Los Angeles, CA — Gospel songwriter/producer Desmond Pringle is a passionate vocalist with a unique brand of balladry — and one of the most talented songwriter/producers in gospel music today. To celebrate the launch of the artist’s ReverbNation profile, Desmond is making his duet with Gospel Legend Shirley Casear available as free mp3 downloads exclusively through the site at http://www.reverbnation.com/desmondpringle

Just A Closer Walk With Thee Featuring Shirley Ceasar — musicdish

One of the highlights of Pringle’s career was recording the hymn “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” with Shirley Caesar. Pringle recalls, “One day, Pastor Caesar said, Dez, why don’t you sing with me?’ I was floored that she would offer me that opportunity alongside all of these legends she has on her project but that’s how it came about. She asked me and I wasn’t about to turn her down [laughs].”

“”Just a Closer Walk With Thee” by Desmond Pringle is a joyful hymn that features the Grammy-nominated artist singing back-and-forth with gospel legend Shirley Caesar. Both artists have powerful voices that beckon everyone to take heed to the song’s influential lyrics. The song has a warm feel to it and while the instrumentation is impressive, it is the dueling vocals that steals the show here. “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” is an incredible highlight from Desmond’s inspirational album, ‘Be Still’.” Eric Hartline, MusicDish

“Pringle also duets (in real time) with Pastor Shirley Caesar on Kenneth Morris’ prize find, “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” making her the second former Caravan to be featured on this CD (yes, Cleveland sang with the Caravans – check your history!).” The Black Gospel Blog Reviews

Music:

Desmond Pringle on Reverbnation

Just a Closer Walk with Thee – Shirley Ceasar

Retail:

CD Baby

Websites:

Desmond Pringle Official Website

http://www.myspace.com/desmondpringle

Desmond Pringle is a passionate vocalist with a unique brand of balladry — and one of the most talented songwriter/producers in gospel music today. Whether delivering his signature-smooth ballads, thought provoking lyrics or energetic choir songs, Desmond has already taken his place among the ranks of great gospel artists of his generation. A down to earth, approachable artist, Desmond’s soulful gospel style has garnered him the title “Gospel Balladeer” from his ever-growing base of loyal supporters.

Desmond’s journey into professional music began in the lead role of the hit gospel musical “A Good Man Is Hard To Find”. His portrayal received an NAACP Image Award nomination. The native South Carolinian then relocated to Chicago in 1993 to further develop his musical prowess. His work as a singer/songwriter gained him contributions to award-winning artists including Yolanda Adams, Bishop T. D. Jakes, R. Kelly and The Thompson Community Singers. Add to that– stellar performances at the Stockholm Gospel Festival and the award as the Best Male Vocalist by the African American Religious Connection. In 1998 his independent release “Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs” grabbed the attention of Chicago radio and led to a deal with Tommy Boy Gospel. “Loyalty” attracted a broad-base, diverse, multicultural audience, and Desmond’s first class musical performances won the enthusiastic respect of music lovers and accolades of industry professionals alike.

As a vocalist Desmond’s rich, jaw-dropping vocal range and hallmark style is reflective of his varied musical influences. From contemporary gospel – to the soul – to pop and big band —but a Desmond Pringle presentation always has a serious, unapologetic traditional gospel “core”. “I grew up in church, so traditional gospel is definitely a center-piece for me”. As a child I listened to the wonderful richness of artists like James Cleveland, The Hawkins Family, Andre Crouch and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. Even today, I love that sound. Hearing that music still stops me in my tracks. Maybe by today’s standards it would be considered technologically “imperfect” by some, but for me–the heart and soul of that music stills comes through loud and clear. Even 20-30-40 years later, that is the music that has had – and continues to have– a profound influence on my life and music.”

After serving as VP of Urban / Gospel for Warner Bros. Records the ordained minister and psalmist was able to spend quality time working on songs without any distractions or pressures. “God blessed and allowed me to slow my pace,” says Desmond. “It was really a good place in my life spiritually and creatively. I spent time getting in touch with my own heart and focusing on what I believe God wanted to say next through my music. ” It was out of that quiet time that his latest musical offering “Be Still…” was born.

“Life today moves at an incredible pace. Everything is quick, fast, hurry up, and microwave, right away, right now. Time with God often gets squeezed out of the equation. As a result, people are stressed, depressed, worried and fearful. The Word of the Lord for all of us is to “Be Still”. Stop, take some time and get in the presence of God. God is concerned about everything that concerns us. Know that He has everything under control. Once we do that we can see His salvation – and His hand at work in our lives.”

“Be Still…” contains new material – plus tracks from Desmond’s participation as singer/songwriter on award winning, radio chart toppers including CeCe Winans and The Born Again Choir and Bishop Paul Morton and the Full Gospel Baptist Mass Choir. “Creating music that is biblically sound, message-driven and church friendly is important to me, says Desmond. “I was honored to be able to work with some of gospel music’s most gifted artists.

Recently featured on the iTunes music store, BFM Digital and SRI Records announces Ray Brown Jr’s new album, “Friends And Family”. The new CD is an all-star duets album with Ray joined by Dionne Warwick, Jane Monheit, James Moody, Dr. John, Freda Payne, Melba Moore, David “Fathead” Newman, Sophie B. Hawkins, Paul Williams, Maria Muldaur, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Terry Gibbs, Sally Kellerman, Dave Somerville, Haylee and Kim Hoyer. “Friends And Family” was produced by Shelly Liebowitz.

Born in New York City, Ray Brown Jr. was raised in a family of musical royalty (the son of singer Ella Fitzgerald and legendary jazz bass player Ray Brown). “Friends and Family” reflects the amazingly diverse musical pedigree that Ray possesses.

Original and unconventional arrangements and song choices set the tone and unique style of this release. Friends And Family shows a completely different dimension of Ray Brown, Jr. with these artists who have come together to create this historic album.”

It also includes two very special tracks:

* Haylee (Ray’s daughter) doing a duet with her Dad on Grandma’s first hit “A Tisket A Tasket”

* A live version of “How High The Moon” with Ray joining his mother (Ella Fitzgerald) and father (Ray Brown).

“What pleased me the most was seeing the talent of Ray Brown Jr. hold up so well with all these brilliant and different sounding artists. As a result of his versatility and the unique arrangements of the songs, we were able to capture a wide variety of flavors, which I think offers something for everyone on this album,” says producer Shelly Liebowitz.

To honor our veterans, a portion of the proceeds from the download sales of the duet by Ray Brown Jr. and Dr. Lonnie Smith on “Everybody’s Cryin’ Mercy” will be donated to the National Veterans Foundation.

The album will be available at all digital outlets via SRI’s digital distributor, BFM Digital.

About SRI Records
SRI Records and SRI Jazz (www.srirecords.com) are divisions of the SRI Entertainment Group. It is our mission to bring great music to the public at reasonable prices. The core audience for our music is the baby boomer generation, but by no means is it limited that group alone. Our record companies market recordings by major artists, many of which have never before been available. We offer the opportunity for established artists with completed albums to be distributed and retain ownership of their masters. We also produce and distribute recordings by talented new artists. The management of SRI Records is made up of experienced music industry professionals. SRI can provide private label CDs for companies that require them for premiums and give-a-ways.

In addition to being an active record company, through SRI Entertainment we produce concerts, tours, television specials and other events. Plus we have a video division (SRI Video) for VHS and DVD releases and a music publishing division, Golden Shellsongs Music.

About BFM Digital, LLC
Connecting music to the world since 2004, BFM Digital (www.bfmdigital.com) is an innovative digital distribution company committed to serving the independent music community by helping them maximize their catalog’s potential through global digital distribution. BFM Digital offers labels, artists and content providers access to all major online and mobile store fronts. BFM represents hundreds of catalogs in every genre and works closely with labels to ensure top placements through ongoing promotions with retailers and target campaigns for key releases. BFM is also affiliated with leading global publishing companies such as The Royalty Network, Inc.