Jazz flute player Delandria Mills makes Gospel music with new CD release, 'Manifestation'
By Eunice Moseley

Jazz flutist Delandria Mills releases a Gospel/Inspirational album on Tehillah Entertainment titled "Manifestation." The thirteen track CD also includes the vocals of this talented musician/songwriter.

"I didn't intend to be a jazz artist, but a Christian artist," Delandria said about crossing over from Jazz to Gospel. "I grew up in the church...For years I wanted to play with a lot of different artists. I don't play with nothing that doesn't have a message or uplifting message."

Mills is also a member of Tye Tribbett's backing band, Soundcheck. A native of Houston, Texas Delandria holds a bachelors of arts from Prairie View A&M University and a masters in music at the Peabody Conservatory of Music. Her studies and her music have taken her all over the country.

"Tye heard me play in church," Mills said about how you became a member of the band for one of todays hottest Contemporary Gospel artists. "He remembered me."

Delandria said that when she plays, she is always trying to please God in how she plays. Just listening to "Manifestation" I know God would be very proud . The emotional, joyous, and praise and worship album is a testament to her ability to make a instrumental song sound like Gospel.

"You're thinking about the chords...staying true to the song, whatever the title is," Delandria explains about the makings of a Gospel instrumental.

The message of God's Gospel is delievered when their instruments sing and uplift the notes. Amongst the 13 tracks include my favorites on the CD "Forever and Ever," with its James Bond type delivery and feel; "Almighty God," that gives me the mental image of leaves flying on the winds of God, "Rauha (Peace)," and "Love Song," which includes the unbelievable vocals of this flute player.

"As an instrumentalist I don't have to do things over. (Using my) Vocals I work harder," Delandria laughed a bit when discribing the difference in blowing her flute and singing.

For more on Delandria Mills or the "Manifestation" CD log onto www.MySpace.com/KingdomFlutist.com or www.TehillahEnterprisesPR.com. 

New Jazz/Soul artist, Amy Serrata, looking to break the mold with her new self-titled debut CD
Singer/songwriter Amy Serrata influences include diverse artists such as Jill Scott, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Kanye, Common and Q-Tip is evident on her debut self titled album. Her sound can go from Jazz to Pop, then take a turn at Funk and then back to Jazz again.

"I been writing poetry for a long time," Amy said when asked how she got into songwriting. "It wasn't until a couple years ago I learned how to form my poetry in a way it was a song."

Once Amy formed those songs she enlisted the help of Willie Norwood (father of Brandy and Ray J) for vocal coaching. Not only did Willie help but he co-produced the Amy Serrata CD. Amy's love for music is in sharing with people, sharing ideas.

"I really like 'Hello World' and 'My Baby, My Child' about children being abducted," Serrata points out about the CD.

My personal favorites include "Skin" and "Lets" because of that Jazz feel; "My Baby, My Child" a nice Pop/Jazz vibe; "Soul Food" that has an oriental influence, and "Rooted" with a Funky/Pop sound. You will - without a doubt - get a melting pot of vocal sounds and styles from Amy to enjoy.

For more on this new shinning star log onto www.AmySerrata.com or www.MySpace.com/AmySerrata.