Kym Franklin and Aardvark Records have teamed up for the release of the soul album ‘Spiritual Soul Goddess’ due out worldwide in August 2008. The album is a collaborative effort between the Illinois-based soul and gospel vocalist, the rhythm and blues band The Cleft Way, powerhouse producer Mark Burleson plus lyricist and arranger BB Mayes.

Kym Franklin elegantly demonstrates that powerful vocals needn’t be solely loud - her vocal power resonates in the nuances of her emotional delivery as well as her extensive vocal range. She brings considerable experience as a powerful and versatile vocalist having mastered her own style of singing eclectic soul. Kym has shared the stage with the O’Jays, Chuck Berry, Jesse Dixon, Al Green, Taylor Dayne and Bill Cosby. She has also provided background vocals for R. Kelly.

‘Spiritual Soul Goddess’ flips between soul and AAC adult contemporary with an enviable ease. Touches of gospel throughout the album add versatility and depth.

Alex di Savoia, the newly appointed Managing Director of Aardvark Records, said “True soul music has the reputation for delivering simple human truths with passion, honesty and vibrant rhythms. It is part of soul music’s iconic history and its source of continually winning fans with each new generation. In this ‘Spiritual Soul Goddess’ pays the tradition of soul music the utmost respect.” When speaking of Kym, di Savoia said; “Kym has successfully built a career supporting some of the most popular and famous names in soul. Now is the time for her to step into the limelight and be recognised in her own right.”

Watch “Mama Said” video:

“Beauty”, the first single to be released from the album is a song filled with a soulful powerful subtlety. It’s a song where all of the elements come together seamlessly: evocative and uplifting lyrics, vocals as smooth as Mulberry silk and tight musical arrangements. “Moment of Balance”, steeped in Southern Soul, delivers more power in the lyrics and the vocals.

“Spiritual Soul Goddess” and “Mama Said” deliver soul with a faint African vibe in their rhythm sections. Both typify the artist and the album’s central message: be proud, be strong and never sacrifice integrity. “How Do I” mixes acoustic rhythm and blues with a distinct gospel vibe and an underlying humour. It is foot tappin’ good fun that wouldn’t sound out of place in a good ol’ jook joint.

“Your Clothes” has Kym laying it all on the table with an unflinching openness. This is soul from a different era. “Love is the Seed”, “Where’s William”, “Give Me Jesus” and “The Greatest Love Ever Known” end the album in a gospel territory suffused with soul.

Advance CDs are available in the US (through Kunaki). Downloads are available on iTunes, Amazon, Napster and other major download services.

More Kym Franklin Videos:

How Do I
Moment of Balance
Your Clothes

Aardvark Records

Kym Franklin and The Cleft Way on Aardvark