EMI Gospel newcomer Kevin Vasser is illuminating churchgoers across the nation with his debut solo LP So Glad, a plentiful and rich live recording filled with every style of music. Released September 26, 2006, this album marks the initial installment of a novel joint venture involving Vasser, his management company -- This Is What I Do Entertainment & EMI Gospel.
The Chicago native’s big break came during his trek as former lead singer of the Chicago-based gospel group Youth Edition, comprised of his brother and two cousins. So Glad is a direct reverberation of shimmering influences from celebrated artists Joe Ligon, Marvin Winans, Melvin Williams, among others. Over the years, the singer accumulated the aplomb and headship of a dynamic solo artist that clearly converted into a supreme debut release.
So Glad was recorded live in Vasser’s hometown of Chicago, IL at Pastor Charles Jenkins’ Fellowship Baptist Church where Vasser serves as the Director of Worship & Arts. Recording the album was a true authentication of faith for Vasser, who completed the entire project on his own before signing his current deal with EMI Gospel. “The whole evening was about me stepping out on faith …,’ says, Vasser. “Not only was it my first live recording as a solo artist. It was during that time – the worst season of my life – that God spoke to me. He told me I was going to move away from the group and it was time for me to do a live recording on my own. He was shifting my life and ministry in another direction.”
Beginning with a progressive upsurge of obliged musical anointing, the 10 track LP is a powerful ministerial offering epidemic that includes high oomph praise songs and exhilarating worship ballads. The title cut and lead single, “So Glad,” bursts with genuine conviction and thankfulness. The tried and true contemporary tune speaks to all of us who have received a second chance and showcases Vasser’s inspired vocals and superb production. Additional musically and lyrically impressive tracks comprise the declarative “Highest Praise,” and contemporary “Your Miracle,” mutually speaking an assertive and important message of the importance of not going to God empty handed, but with praise. Also, paying homage to his roots, Vasser offers fans some traditional Chi-Town “church.”
The song “Pray For Me,” is a bluesy, organ-driven, testimony-telling track that relies on the gritty, syncopated rhythms and raw vocals bringing you all the way back.
“I feel as though all I’ve been through what has been a tremendous preparation for me,” says Vasser. “My father always taught me to not be an entertainer but a minister of the Gospel. I am really trying to make sure that through my music and ministry, people are touched to go in the right direction.”
Brentwood, Tennessee-based EMI Christian Music Group is the world's largest Christian music organization and includes EMI Gospel, EMI CMG Label Group, EMI CMG Distribution and EMI CMG Publishing.. It is part of EMI Group, the world's largest independent music company whose other U.S. labels include Angel, Astralwerks, Blue Note, Capitol, Capitol Nashville, EMI Latin, Narada and Virgin Records.
A Moment With Kevin Vasser:
Kevin Vasser is the new name and face in Gospel music but his voice holds a remarkably familiar dynamism that refreshes our memories of what a great Gospel voice should sound like. Today, he introduces himself to the music world with his debut release. And … in the tradition of the great vocalists, Kevin Vasser embodies the intrinsic essence of Gospel music.
Often the things that have palpable emotion are things that are tied to a personal situation or story. As is the case with So Glad, a work that is driven by Vasser’s personal testimony -- a testimony full of God’s faithfulness, promise and healing. This bona fide ‘church guy’ shares his journey – musically - from former leader of Chicago-based gospel group Youth Edition, to preacher to solo artist.
When asked to describe himself, Vasser uses the word heartfelt. “I am a heartfelt singer, you can feel all the emotions and love I have for Christ when I am singing,” he said. “It’s soulful … it truly comes from my soul and heart … everything I have on the inside, I lay it all out when I sing.”
“I know God has anointed me in all styles,” continued Vasser. “I stay in a place with God where the anointing supersedes any gift or talent … I try to stay in the anointing and he has allowed me to understand who I am and what my ministry is. I thrive on the fact that I can touch on anything and to have something for the seasoned saints, the young people … for everyone. I really think we accomplished that on this project.”
So Glad, appeals to the masses in a straightforward and universal way, conveying one central message of reaching the people of God right where they are, presented through Vasser’ s ministry that heals, encourages and uplifts.
Visit www.emigospel.com for more details bio information, interviews and tour dates.EMI