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CHRIS BOLTON’S CLASSY DEBUT: 'Believe' is a powerful entrance to Gospel
His ‘fro enters the room before him, a mound of tightly coifed curls laid tiara high. He has one of the tightest do’s in entertainment and a matching voice. You might have seen him dueting with Chaka or backgrounding for Stevie or Patti or at LA’s House of Blues flying solo--if not coolly navigating the LA church circuit as a guest artist at various concerts (most recently in a duet on Bishop Noel Jone’s Sanctuary Choir Recording.) Chris Bolton and all his “crowning glory” is now on the cover of his own CD, “Believe.”
The CD release and live DVD recording took place at S.I.R. studios on Sunset and Wilcox in Hollywood. The setting was both comfy and classy with black leather couches for front row seats and white columns decked with flowers and white drapes lining the stage. Bolton wore a whiter-than-white linen suit with a black shirt and strawberry red hanky accenting his jacket. His background singers followed suit with red, black and white ensembles. Singing a combination of urban contemporary and R& B flavored songs with meditative lyrics and infectious worship, they looked delectable, and sounded even better.
A flood of comparisons to the late Luther Vandross and other silky, silky soul singers have already begun, but Chris Bolton is making Believers out of all who will hear his God-given message. Unlike other R&B singers who dabble to see if the money is just as green on the Gospel side, Gospel music is home for Chris Bolton. The son of a preacher and evangelist, the Gospel is also apparently in him.
God showed up as they sang “I Say, You Say.” It is a song about God’s omniscience and perfect will. In an unscripted instance, Chris walked out into the audience and asked a man to stand. His soothing voice cloaked the man taking a noticeable effect on. The “Hallelujahs” in the room and tear-filled eyes of the man proved Chris’s ability to discern and comfort.
The artist fought back tears as he acknowledged special people who had come our to support him including his mother and several producers and writers on the project. He was clearly honored and humbled by the presence of his idol, BET Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Chaka Khan.
Chaka couldn’t resist the audience’s beckoning chant for her to sing. In typical Chaka fashion, through a wide mouthed smile she scatted a bit and staggered phrasing personalizing the song. Chaka was on her feet worshipping and outwardly showing support for the background singer (he also performed duets with her) who toured with Ms. Sweet Thing for three years. She said she wouldn’t have missed the evening for the world. Chris also had fun with the spectators offering the microphone to five people who dared take it.
The first Gospel act signed to Marble Light Entertainment, Chris sought God’s guidance throughout the process: “We fasted, we prayed and heard from God. . . and this is where we are today.” Marble Light Entertainment is an independent label based in Phoenix, AZ founded by Dr. Dewayne Wooten and wife Diane Wooten.
Several industry people joined in the celebration (which consisted of a pre-show complete with food and drink) including Chervonne Wells and hubby Bishop Kenneth Wells, Cynthia St. James (House of Blues), Denetria Champ (JDI Records), and gospel businessman Gentry McCreary among others.
A silent “Whew!” was felt in the end of the presentation of the album that took approximately six years to be produced. “Believe” will be available for purchase in September. The first single is planned for release within the next four weeks. Help Chris and Marble Light determine what song they should release first. Listen to the three choices and cast your vote at lagospelscene.com. Event photos are also available.
