Blessed with a sumptuous honey drenched and soul laced alto, Avery*Sunshine is without a doubt one of the most dynamic voices on the creative music scene. Known for her invigorating and combustible live performances, compelling and revealingly honest song writing and impeccable instrument, the singer and pianist has long been a talent to watch. The earthy and charming singer who has lent her vocals to the silver screen and collaborated with the likes of Roy Ayers, Will Downing, and Musiq Soulchild, has also lent her choral directing and choirs to a few of the live performances from Michael Buble, David Foster, Anthony Hamilton, and Jennifer Holiday.
She’s opened shows for fellow revered vocal powerhouses Ledisi and Rachelle Ferrell. May 27, 2014, Shanachie Entertainment will release Avery*Sunshine’s highly anticipated label debut, The Sunroom. Shanachie VP of A&R Danny Weiss states “Avery Sunshine is ‘beyond category.’ She shines brilliantly in the worlds of R&B, Jazz and Gospel. Combined with her charismatic performances, the sky is the limit. This is a tremendously exciting signing for us!”
The Sunroom promises to cast light on the depth of Avery*Sunshine’s far reaching talents. Featuring mainly original material, the singer delivers joyous and uplifting uptempo numbers, soulful in-the-pocket grooves, sublime ballads and a few memorable gospel tracks. Her voice shines throughout, the production is tight and her songwriting is thought provoking. “It's hard to believe that it's been four years since the release of my debut album, Avery*Sunshine,” confides the singer and pianist. “While my company, with partner Dana Johnson, (BigShine Recordings f.k.a. BigShine Music) has been successful on a ‘grassroots’ level, many days we hoped and prayed for the time when we could expose our music to a larger audience. Well the time has come. We feel that Shanachie will be sensitive to our independent ‘grind and will offer its major label know how and support to our vision. We are honored to have label mates such as; Kindred the Family Soul, Mint Condition, Maysa, Incognito and Jennifer Holliday, to name a few, and we are delighted to share this new collection of songs that delve a little deeper into our musicality.”
Like many of the great singers Avery*Sunshine’s musical beginnings commenced in the church where she played piano. A native of Chester, PA and a graduate of Spelman College, she quickly made a name for herself working on Atlanta’s independent music scene. In 2005 she lent her voice to the soundtrack for Paramount Pictures’ The Fighting Temptations, and in 2005 she was hired as lead keyboardist for Tyler Perry’s stage play Meet the Browns. In 2007, she was sought out by Grammy- and Tony Award-winning vocal powerhouse Jennifer Holliday to be choral director for the theatrical production of Dreamgirls during the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta. Avery*Sunshine has also had the distinction of performing at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO and four private events during the 2009 Inauguration of President Barack Obama. As home in a variety of musical contexts, she has also sung background for gospel icon Karen Clark-Sheard.
“We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Shanachie and we hope that this collaboration will help us all SHINE a little brighter!,” shares Avery*Sunshine.
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