Detroit’s Bajada Records has enjoyed success with CD projects by the Straight Gate Mass Choir and Vanessa Williams. Now, the label is prepared for what is destined to be their biggest hit yet. Flint, MI teenager, Antwaun Stanley’s debut CD “I Can Do Anything” will release on August 8, 2006 to Christian retail by Lightear Entertainment and Word Distribution, and to mainstream retail on August 22, 2006 by Lightyear via WEA Distribution. The project boasts production work by some of the USA’s top gospel producers such as J. Moss & Paul Allen (PAJAM), Noel Hall, Marcus Cole and Percy Bady.
The project is a fine mix of urban, Christian pop and heart-felt gospel tunes. It opens with the urban groove “Reason” and features other urban-flavored beats such as “Teach Me” and the dramatic ballad, “By Your Side” with Bajada labelmate Cherise Miles. Stanley shows his funky side on the funk jams “Show Me” and “Be Glad.” There’s smooth pop such as “Back Then” and “Only Imagine.” Stanley shows off his sturdy vocals and sustained notes on pop anthems such as “You are the Source,” “ I Believe” and the inspirational single, “I Can Do Anything.” The project closes with a unique, mellow acoustic interpretation of “The Lord’s Prayer.”
Singing since the age of three, Stanley’s big break came when he was one of the two finalists in a 1996 BET/Motown Records talent searc. Out of a pool of 25,000 aspirants, Stanley’s stirring rendition of “His Eye is on the Sparrow” won him that coveted spot. He then appeared on talent competitions on NBC’s “Queen Latifah Show” and the syndicated “Showtime at the Apollo." He also appeared in Angela Barrow’s Detroit stage play, “I'll Always Love My Mama.”
During that period, Stanley’s managers attended Bishop Andrew Merritt’s Straight Gate Church in Detroit. When they learned that Merritt had founded Bajada Records, they quickly arranged an audition for Stanley, who won the pastor over with a dramatic take on Yolanda Adams’ “Just a Prayer Away.”
Although, Bajada has brought in top-notch producers for Stanley’s debut, they have also allowed him to chart his own musical path. “It’s a young style of music but it’s worship,” Stanley says. “I’m really giving praise to God, just a young person acknowledging this style of worship. I think it’s sort of a young thing. Worship is a different level; you actually go out there and communicate with God. You don’t just go out there and sing.”