FOCUS (special edition) by anointed singer/songwriter Carl Brister - Fresh, New Urban Contemporary Gospel featuring the powerful underground ballad - "Pray For Me" and the jazzy urban/soul minstry anthem - "Determination", dance remixes, worshipful songs

16 MP3 Songs
GOSPEL: Contemporary Gospel, URBAN/R&B: Contemporary urban



Details:
Carl Brister
âFOCUSâ
BIO

What do you get when you combine a modern day minister, with modern day music, and the word of God delivered in modern day language?

You get the music ministry of Carl Brister (formerly known as âBriss.â) and his latest CD Focus-Special Edition (SE). The release of Focus-SE, comes on the heels of his 2000 debut album, The Journey, which received national attention, receiving both radio and television airplay.

While the release of Focus-SE is certain to bring Carl increasing popularity with music lovers, it is the message within the music that is of paramount importance to him. "Each song on this CD has a life of its own and is like a postcard from God. I'm just one of His delivery guys. For me, every song is marked âUrgentâ. And I do my best to handle them with care. Wherever they are destined to go, I try to hear God's voice and take them there."

Focus-SE accomplishes just that. Carl blends his talents as a minister, singer, songwriter and producer, leaving no doubt that Gospel music is indeed where he belongs. The album is an inspiration for all ages with smooth ballads, modern gospel, R&B, and a mix of neo-soul.

Carl, whose vocal style is far from the traditional sound of gospel, says he once questioned if his uniqueness would hamper the effectiveness of his ministry. âI've always wanted to sound like this one or that one, but it never worked. God wants us to worship in spirit and in truth. When you're "trying" to be something you're not for the sake of personal gain or pleasing others, it's not honest. It comes through in the music.â

His first single, the jazzy mid-tempo âDeterminationâ is a song of encouragement, relating the message that obstacles and difficult times can be overcome by holding strong to faith in God and His purpose.

A humble reminder that we are all human and in need on various levels, âPray for Meâ is a ballad that plainly gives a voice to those of us who need prayer, and it's a reminder to those of us who've been neglectful to pray for others.







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What could be called an anthem for life, âCount It All Joyâ is a song everyone whoâs weathered a storm or had a bad day can relate to. âI wrote this song when I was going through a difficult time in church ministry, and God reminded me of his word in the book of James to âCount It All Joyâ,â Carl says. âItâs not Godâs desire for His children to go through life all stressed out.â

âI Yield To Theeâ is a beautiful song of worship & praise that brings us to a place of surrender. The lyrics move listenerâs to follow Godâs agenda for our lives and let him have His way. âI struggled with that for a while. But once I finally said, Lord I Yield, thatâs when I really found true peace and joy. â

Growing up in a musically diverse family, he was encouraged to listen to all types of music. Despite his parentâs bedtime for him as a child, Carl remembers spending many nights trying to stay up late so he could listen and quietly harmonize with his fatherâs soul/funk band.

His story as a Gospel singer began through a childhood experience. At the tender age of five, he was once a victim of sexual abuse by someone close to the family who threatened his life if he ever told anyone. A survivor, he is defined by the fact that even then God was with him, saving him from Satanâs hand. âGod has a purpose for me, and every song I write, every time I sing, I am walking in victory. I continue because I know God has given purpose to my voice to encourage others and point them to the same Love that saved me and continues to make me stronger day by day,â Carl stated as he related his story.

Having the experience of watching a friend take his last breath due to complications with HIV/AIDS has given Carl a heart to help children whoâve been affected by the disease. His ministry organizes an annual HIV/Awareness Charity Bowl event to raise money and clothing donations for children in the United States and Africa.

With the belief that God has given all of us purpose, Carl has found his mission, and through his music, he encourages others to have faith in their purpose, determination to carry it out, and to use prayer to see it through. âEach message I deliver has the ability to change someoneâs FOCUS from the situation and on to the solution â Jesus Christ. Iâm grateful for this jobâ.