James Crowley and the Top Hat Orchestra combine Swing, Vintage Rock 'n Roll, and Gospel to Create Unique Sound in Debut CD, 'Inspire!'
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 1, 2011 /
Christian Newswire/ -- Gospel artists, James Crowley (photo) and the Top Hat Orchestra, have come together to create a sound all their own, combining the high energy of swing and a touch of vintage rock 'n roll, all rolled together with the traditional sounds of Gospel. Their debut CD, entitled Inspire, will be released on June 14th, 2011, and will contain such favorites as My Tribute; His Eye Is On the Sparrow; He's Alive!; Precious Lord, Take My Hand, as well as the new song, favored to be the hit of the album, Be Still.
James Crowley began his musical career as a classical tenor, training for the choice roles in the great operas. But his musical interests were far wider than most opera singers, and when he began including other genres of music in his concert performances, he was branded "undisciplined" and a "rebel." After nearly ten years of battling the traditions of the opera world, he began singing in churches and realized, with great peace and happiness, that Gospel music is where he really belonged.
The idea of the Top Hat started by accident, when Crowley first began producing concerts. During the performance, he would keep a top hat on stage, then toss it into the audience after his final song. As time went on, the people who caught those top hats would return for future concerts and bring their hats with them. Eventually, his fans became known as Top Hatters, and it's a tradition that continues to this day, with his unique brand of Gospel music.
Helping to create that unique brand, is Joseph Leyva, the Top Hat Orchestra's arranger, who lent his talent to eight out of the twelve songs on the CD. Leyva is also a trumpet player, pianist, and composer.
Head of the Top Hat Orchestra and lead trumpet player is John Eth, who has performed with such top name artists as Bob Hope, Frankie Laine, and Elvis Presley.
Who: James Crowley and the Top Hat Orchestra
Musical Genre: Gospel
Release Date: June 14, 2011
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