That Kinda Love

• Track Listing

If you like your music smothered in soul, you'll love Cissy Crutcher. Without question, CISSY has a sound that is reminiscent of the most notable voices of our time. It's not difficult to hear echoes of her influences as she sings. "It comes from the music I listened to growing up. My parents were into 'the greats.' Great stylists, great voices, great songwriters, and great entertainers were the only ones worthy of earning time on the record player." Cissy blends R&B, jazz, and soul to perfection. It's old school that focuses on real instruments, solid artistry, excellent lyrics, and melody for miles. Two of her own compositions are on her debut CD, which blends elements inspired by some of her influences who are: Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Stevie Wonder. She is a Tom's Big Break winner heard on the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Sky Show, which was broadcast live from Nashville, TN. She also performs at venues in the Nashville area. Currently, she is a regular performer at Nashville's B.B. King's Blues Club. Her show has some of her original music, soul, R&B, smooth jazz, and, of course, blues. It's a cool blend. CISSY's first solo performance was in church at the age of 4. Since then, performances during her career include the Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival, the Montreaux/Atlanta Music Festival, the Sydney Opera House, BET's Video Gospel, and the Vision Awards. She has vocal credits on projects for other artists, jingles, corporate soundtracks, and performances in England, Australia, and New Zealand. She has been teaching since earning a Master's Degree from Vanderbilt University in 1994. CISSY also holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Great musicianship runs through the family, CISSY's brother, Damon Gilbert, adds a masterful touch of phenomenal jazz trumpet on two songs on the album. Damon is currently on tour with the musical, I Can't Stop Loving You-The Music of Ray Charles. Her mother, Jean, and sister, K'leetha, also add background vocals.