Entering a transitional time in his life, guitarist Kevin Crockett was apprehensive about what loomed ahead. But as a devout man of faith, he leaped into the unknown anyway. That move from big city Boston after graduating Berklee College of Music to smalltown Franklinton, North Carolina led to meeting his future wife, becoming a member of a new church ministering with the praise and worship team; and taking on a new focus: launching The Crockett Project, his gospel/Christian group. Crockett journaled the transformative experience and set it to music as “Brand New,” the single that he wrote and produced dropping last Friday (August 23).
The prospect of relocation stirred uncertainty in Crockett as he contemplated all the unknowns the move would bring. But then he shifted his mindset to listening to the still small voice inside that was calling him to take the leap and trust in God’s will. Crockett surrendered and changed his life in unimagined ways.
“‘Brand New’ is intended to be a celebration of being new on the inside through Christ. It was written in a time of personal transition as far as direction in my life. God was telling me to make a move. I also knew that once I made that move everything would be new: new focus, new surroundings, new church, and new people. The single was written about being new on the inside, which can and did affect every part of my life,” said Crockett, who plays electric and acoustic guitar on the track.
Mixing gospel, jazz fusion, and soulful R&B, “Brand New” is a vocal song featuring two powerfully illuminating lead voices, Jalisa Faye and Quayshaunna Massey. Massey and Kimberly Chante’ add celestial background vocals. Mid-tune Dave Percell issues a stirring acoustic guitar sermon, slashing and burning through the wall of keyboards constructed by Crockett, Nile Hargrove, Jairus McNeil, and David McNeil. Jimmy Brown (bass synth) and Damir Watson (drums) anchor the rhythmic groove.
“Brand New” will appear on The Crockett Project’s debut album, “Faith is the Key,” which is tentatively slated for release next summer. Crockett has released singles as The Crockett Project in the gospel and Christian genre. Their debut gospel single “Your Word” (2017) was followed by the instrumental “Glory” last year. In the jazz realm, Crocket releases music under his own name. 2022’s "Cruizin' in the Wind" and 2023’s “Be Light There” hit Billboard’s most added list in their debut week of release.
Crockett grew up in Washington, DC where he played in local bands and gospel groups. After he finished his schooling, his professional career touring and performing with dozens of smooth/contemporary jazz artists took off. His resume includes gigs with Kim Scott, Marcus Anderson, Willie Bradley, Lin Rountree, Ragan Whiteside, Gino Rosaria, Althea Rene, Art Sherrod Jr., Eric Darius, Jazmin Ghent, Jeanette Harris, Marqueal Jordan, Reggie Codrington, George Freeman, Patrick Lamb, and Brooke Alford. Crockett is a member of World Overcomers Christian Church and ministers on his instrument as a part of the praise and worship team.
For more information, visit https://www.thecrockettproject.com.
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