Burley releases album by ‘God’s Grace’

ZANESVILLE - Shelly Burley can’t stop smiling as she plans for the upcoming release of her album, “God’s Grace.”

A release party featuring a concert by Burley will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at First United Pentecostal Church, 1318 Clover St.

She will be singing seven songs with backing tracks and three songs with live music that are original works with one tune co-written with a friend, Aarick Gaiters. Burley said the project has been 10 months in the making and achievement of a vision she had in a dream of an angel who encouraged who to record an album.

“I am more mature in age, so it really was time. I started writing music back in the ’90s,” she said. “All of my music is not on this CD, but the three originals, including the one I co-wrote with Aarick are. One is dedicated to my mommy and is a special one, so I’m looking forward to performing that one.”

Burley calls recording in Nashville last fall at Daywind Studio “a blast.” She recorded with well-known artists and said she had to ask not to be told who was playing on the project until afterward, so she wouldn’t just shutdown from excitement. Overall, recording the album was longer than she expected.

“We recorded in November and they sent me the mix about eight weeks later. I listened to it and sent back notes about what I needed fixed,” Burley said. “I am totally blown away by what they do down there. It’s amazing. ... I have to say that I am in love with the finished product. They did a fantastic job, very professional.”

Burley intends to give 50 percent of the profits from “God’s Grace” to help her 5-year-old great-niece, Tayler, who has been diagnosed with non-verbal autism.

“Insurance only pays for so much of her sessions. She can come out of this and I want to be sure that we help her and support her in every way that we can,” Burley said.

Burley’s demo for her CD featured many local musicians and vocalists and she expressed gratitude to all who have helped her on her path.

“Most people in the area are used to hearing me sing classical or opera. I’ve been raised as a gospel singer since I was 4. It wasn’t until I was 34 that I started singing classical or opera, so I’m excited to bring my gospel out,” she said. “There are some old gospel favorites like ‘Church Medley,’ ‘I Never Lost My Praise,’ ‘For Your Glory’ and ‘This Too Shall Pass.’ I love this music. It brings hope to people. I’m so excited to bring these favorites and my own originals. It’s about the beauty of the Lord and everything He is to us.”

Burley’s CD will be available at her release concert, by in-boxing her Facebook page and by emailing her at Burley_28@msn.com. There are also plans to have it available soon on iTunes.