Phillip Brandon Debuts at The Colony Theatre in Burbank

Springing forth following eight years of tours as "Narrator" with platinum selling rock band Trans-Siberian Orchestra to a feature role in the life story of Gospel legend BeBe Winans, "Born For This: The Musical," Los Angeles native singer-songwriter-actor Phillip Brandon now proudly unveils his debut CD, "The Story Begins," via a spectacular live launch performance Thursday, October 12 at The Colony Theatre in Burbank, California.

The album, set for release the following week on Friday, October 20, has already received a rave "Highly Recommended" rating in advance from trusted music website SoulTracks. Their writer Howard Dukes praised, "Phillip Brandon's The Story Begins reveals that he is an artist not content to be contained by beats and tracks. It's a very good album of eight originals and a cover of Luther Vandross' 'Wait for Love.' Listeners will be richly rewarded by Brandon's determination to remain true to his story and where it has led him."

Phillip Brandon is a proud graduate of Morehouse College and Venice High School who leapt into an enviable career as a singer and actor in musical theater staples such as the Broadway national tour of "The Color Purple" and Hong Kong Disney's "The Lion King." He is the son of Brenda Davis, a.k.a. "Ms. B," a one-time the member of Ray Charles' legendary female backing vocal group The Raelettes. Brenda passed down the love of music to her son and even guests with him on the beautiful jazz piece "Stay in the Moment" - just one of many highlights from "The Story Begins."

The ten songs produced by prolific songwriter Preston Glass (Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Kenny G) as well as DrFord dynamically range from originals such as Phillip's epic wedding song "The Promise" (inspired by many of his friends getting married coupled with his parents' marriage of 37 years), the uplifting "Chocolate Child" (channeling Sammy Davis, Jr. and Gregory Porter) and the luscious piano ballad "A Funny Thing Happened (On the Way to Goodbye)" to the tender Tropicana of the Stevie Wonder-esque "Looking For You (In Somebody Else's Eyes)."

Phillip Brandon is sharing the co-headlining bill this night with esteemed colleague Elijah Rock under the umbrella "Soulful Cabaret" - an evening that promises to be a magical one of outstanding voices, classy performances and a sweeping arc where R&B & jazz meet in outfits both classic and contemporary. Don't miss it!

To post a comment, you must register and login.