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"VICTORY'
Victor Simonson, associate conductor for the national production of 'The Color Purple' releases 'Victory'

Album cover for 'Victory.'

Earlier this year Victor Simonson, a classically trained musician and associate conductor of the national production of, The Color Purple, released his debut Gospel album titled, “Victory!”

The CD has a ground-breaking sound that combines jazz, classical, Gospel music to opera into inspirational songs.

Simonson believes that music lovers will enjoy the variety of music styles. The Eastman School of Music trained baritone self-produced the 13 track album.

Simonson has worked on projects for Donnie McClurkin and Kim Thompson, a drummer in Beyonce’s girl band.

He has also served as music director for Three Mo’ Tenors, the Boys Choir of Harlem and Three Mo’ Divas.

Simonson was nominated for the 2007 Helen Hayes Award for Best Music Direction in a Musical Production, has a composition on the Grammy nominated Total Praise project, composed the music for A House is Not a Home and Common Realities and he joined the creative music team as music director and conductor for the Broadway play – Brooklyn: The Musical which made him the youngest African American Musical director on a Broadway show.

"Everyone has talent, but what is rare is an artist like Victor Simonson who also has the courage to follow that talent to the place it leads", said Denyce Graves, (Soprano/Carmen.) In addition, Simonson hits a high note with younger generation. Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child called Simonson's music, "absolutely phenomenal." Victory is a CD that will connect with a wide range of fans.

The native New Yorker studied piano and organ at Howard University as well as the trombone during his earlier years. His voice is like butter and his hands are capable of playing anything. Simonson is delighted his bold move with the release of his multi-genre "Victory!" CD, available on his website, cdbaby.com, and amazon.com, will help pave a way for other musicians and producers who have always wanted to create multi-genre music CD. For more on Victor Simonson visit www.victorsimonson.com.