HOUSTON, TX. (Top40 Charts/
Spirit Rising Music) -
Spirit Rising Music/Music World Entertainment artist BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON will release his debut inspirational CD "JUST LOVE" in stores on August 5. The Houston-based singer/songwriter's new disc contains 10 tracks, including the self-penned title track, "Just Love," and "All I Need." Both songs are available on iTunes and were released simultaneously to Gospel radio on May 27. A "Just Love" national promotional tour will be scheduled and include stops in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Detroit, Houston, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Baltimore and Washington, DC. In June, Wilson opens for
Trin-i-tee 5:7 on several Six Flags Parks dates including Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA (Saturday, June 21), Mitchellville, MD (Friday, June 27) and two shows at Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, CA (Monday, June 30).
"'Just Love' is a special song," says Wilson. "This song is a love song to the first church to bring me on to serve in their music ministry [St. John's]. Every Sunday the Pastor opens service by inviting the congregation to say 'We love you and there's nothing you can do about it.' Then people would be invited to hug three people. Some people just got through spending the night on the front step of the church, so hugging them and their willingness to be hugged was no small thing. My prayer is that many different communities (faith-based or otherwise) hear the song and connect the love described in the lyrics to their own experiences. 'Just Love' is also featured on 'ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL VOLUME 1: Songs From Our Triumphant Return to New Orleans' as a bonus track."
"All I Need" is produced by GRAMMY®, Dove and Stellar Award nominated Stan 'STANtastic' Jones. "I have spent considerable time searching for what I needed because I didn't believe the faith that I was raised on was enough," says Wilson. "The search led me to situations that left me exposed to things that I never should have touched. Satisfying my own needs sometimes caused me to hurt others, or to put my life in the hands of people who I would eventually have to let go (which hurt me). They were never meant to hold my life in the first place. The song is a prayer and reminder that all I need or will ever need is a touch from God's unchanging hand to have peace."
Inspired by a wide-range of male vocalists from Donnie Hathaway to Fred Hammond to John Mayer, Wilson himself believes his own unique style is a challenge to explain, but his smooth yet powerful voice can be described as "Urban Inspirational." Recorded in the same studios The Williams Brothers record at in Jackson, Mississippi, "JUST LOVE" features six songs written by Wilson. Recurring themes found throughout his music include redemption, confession, honesty, transparency, love, pressing forward despite your insecurities, and allowing God (not men) to determine your worth. "God loves us so much so that He was willing to give his life to save ours," says Wilson.
Known to friends as "B," Wilson was introduced to music impresario Mathew Knowles by his mentor and mutual friend Rudy Rasmus while serving as Minister of Music at St. John's Downtown Church in Houston. "He introduced me to his friend of over 20 years, Mathew Knowles, and positioned me to be a part of Mathew's recording label. I am forever grateful for the platform his leadership provided." "The Music World family is so proud of Brian Courtney Wilson and his debut album," states Mathew Knowles, President and CEO, Music World Entertainment. "There is something very special about his voice. Brian has been a wonderful person to work with; his magnificent spirit, dedication, strong faith, and true talent have made this a spectacular album for his fans to enjoy."
The University of Illinois graduate started his formal musical training while an undergraduate singing in the university's black chorus. Following graduation, he continued his musical interests as extracurricular activity while working as a pharmaceutical salesman at Johnson & Johnson for seven years.
Wilson has three songs featured on the CD compilation "VOL. 1: TOUCH" including "Already Here," "Waiting to Turn," and "The Only Way" on SRM released in September 2006. "Already Here," "Your Power," and "Incredible" are published in the ZION STILL SINGS's United Methodist Hymnal.
For additional information on Brian Courtney Wilson, please visit www.briancourtneywilson.com and www.myspace.com/brianwilsonmusic.
