the soul with inspiring themes and spiritual truths. He has clearly poured out his heart in these intimate moments of music. He opens up himself in unabashed transparency and allows us to witness him giving back to the Lord through song. Person adds, 'I just pray that these musical offerings touch someone's heart and ushers them into the presence of God. This recording project is my offering of praise and thanksgiving to God for the many gifts and blessings that He has bestowed on me.'
The Call can be purchased in the Washington, D.C. area at all Karibu Bookstores including locations at The Mall at Prince George's, Bowie Town Center, Pentagon City Mall, Centre' at Forestville, Iverson Mall, and Security Square Mall in Baltimore, Maryland. For more information about Karibu Books, go to www.karibubooks.com. CDs can also be purchased online at CDBaby (www.cdbaby.com/cd/roberteperson) and iTunes (www.apple.com/itunes/store).
For more information, go to www.roberteperson.com.
