(Pictured) Re-Gened, Melissa Wilkins, The Belle and Declaration at live recording in Suffolk
Suffolk, VA — When it comes to hearing some of the best Gospel music in VA, cities like Richmond, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton and Chesapeake are usually near the top of the list, when it comes to concerts, conferences and workshops. However over the weekend, nestled in the back roads of Suffolk, a group by the name of Declaration may have added one more city to the prestigious VA Gospel list.
Founder and visionary of the group, Bishop Marvin Drew says, “This has been years in the making! I actually use to write music years ago, but after I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior, my style of music changed and I started to write music that had more meaning…music that would actually minister to the soul, heart and mind.”
Bishop Drew said he eventually found some great musicians who were able to take what was in his head and put it on paper and teach it to the group of gifted singers, resulting in the birth of Declaration. “That’s when I knew I had that right team,” says Bishop Drew.
The group members have been singing together about two and a half years and reside in near by communities including Surry, Sussex and Prince George.
On Saturday night, the setting couldn’t have been any more perfect as the debut recording was now set, and it was Show Time…if you will!
Opening the night of praise was Re-Gened, four young brothers who have created a unique blend of Christian Rock, fused with a little jazz, ultimately giving them the perfect blend.
Following was Melissa Wilkins, who delivered a sound similar to Erykah Badu, underlined by a sprinkle of Tracy Chapman and a twist of freshness! She was sweet, passionate about her love for the Lord and seeing her open up for Mali Music would be the perfect next step for her.
Wrapping up the evening was Declaration with fourteen background singers and lead singer Marvin Jerome Drew, II who really carried the evening. His love for the Lord like the rest of the group was apparent with each note they belted out. Their music tracks flowed from melodic to Praise and Worship. The lyrics penetrated the soul as their compassion and passion for God was evident through every note.
It was truly a blessed evening.
The Belle served as the emcee for the evening. It was TRULY a blessed night!
Courtesy of www.thebellereport.net www.twitter.com/thebellereport www.instagram.com/thebellereport
