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We are pleased to announce that our Freestyle Nation family member, Alvin Garrett aka Cornbread, has released his debut solo album, “Expose Yourself.” This will not be the Cornbread you used to know from Freestyle Nation. Alvin has fully evolved from one of the funkiest bass guitarists in the game into a prolific songwriter, producer, and vocal performer.
This year, he was also recently nominated for a Grammy alongside PJ Morton for his writing contribution to Gospel Album of The Year Nominee, Trin-I-Tee 5:7 (“Bring Your Praise” written and arranged by Garrett). He also, won a Dove Award with Deitrick Haddon, who won Urban Gospel Album of the Year (“Power” written and arranged by Garrett).
Over the years, Alvin has also written and produced for artists such as Noel Gourdin, Jordan Knight, Johnny Gill, Ruben Studdard, and Veshawn Mitchell. Alvin’s career as a writer/composer actually began alongside PJ Morton with Freestyle Nation in “How We Were” and “Forever, ” and following that with the popular “How We Were- Remix” and “Today” from PJ Morton’s “Emotions” album.
“PJ was undoubtedly my biggest influence and motivation to pursue my writing and production,” says Alvin. “I remember asking PJ how he was able to write and produce the way he did, and his response was simply, ‘Just keep doing it, Corn!” (Sidebar- PJ sarcastically nicknamed him “Cornbread” when he joined Freestyle Nation and it STUCK) Based on what we’re seeing, Alvin obviously took PJ’s advice. His evolution from bass guitarist to vocalist, writer, and producer has been surprising to say the least. “When people hear my songs, they always ask ‘is that you?’ It never fails. Most people are so accustomed to seeing “Cornbread”, the stout bass player. Now, the more refined Alvin Garrett is sort of throwing people off.” It’s refreshing to see one of our own blossom as Alvin has, and its even more refreshing to hear his new music.
“Expose Yourself” is a blend of Contemporary and Soulful R&B with a sultry undertone that certainly grabs you from beginning to end. Songs like “Lawd Hammer See”, “Butterscotch Pumps”, and his first single, “Never Gonna Find,” certainly fit the modern R&B vibe. While “Make Love” and “I Wish I Could Lie” are more reminiscent of Garrett’s Freestyle Nation roots.
Like PJ, Alvin is also the son of a preacher-man and is going against the grain by not recording a Gospel album. In response to questions about his musical direction, Alvin says that, “even though this is not a Gospel album, I learned to love from Love himself. My purpose with this music is to encourage people to release the fears and inhibitions that prevent them from connecting and experiencing the true intimacy God desires us to experience. I know my foundation and I love writing all types of music, including Gospel; but on this record, I chose to go the sensual route and I’m excited about it.”
After being asked why he isn’t using “Cornbread” as his name on the album, Alvin responded, “I totally embrace the name, Cornbread, and it has been a defining brand for me over the years. However, my brand is evolving and I’ve finally accepted that I am more than just a bass guitarist. I am Alvin Garrett. Over the years, my guitar became my fig leaf. I’m still C-Bread, but now, I’m Exposing myself for all that God created me to be.”
You can also view his debut video at :
Follow Alvin:
twitter.com/TheAlvinGarrett facebook.com/Alvin.j.garrett info@alvingarrett.com |
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