Daryl Coley & Beloved

Daryl Coley is a 40-year-old singer and pastor who is highly revered as an incredible talent in the spiritually satisfying gospel arena. Daryl was raised to appreciate all forms of musical expression, and his vocal ability is a testament to his diverse music training. Coley grew up on jazz music and learned to play clarinet and piano in his grade school band. He became a featured vocalist at the age of seven in his home church, and at the age of 12 began attending Oakland's Ephesian Church of God in Christ where Gospel luminaries Edwin and Walter Hawkins were pursuing a musical career. Within a year, the Edwin Hawkins Singers' "Oh, Happy Day" had launched them to the top of both the Gospel and Pop charts, and Coley was taken with the Hawkins Singers' crossover hit. The powerful, dramatic singing and contemporary arrangement was highly appealing to Daryl Coley. This is the pop-styled framework of gospel music that has carried over into his solo career. Additionally, Daryl has received numerous musical awards and is recognized as one of gospel music's extraordinary talents. Coley has emerged a unique sound that combines a lush gospel-chorale style with sophisticated musical arrangements.

Gospel Music's most distinguished tenor is back with his debut album, Live In Oakland - Home Again. Daryl makes a joyous return to his native Bay Area, California singing with the New Generation Singers. The 10 selections on Live In Oakland - Home Again emcompassed every facet for music I've ever been involved with," says Daryl. "I've been carrying around in my mind a few different concepts for albums, and this one-going back to my roots-was one of them. It just felt like the time was right to do it." Daryl emphasizes that a song has to have substance and meaning before he's attracted to it, and these songs only affirm that commitment. "I Will Bless Your Name" is a rousing, high-spirited anthem of praise to God, while "His Love" is R&B/Gospel expressing the wondrousness and beauty of Christ. Additionally, the traditional "Jesus Saves" receives a contemporary calm fire of praise which gradually builds into raging, righteous flames of affirmation of the title's simple truth. "I Will Sing Glory" is a simple message of glory to God put to an irresistible reggae/calypso beat and driven by a smoking electric guitar. A special highlight of the album is Daryl's duet with his mother, Marion - their first ever on record. Selected by Daryl's mom, it's a jazzy reworking of the beloved children's song, "Yes, Jesus Loves Me," on which it's clear that mother, son and audience are all having the time of their lives.

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