Soulful teenage crooner Brandon Burrows is backed by an accomplished cast on his 2009 debut album On the Move. Sweaty funk workouts, inspiring ballads, buoyant pop confections and the songbook of legends make up the debut album from the 14-year-old Burrows.
Possessing a soulful, heavenly voice along with the maturity of an old soul, Burrows co-wrote "Chase Your Dreams" for the seventeen-track collection featuring unique interpretations of songs penned by iconic singer-songwriters Stevie Wonder, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens, Bob Marley, Ray Charles, and Kenny Loggins.
An original composition, the album's title track "On The Move" is an aggressive deep-pocketed, horn-blasted groove that goes for it straight out of the gate while Burrows exercises the full-range of his vocal muscle.
Initially Burrows teamed with Amber Whitlock for vocal lessons a couple years ago. Impressed with his talent and passion, she began grooming him for a career in music.
Last year, Amber brought in her husband, Rob Whitlock, to produce On The Move. Although all three are based in San Diego, the recording sessions took place in gritty New York City where some of the finest session musicians in town lent their edge to sharpen the project. Players recruited included keyboardist Rob Whitlock (The Jazz Crusaders), bassist Anthony Jackson (Steely Dan, Madonna), bassist Will Lee (David Letterman's Late Show Band, Sting), guitarist Chuck Loeb (Kirk Whalum, Metro), bassist Alex Al (Herbie Hancock), drummer Cliff Almond (Michel Camilo), trombonist Andy Martin (Natalie Cole, Pussycat Dolls), trumpeter Wayne Bergeron (Christina Aguilara, Ray Charles) and saxophonist John Rekevics (Checkfield, Big Mountain) along with vocalists Amber Whitlock (Max Bennett), Jim Gilstrap (Stevie Wonder) and Dorian Holley (American Idol vocal coach), some of whom Burrows has performed with at San Diego-area clubs.
"I'm fortunate to have a hand in my own musical development, which is something most young musicians can't say," said the self-assured yet somewhat reserved Burrows, who included several of his sketches and paintings in the CD artwork.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from the seasoned musicians that surrounded me throughout the recording process, which helped me mature both as a singer and songwriter as well as allowed me to explore vast musical horizons. It's been a fun and exciting experience realizing the dream of making a record. Hopefully this is just the first of many albums."
Born in Guam, Burrows lived in Hawaii until age 4 when the family moved to California. His gift for singing was discovered early and led to spending a couple summers at Rock Star camp where he delivered award-winning performances and recordings. He's sung the National Anthem at sold-out San Diego Padres and San Diego Surf Dawgs games.
-- Press bio