Former Mainstream Hitmaker Celebrates Gospel Music's Tradition

February 14, 2007 (PRLEAP.COM) Business News
New Gospel Artist Celebrates The Tradition Of Gospel Music With 1GOD 1PLANET

Ricky McKinnie of The Blind Boys Of Alabama says, "If you love a soulful and happy sound, then you'll love the music of Ric Sandler"

(Washington, D.C.) – Every once in a while a musical talent is so rare and out of the norm that you have to think outside the box. That’s what many fans of up-and-coming gospel artist Ric Sandler have done and been pleasantly surprised. Although Sandler experienced success on the mainstream side of the music business writing for artists like Dionne Warwick, Jermaine Jackson and Anne Murray, it’s his entrance into gospel music that has the industry buzzing and over fifty gospel radio stations playing his music. Even though he’s worked with The Blind Boys of Mississippi, The Soul Stirrers and The Dixie Hummingbirds, 1GOD 1PLANET is Sandler’s first solo inspirational release, a celebration of old-time gospel music with influences of quartet, blues, jazz and soul. But most of all, 1 GOD 1 PLANET is Sandler’s musical journal filled with encouragement.

The new live project, recorded at the church he first started singing in and to whom he refers to as his second family, Richard Allen AME Church in Atlantic City, New Jersey, will certainly soothe the palate of the traditional gospel music lover. “Touch The Hem Of His Garment/Slow Moving Train”, a track already getting plenty of love from radio, contains a remake of the Sam Cooke classic. “Touch” is tastefully redone and followed up by an original “Slow Moving Train”, penned by Sandler and Ira Tucker. He also shines on the reflective cut, “Where Would I Be”. The song’s lyrics are placed over a mellow melody and are filled with gratitude. Other memorable cuts include an innovatively-arranged “Amazing Grace”, the solemn “What More Can I Do” and “Pray For Change”, a clarion call for all God’s children to unify. 1 GOD 1PLANET is produced by the artist and released on his own RICH ID label.

Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ric Sandler grew up in a musical family. He studied music at the age of six and formed his own band by age 11. After graduating high school, he set off for Hollywood determined to make it in the business. He saw moderate success as an artist and eventually became a staff writer for publishing giants Sony, 20th Century Fox and Warner Chappell. He also scored the musical soundtrack for the animated film, “Hey, Good Lookin’” and released an independent project RHYTHMUNDERGROUND which netted two Top Twenty hits.

Although some might see his entrance into gospel music a bit strange, Sandler begs to differ. “There have been times that I’ve felt like the elephant in the living room,” says Sander, referring to the fact that he’s Caucasian singing music traditionally sung by African Americans. “When I started out, I really could not understand why there has been and continues to be such division in houses of worship. For me, this is the music I love and I believe God has much for me to say through this music.” One listen to Ric Sandler and not only will you see this artist does have much to say, but that he says it in a powerful way. Ricky McKinnie of The Blind Boys Of Alabama says, "If you love a soulful and happy sound, then you'll love the music of Ric Sandler".

www.ricsandler.com
www.myspace.com/ricsandler

Contact Info:

Radio Promotion
Telisa Stinson – 601. 206. 9361
Paulette DeSuzia – 702.879.9328

Distributors
Central South Distributors - 800.251.3052/ E-mail jcopeland@Csouth.com
Edmondson Communications, Inc. - 610.459.1216 /E-mail eci.com@comcast.net

Publicity
Andrea R. Williams, Tehillah Enterprises - 888.844.7701/E-mail info@tehillahenterprisespr.com