SHARI ADDISON
Many may not have been familiar with the name Shari Addison a few short months ago. But since that time, she's captured the hearts of millions as they cried, cheered and sung along with her on BET's Sunday Best. The first runner-up on the premiere broadcast of the program, a gospel version of "American Idol," Addison wowed audiences week after week with her powerful, gut-wrenching performances while winning countless fans along the way. The Chicago native is now ready to amaze audiences once again with her debut CD, Shari Addison, hitting record store shelves on November 11, 2008.
For Shari, recording her debut release was a dream come true. But for her first CD to include some of the heaviest hitters in gospel music was "all in God's timing." "I am so grateful that God gave me 'A' players, anointed producers, for this CD," says the singer. Percy Bady, Kevin Bond, Donald Lawrence and Daniel Weatherspoon, all giants in gospel music, lend their songwriting pens and production talents to the project.
"Shari Addison is a name that the national and international community of believers will come to recognize and enjoy for years to come! The raw power of her voice, coupled with the weight of her testimony, will leave an indelible impression on all who are blessed to experience the depth of her anointing," says GRAMMY Award winning producer Kevin Bond, who wrote the first single "No Battle, No Blessing." "I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to work on her first solo effort."
"I am so excited about this project. I honestly believe that this CD is so relevant; it's a project that will meet people wherever they are," says Shari. "All of the songs are me, but it's a multi-faceted me and exposes many different layers of my faith. It's uplifting and encouraging and I believe that no matter what's going on during your day, there's something that will minister to you," she explains.
Shari blends traditional, contemporary, urban and inspirational gospel on a solid 10-track release. Each and every song is sung with a fervor that can only be delivered from a person who knows what they're singing about, and Addison gives one great delivery after another. Providing a dose of true inspiration, Addison speaks life to the listener on the heartening "It's Your Time." Produced by Percy Bady, this flawless track was written by Clarence Singleton and is certain to leave the listener empowered and anticipating victory.
With an urban vibe and sparse instrumentation, Shari sings about God doing whatever He needs to on "Whateva." Shari says, "To me, it's just such a funky song. Sometimes Christians need to hear something with a beat, but still with a Godly message." Bady provides yet another gem with the pensive "You Know My Heart." With a rare transparency – and a sweet acapella opening – the song is golden.
Traditional is the word on the up-tempo "Please Make Me Better Lord." Dusting off a James Cleveland classic, Shari's pipes are on display as she gives a riveting performance on this commanding track. She turns up the octane during the vamp of this "get-out-of-your-pew" jam. "'Please Make Me Better Lord' is a standard that has new life breathed into it; a 4-plus minute rollercoaster ride that will have listeners saying, 'Wow'!" Shari ministers beautifully on the first single, "No Blessing, No Battle," and then adds another dose of funk on the groove-laden "I Praise You."
