ALVIN DARLING
Vocalist/Pastor/Songwriter Extraordinaire
Presents
“WAITING RIGHT HERE”
© Copyright 2013 by Dr. Velma Smith. All rights reserved.
Every once in a while an exceptional and incredible talent impacts the gospel industry who leaves an indelible impression. Alvin Darling is one of those rapidly expanding artist who has done just that! What a supersized talent the Lord has given to the industry! Notably, his recent release “Waiting Right Here” is an authentic masterpiece demonstrating Darling is standing on the edge of an artistic epiphany. This project certainly echoes success! His gifts and talents continue to revolutionize the gospel music industry. Moreover, he has provided inevitable proof of his great talents and an even greater future.
Darling was born with a keen melodic intrinsic distinctive steeped in the roots of traditional gospel. His hometown is Cranford/Newark, New Jersey. Accordingly, at an early age he started singing. God’s favor rested upon him in phenomenal measure during his developmental years. He initiated his singing career as a quartet singer. That was then! Presently, his creative talents are trending toward the contemporary genre of gospel.
This world renown artist, esteemed pastor, songwriter extraordinaire and musical virtuoso briefly was the backstage manager for the “Bobby Jones Gospel Show” when it aired in Nashville, Tennessee. Currently, he serves as the Senior Pastor of two churches in the New York/New Jersey DMA.
Darling’s repertoire is well-documented! Specifically, his exceptional songwriting skills were utilized by such gospel giants such as Albertina Walker, Bishop Jeff Banks and the Revival Temple Mass Choir, Shirley Caesar and Dorothy Norwood. The exclusive list of songs he wrote for Ms. Norwood are “familiar ones,” such as “Victory Is Mine,” “Somebody Prayed For Me” and “When There’s A Praise In The Temple.” He also wrote “He Keeps On Blessing Me” and “Have Your Way Lord” for Albertina Walker. Uniquely, his song “He’s All Over Me” was sung by Loretta Divine in the office scene of the “The Preacher’s Wife” film. This song was also sung on CD by the late Whitney Houston and Pastor Shirley Caesar.
His brilliant performances demonstrate his enormous sensitivity, musicality and expressiveness with musical proficiency. Darling’s singers list of performances is quite impressive and a quick glance validates his authenticity. They have served as background for Patti Labelle, Dorothy Norwood, as well as on Regina Bell’s single “God Is Good.” Darling’s group changed their name in 2012 from “Celebration” to “Alvin Darling and Friends.”
Not only is Darling a skillful world-class professional vocalist, his talents transcend various creative art forms as he takes his music in a new direction. He simultaneously projects his uncompromising vocal talents and musical gifts to an unprecedented level of artistic achievement -- a rare, yet liberating talent which is uniquely his.
Darling’s release “Waiting Right Here” is on the Emtro Gospel label. “Walking With Jesus” and the title track “Waiting Right Here,” are receiving significant airplay. “Live Out Loud” is projected to be on the Top 30 Billboard and Mediabase charting. This innovative project features Darling’s son and songwriter, Shaun Darling, catapulting this project to new boundaries. This project is a masterpiece and immediately establishes a dialogue with the lyrics and the melody to form the sensational Jersey sound! This is wonderfully demonstrated by the very talented Beverly Byrnes-Roberts leading with her impeccable strong vocal talent. However, the musical story escalates when Darling’s and Beverly’s powerful voices harmonize on the “The Red Sea.” What a powerful anointing as the roadblocks in life become “Red Sea” expressways! What a duet!
Most distinguishing, is his vast vocal reservoir of vocal techniques and his overwhelming ability to execute them. His voice is powerful and loaded with exceptional vocal artistry savored with captivating harmonic blends. His vocal quality features a rhythmic directness providing the highest degree of intensity. He effortlessly sings with a personalized melodic/harmonic blend which is of a prolific caliber.
He offers a “Taste and See” response for his audiences. Choirs across the nation duplicate his music. Darling is simply a vibrant powerhouse with a resilient anointing!
For music connoisseurs who want to savor the taste of the best of traditional gospel Darling’s former projects “You Deserve My Worship,” “My Blessing’s On The Way,” and “You Can Make It.” There were several successful singles from these projects namely, “All Night,” From Me To You,” “Nobody But The Lord,” “Lord Do It For Me” and “You Can Make It.”
Darling did it before! However, he has done it again on his latest project “Waiting Right Here.” Such profoundness affirms an uplifting and liberating factor for the listening ear. The sheer depth and intensity of his stylistic diversity on this project simply raises the bar of excellence. This masterpiece is a must-have for your music collection.
Darling has been nominated for the Stellar Awards for the best “Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year” (2008 and 2011) and the “Traditional Group of the Year” (2008). He was also nominated for the GMA-DOVE
Award for “Traditional Song of the Year, “All Night” (2006).
Remember, Darling has never disappointed his fans! He vows to continue to bless the gospel industry with great gospel music. So turn your radio on to feast on his current release, “Waiting Right Here.” You will be glad you did!