Album Notes

Biography

"RANDEVYN." Does this name sound familiar? Not yet. This vocal heavyweight and self-proclaimed "soul singer" - as the intro to the much anticipated debut release SolTrain proclaims - brings a new flare to urban music. While he comes from a long line of singers and musicians, he's determined to be the first success story of his family. He credits a plethora of vocal trail blazers such as Stevie Wonder, Peter Cetera, Donnie Hathaway, Sting and Kim Burrell for influencing his style.

This southern-fried choirboy made his world premiere in Newport News, Virginia. Randevyn was already making a name for himself in local churches by the time he was 13. While in high school - where he led and directed the inspirational choir - he was introduced to the late Rev. James Moore. Moore was so impressed with the potential he saw in young Randevyn that he took him under his wings and nurtured his musical gift. As a result of this relationship, he became a lead tenor for Stellar Award-winning Joe Pace and the Colorado Mass Choir.

However, Randevyn's musical soul soon became restless and he answered the call of urban music mecca, Atlanta, Georgia. In just two short years, his list of credits reads like a "Who's Who in Music." In addition to sharing the stage with such greats as India.Aire, Floetry, and Bilal, he's also done background work for Ludacris, and producers Jazze Pha, Rodney Jerkins, and LaShon Daniels. While Randevyn's career seemed to be on the fast track, The School of Life still had many lessons to teach him. After a series of setbacks, he was forced to take a 9-to-5 with the state of Georgia. His daily train commute served as the inspiration for SolTrain, his debut album.

"SolTrain represents a time in my life where I was getting to know myself and my environment. The long train rides gave me time to create and bring my music to life. I met lots of people and experienced many emotions in the subway that inspired me to write."

Randevyn teamed with Sincere Johnson - founder and president of Sin.J Entertainment, LLC - Clarence "Telee" Hill (of Tyler Perry's meet the Browns), Meko Thomas, PJ Morton and Tedd Wynn of Ted & Sheri fame to make SolTrain, a well-rounded album with bangin' soul beats, brilliant harmonies, and engaging lyrics."LaughNKry" takes us for a ride on the emotional roller coaster of a love relationship, while the enchanting "SupaNatural," has colorful melodies that remind us that love is still alive. SolTrain is a wonderful mix of old and new school R&B, soul, gospel and blues that gives voice to the urban experience. Let's join Randevyn on the journey.

Miko Matthews
ABC Radio - New York, New York