Livre

Livre

    Official biography (courtesy of LIVRE)
    “We produce tight harmonies: include a lot of movement in our performances, and make bold fashion statements because we want to show youth that reppin' God is cool. They can have fun, be fashionable, and still have a solid foundation in Christ”
    These are the vibrant words of Livre’ (pronounced LIV-RAY), a dynamic group of New York City based vocalists. Livre’ means “FREE” in the Portuguese language and this group of singers displays their freedom in God expressively through their music and movements. The group is comprised of five spine-tingling talented vocalists: Ajanee Hambrick; Ariel Malloy; Malik Spence; Kenneth Williams, and Richard Tolbert. Their self titled debut project LIVRE’, which is slated to be released June 18, 2013 via Glory 2 Glory Records/MBK Entertainment is a 12 tracker that features an amalgamation of sounds; contagious youthful energy and messages that are unabashedly rooted in Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is Livre’s first project on the newly minted Glory 2 Glory Records- founded by veteran music manager Jeff Robinson and his brother Conrad Robinson. Fueled by an extensive radio promotional tour their current rising single, “I Will Be Alright", which has debuted in the Top 50 on Billboard Top Gospel Songs Charts since making impact at the top of March 2013 shines through with melodic comfort and is a song of encouragement for all generations.
    There isn't one word to describe LIVRE', because they brilliantly fuse Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Traditional Gospel, and CCM leanings into their style while remaining true to their mission of promoting the cultivation of a personal relationship with God. “We want to reach everyone and help shine a light on Gospel music by bringing life and energy to every opportunity we have to minister. We want to infuse great fashion, realness, and fun whenever we step into the spotlight,” says Kenneth Williams of Livre’.
    Livre’ has the experience, vocal chops, passion, and love for God that’s needed in order to make an incredible impact on the gospel music industry. They are ushering in a new era and sound in New York City, which has historically been lauded for its rich musical contributions in the choir format. Livre’ is committed to not just performing, but also creating music that is transformative for their listeners. “We want to see generations after us going strong, and doing even more than we did” says Ajanee Hambrick of Livre’. New York City's borough of the Bronx is the birth place and training ground for all five members of Livre’. One Sunday after several of the group members finished singing praise and worship together they decided to form a singing group- and thus Livre’ was born. The members of Livre’ grew up singing in church and had the privilege of being surround by music that groomed them sonically and spiritually-including being mentored under the tutelage of the Bronx Mass Choir. Before even forming the group, they have had the benefit and honor of traveling overseas, performing in stage plays and recording with major artist.
    This ensemble has been primed since their younger years to sing, arrange vocals, and create cutting edge sounds for future generations. Malik Spence of the group says, “As a youngster I would visualize colors when I would hear musical notes, I remember a tape of Milton Bruson and the Thompson Community Singers that my mom used to play, it caused me to develop a love for music.” The reach of their musical influence spans from gospel greats like: Richard Smallwood, Daryl Coley, Kim Burrell,and Karen Clark Sheard to R&B and Pop icons such as Beyonce', John Legend, Brandy, and Musiq Soul Child. Livre’ is quickly becoming a sought after group across genres. They recently opened for VaShawn Mitchell, collaborated with Deon Kipping at BET Networks 3rd Annual Celebration of Gospel Prayer Breakfast in Los Angeles. They have also opened for Donnie McClurkin, Kierra Sheard, Mary Mary, Ricky Dillard, Richard Smallwood, Hezekiah Walker, Earnest Pugh, Donald Lawrence, J Moss, Kim Burrell and many others.
    The group has appeared on BET's Bobby Jones Gospel Show, performed on the 2012 Stellar Gospel Radio Announcers Awards Show, 2013 BET Networks 3rd Annual Celebration of Gospel Prayer Breakfast among many more high profile events. Because of their inimitable sound, Livre’ is often requested to provide background vocals for artist including Soul Train Award new artist Elle Varner, Tye Tribbett, international pop star Akiko Ward and acclaimed, world renowned Jewish singer Neshama Carlebach. In 2009, Livre’ recorded “How Does it Feel to Fly” with GRAMMY Winner Alicia Keys on her CD THE ELEMENT OF FREEDOM. With their upcoming self titled debut CD release, Livre’ is poised to make their mark on the Gospel music industry with their piercing sound, substantive lyrical content and intricate harmonies. They are humbly saying “get ready world” as they burst o the gospel music scene with their youthful and refreshing approach.

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