The kid who wowed the gospel world in 1994 with his spine-tingling rendition of “His Eye is on the Sparrow” with the Mississippi Children’s Choir is all grown up and back on the scene. Now 25 years old, Bryan Wilson has just finished up his first CD in 8 years. “A Second Coming” will hit stores in January 2008; but Wilson’s new single “My Soul Boasts in the Lord” is at radio stations now and Wilson is coming to Dallas for a special engagement at the Black Academy of Arts & Letters. 
 
Backed by a live band and spirited background vocalists, Richard Odum and Bryan Wilson will perform a variety of Negro spirituals, gospel standards, message tunes and even their own songs for a special night of music that shows off vocal skill and technique. October 5th and 6th at the Blacka Academy of Arts & Letters’ Clarence Muse Café Theater. 650 South Griffin Street in the Dallas Convention Center Complex. Tickets $15. Call box office: 214-743-2400 or TBAAL at 214-743-2440. 
 
At an age when most young artists are making their initial splash on the music industry, child gospel star Bryan Wilson is actually making a comeback. In 1994, the then-12 year old’s soulful, melismatic rendition of “His Eye on the Sparrow” with the Mississippi Children’s Choir made him an overnight gospel sensation. What followed was Dove and Stellar award nominations, two solo CDS and tours with a who’s who of gospel artists such as John P. Kee, Albertina Walker and Wilson’s mentor, the late James Moore. After a voice change and time off for college at Princeton University, Wilson is now ready for A Second Coming. 
 
“A Second Coming” is a departure. Wilson’s childhood music was traditional, old school gospel. “I had no choice in what I sang.” he laughs. “They basically handed me some songs and said do you like this one or that one?” So, not only is the new project an exciting blend of faith and urban rhythms; but it’s the first time Wilson had a hand in writing, co-producing and arranging all of the songs. “My manager had asked some known songwriters to submit songs for the project and nothing came through,” Wilson recalls. “So, I just started writing what the Lord placed on my heart and this is the result.” Wilson has never received one royalty check for his past gospel hits. Because of his past issues with record labels, Wilson and his manager decided to finance and release the CD themselves through their CE Music/Bryan’s Songs Records label. “In the gospel world, the major labels are shrinking and more and more indie artists are rising up,” says Wilson. “So, it’s the perfect time to launch my own company.”