Chris Willis

Chris Willis has emerged as a new talent for his sensational vocal talent in the gospel industry. Indeed, singing comes naturally for him because of his highly artistic parents and siblings. His mom played the piano and his dad was also a successful artist as well. Additionally, family reunions became local concert events which included performances by cousins Claude McKnight (Take 6) and Brian McKnight. As a result, Chris became involved in the church while playing the piano and singing where Chris nurtured his talents further. The word of his richly textured vocals and talent started to receive attention, and Chris found himself backing up some of the most famous names in the music world. He has sang on the rendition of "Every Valley Shall Be Exalted" from Quincy Jones' Handel's Messiah, A Soulful Celebration project. He has also backed up Christian music performers such as Michael W. Smith and Twila Paris and . His voice has also graced the stage with Patti Austin, CeCe Winans and Take 6.

Willis voice has been described as a cross between veteran artist Larnelle Harris, Stevie Wonder, Jeffrey Osborne, and Andrae Crouch. He has written eight of the 11 songs in his new album titled "Chris Willis" which consists of a jazzy, classic, mid-tempo R&B sound. His vocal performance is outstanding as he demonstrates the ability to master both high and low notes with ease. Willis is able to get his spiritual message across effectively with his profound lyrics and upbeat musical tempo. His voice is pure, his lyrics uplifting, and his style fresh. The Messages of the grace of Jesus and trusting God in hardship are clear and presented with conviction. Musically, there is plenty of piano and light horn play that give just the right support for his soulful delivery. His immediate reward is embodied in the fact that his debut release reaches beyond the YMCA. It pierces the hearts of all who will listen.

Willis beautifully demonstrates his style in the first two cuts of his album. Both "Nobody But Jesus" and "More Than Enough" are soothing, mid-tempo songs that display his vocal prowess. These excellent songs can be best described as light R&B with a touch of jazz influence. Other songs in this "Church Without Walls" and "My Heart Belongs To You." Willis shows some flexibility with some great pop-like ballads such as "Out Of My Hands" and "My Heart Belongs To You". There are also two up-tempo tunes that will fit nicely as radio-friendly pop songs, "From Now On" and "Mighty Love." It also embraces the 90's profoundly with his songs h. Nowhere is this more evident than in such songs as "Somewhere Under Heaven," "Cover Me," and "Nobody But Jesus." Producer Cliff Downs is the musical potter shaping the melodies and harmonies to an unprecedented level. There is a heavenly connection on this release. Chris readily admits to two traits that he admires in a voice--warmth and color. Like some of his favorite influences such as Stevie Wonder, Barbara Striesand, the Winans, and Andrae' Crouch, that same warmth and color are on this release.

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