Album Notes

Nathelene has been given a gift that is not entrusted to many. Upon hearing her, listeners are immediately struck by the rare quality of her voice - her depth, her range, which spans six octaves, and her powerful and sincere delivery. Her debut CD release, I'll Give You More, is not just an album title. It is a promise from God that she holds onto everyday as she seeks to let Him guide and direct her life.

The songs on "I'll Give You More" range from evocative renditions of hymns and standards to intimate social issues such as marital challenge and the lure of material gain. All are delivered with Nathelene's trademark intensity.

Her journey began as humbly as many others - at age 9 at her home church in Maryland. The signs were clear early on that Nathelene would become a great vocalist. During elementary and high school, she was consistently a stand-out, a featured soloist in every choir, group and musical production.

During her summers home from Pine Forge Academy, she participated in Arts D.C., a District of Columbia creative arts program designed for aspiring singers, dancers and actors. Participants were mentored and directed by industry professionals, both in front of the curtain and behind it. Nathelene performed in five productions, which were attended by the city's academic and political elite.

After two years at Howard University, Nathelene entered the workforce, and she took her ministry with her. While on staff at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, she sang for many special events and functions. She later enrolled in the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), where she studied voice under Ms. Nelda Ormand. While there, she lent her voice to the UDC chorale.

Musically, she is inspired by the emotion of Stevie Wonder, brought to tears by one of his songs at the tender age of four. Hints of Phyllis Hyman's jazz rifts often creep into her renditions. She is the cornerstone of her church's music department, serving as its minister of music and frequently ministering to the congregation through song.

With the release of "I'll Give You More", Nathelene hopes to share more of herself with those who listen. "I believe a person's singing is an extension of their thinking and their personality," she says. "The album will show people who I am."