BIOGRAPHY
Many say that some of the most prolific songs of our time have been born out of the great extremes of life's experiences. For Christian Contemporary Gospel singer, song writer, Carl Brister there have been many ups, downs, twists, turns, triumphs, pains, and celebrations which have resulted in the most enduring collection of songs he has ever written. Each of these songs have all found their place on his triumphant new CD appropriately titled "Undefeated."
Carl explains, "we all go through tests, storms, and trials but we get through them with Jesus. In the midst of it all, I learned how to pray, praise, shout, dance, laugh, and yes, even at times cry my way through. Whenever I'd turn on the news I'd see people everywhere going through the same tough times and more. So I began to write songs that would help others pray, praise, shout, dance, laugh, and yes even cry a joyful cry through their situations too." He concludes, "Life can knock you down, but it doesn't have to knock you out. Through Christ we are undefeated."
"Undefeated" is an uplifting "feel-good" Contemporary Gospel record that successfully crosses over into various genres of Rhythm & Praise, Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop, and Christian Contemporary music. It satisfies the listener who enjoys a variety of today's music, yet desire lyrics that feed the spirit and soul. This powerful 12-song disc distinctively displays the vocal, songwriting, and musical growth of this gifted and talented psalmist since his previous CD entitled "Focus." Carl adds, "I pushed myself to go outside of my box and intentionally worked with a lot of new people who would stretch me as a singer and songwriter in order to grow." The result is an anointed CD album that delivers stand out original and cover songs including "Jesus Knows", "Love No Limit", "Even In This", "I Gotta Praize", "Daddy's Angels" and the title track "Undefeated."
"Jesus Knows" is a clever neo-soul groove that weaves overtones of the hymn "There's Not A Friend" with a new and fresh point of view. The song is taken to another level by Carl's vocal stylings and poetry. "Love Not Limit" is an up-tempo urban gospel re-make of the classic song by R&B icon Mary J. Blige. Carl explains, " I believe now more than ever, people really need to hear about God's Love and also have a good time. So I re-wrote the lyrics and made it a party song that feels good." Carl penned the soul-stirring ballad "Even In This" while fasting and praying for his oldest son who as an "infant" received a troubling medical diagnosis. It is a heart-felt plea for all to hold onto their joy and give God praise through life's storms.
"Daddy's Angel" is a timeless classic written one week before the birth of his second son. It's a song that dads everywhere will want to hear. The electro-pop/ gospel track "I Gotta Praize" is an out-of-the-box smash that will have you out of your seat and singing along to the catchy chorus before it's over! And the title song "Undefeated" is a worship anthem with a big stadium-sized chorus set to a guitar driven backdrop.
Carl's musical accomplishments include being featured on the Sony/Word release "A Mighty Fortress" by CD Hawkins and Singers. He went on to release two independent solo CD albums entitled "The Journey" and "FOCUS." This sophomore solo effort produced two singles entitled "Pray For Me" and "Determination" which was voted as the #1 most requested song on radio in the Hampton-Rhodes Virginia market. The music video for the single "Pray For Me" continues to be a favorite on video programs world-wide. Carl has been seen nationally and internationally with appearances on the NBC daytime drama "Another World", B.E.T.'s Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel, B.E.T.'s Video Gospel, The Word Network, Music Choice, JC-TV, and more. He has also opened and/or shared the stage with some of today's notable artists including Donnie McKurklin, Tye Tribbett, Helen Baylor, Israel Houghton, Ben Tankard, Natalie Wilson, Alvin Slaughter, and more.
At the heart of Carl's music and ministry is love. Outreach, missions, and philanthropy have long been a part of his message. He has completed missionary outreach assignments in Jamaica and Liberia, and has organized an annual HIV/AIDS charity event to help children and their families who have been affected or effected by the disease. In 2009 he was licensed to preach the gospel by Christian Love Baptist Church, Irvington NJ, where he serves as an associate minister, worship leader, and vocal instructor under the leadership of his pastor Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian. Having been a Min. of Music for over 7 years, vocal coach, and classically trained vocalist who has traveled to Italy to sing for the Pope John Paul II, Carl is also a much sought after workshop clinician and consultant who has teaches his own series of Music Ministry and Vocal Coaching Workshops. Finally, Carl's "heaven on earth" is his family as he is happily married to his college sweetheart "Beverly" and is a proud father of their two sons Justin (4yrs old) and Jordan (2yrs old).
Carl's testimony began at the tender age of 5 when he experienced sexual abuse by a trusted family friend. An over comer, Carl claims victory over victimization. He declares, "Each time I sing, write a song, or boldly go forth to bring God glory in any way, I win over that situation and continue to stand undefeated!" With the release of his new CD "Undefeated" Carl will continue to move on to higher heights. Undoubtedly his strongest and most personal CD to date, Carl's music will go beyond the walls of the church to reach souls both near and far with a message of hope, love, and victory through the Undefeated Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.
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