Vandarray Gets Crunk For Christ Releases Gospel CD & Launches Gulf Coast Tour

Nov. 9, 2010 - PRLog -- Just returning from a stellar performance for Bobby Jones Gospel, JacksO Records (www.jacksorecords.com) recording artist, Vandarray (Vandarray Jackson-Derico), put on an electrifying mini-concert for enthusiastic friends, fans, and entertainment executives gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Atlanta to celebrate the release of her much awaited CD, NONE LIKE YOU, and kick-off of her ten-city Gulf Coast Promotional Tour.

“I Praise God for all of the people who came out in bad weather to join me to celebrate the release of None Like You,” said Vandarray, affectionately known as Pastor V. “This album is another step in my journey to minister to people through music.”

Tobago Benito, president of DBS Management and half of Vandarray’s management team comments, “I am honored to work with Pastor V. She’s a professional, hard-working woman of faith that has a unique ability to touch people that she comes in contact with in a very personal and positive way. Her music is an extension of that rare gift.”                    

Produced by the talented songwriter/producer, Marlon Stokes, “None Like You” is an eclectic mixture of inspiring urban gospel featuring reality-based lyrics that deal with many of the destructive and debilitating issues facing our society today, while inspiring people to search for love in God. Vandarray’s powerful and emotive delivery is juxtaposed with traditional melodies as well as contemporary  “Crunk” tunes.

“Vandarray has the ability to inspire diverse audiences from young to old. None Like You is similar to the tunes of Mary Mary and CeCe Winans, appealing to every generation,” said Tony Ricks, president of Tony Tony Entertainment and Vandarray’s co-manager.   Ricks continues, “She draws on her own life experiences to connect with people and encourages them to find strength in God.”

On each of the eleven CD tracks Vandarray emphasizes the power of worshipping God while keeping her audience uplifted and “Crunk for Christ.” The title track is an ode to Jesus, declaring there is NONE LIKE YOU. The track SOMEBODY NEEDS SOME LOVE points out the important fact that in times like these - when people are losing their jobs - we all need one another. “We need  to lend a helping hand, show you care.”  CRUSH ON JESUS, featuring hip-hop lyricist, The Minista (JacksO Records), is a funky, upbeat hip-hop tune demonstrating Vandarray’s ability to get “Crunk for Christ.”  HOLD ON is a mid-tempo tune urging those who are going through hard times and

“I hope my music serves as a message to all people that in spite of any challenges you may experience, God loves you and you should feel good about serving Him,” said Vandarray. “As my song says, no matter what you may be going through, through the hurt, through the pain, through the hard trials, when all hope is gone and you feel all alone, praise Him, ‘ANYHOW’. That’s the message I want my audience to leave with,” she adds.

Although NONE LIKE YOU marks Pastor V’s first CD, she is not at all new to the gospel arena.  The daughter of a pastor and a bishop, Vandarray grew up in an Apostolic Church of God in Christ (COGIC) Church and at a young age embarked upon her life-long mission to turn sinners to saints through the power of music.  Vandarray started out directing a church choir and performing in the regionally successful group “Jackson 5 Gospel Singers.” Her journey to impact the lives of others intensified as she triumphed over her own trials and tribulations - including domestic abuse - which landed the South Carolina native in Atlanta with a vibrant ministry and her own television show. “The Vandarray Show” airs on WATC 57 in Atlanta and has expanded to WCSC Live 5 in Charleston, South Carolina.  

Vandarray will be busy this month. In addition to filming the music video for the title cut, NONE LIKE YOU, her Gulf Coast Promo Tour will visit radio stations and retailers in Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile, AL; Jackson, MS; New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport, LA; along with Houston and Dallas, TX.

The CD is available at several music retailers throughout the Southern region and all online retailers, including iTunes, Amazon, and Vandarray.com. The music video for SOMEBODY NEEDS SOME LOVE can be viewed at www.vandarray.com.