Strengthened as a trio and armed with a deep sisterly bond the women of Virtue head into a new phase in their musical journey with the release of their forthcoming album creatively titled VIRTUOSITY. Virtuosity defined as talent and skill personifies the true essence of this female trio.
The whole album as a complete body of work is a great representation of the group in its present state. It has the vibe of individual styles and differing influences, yet ties together their growth vocally, personally and spiritually. “We all have different tastes…this album has it all…urban beats, traditional songs, live strings, everything,” said Ebony Trotter. Building on that theme Karima Kibble adds, “this album is a way to reach a different audience- a wider audience.”
VIRTUE is presently comprised of three beautiful sisters, Ebony Trotter, Karima Kibble and baby sister Heather Trotter. Each carrying with them a distinct personality, the sisters of VIRTUE bring style, fashion, talent and ministry to the project. No one member leads the group rather each vocalist can hold their own and equally provide lead vocals throughout the project.
Ebony, the fashion expert of the group is the oldest sister and brings a chic contemporary vibe to VIRTUE while middle sister Karima keeps the group grounded and focuses. Currently, Karima is the only member who is married (to Joey Kibble of TAKE 6 fame) and brings a maturity level needed for the group’s success. She is considered the shy one when it comes to interviews, yet her strength- her singing is truly felt throughout the album. Heather brings her youthful energy to the group, which allows VIRTUE to keep the balance between work and fun. Her addition to the group in 1999 solidified that special blend that only sisters can have. “Heather’s spirit and outlook has helped this group… she encourages us to be comfortable on stage and in performance. As a group I think we turned a corner when she came on board,” said Ebony.
That turn of the corner brought them to this incredible new project. Showing true growth and indicating an evolution within the group, VIRTUE also shares writer credits on several songs on the project. One such standout is “God Is Your Source”. We all collaborated on that song... and you can’t miss the message in it,” said Heather. “It’s in the vein of the Brandy/Monica song where two people are having a conversation…like girlfriends having a talk.”
Gospel and R&B hot producer, Derek D.O.A. Allen lends his talents to several songs on the album, including the Latin-flavored ‘Something About The Way”. Backed by a smooth beat & dominant guitar line the song has a current classy feel to it. Also from Allen’s repertoire is “Gotta Worship” a contemporary upbeat, worship song that relates the simple and easy message to “worship You for who You are.”
“He’s Been Good,” the first single off the album, is a departure for VIRTUE, who, in the past have been known for their soaring ballads. The cut, once again produced by D.O.A. Allen, is a true hip hop song with a catchy bass line and memorable lyrics. A song for any praise party, “He’s Been Good,” will bring fans young and old to their feet and clapping their hands.
An automatic standout cut included the truly beautiful orchestral ballad “Till You Believe,” written by Hallerin Hill and Joey Kibble. The song has a simple message that is delivered in a powerful musically aesthetic way. “As powerful as God is, we have to believe and trust in Him to make things happen,” said Karima. Sure to hit its mark with almost everyone, lyrically the song speaks to everyday problems: “I can’t win your marriage back or get your wayward child on track or give you all the thinks you lack… Til you believe.”
As unique as their individual styles are, the sisters have claim to a favorite song on VIRTUOSITY. Like children, they are hesitant to “pick favorites,” but if they had to, Heather mentions, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” which was re-arranged by producer extraordinaire Kevin Bond. “Though they all mean so much to me,” said youngest sister Heather, “if I had to chose, it would be that song. As a hymn that I’ve sung my whole life, the lyrics are just ageless…it seems the song has the one theme that Good is so good- so faithful, regardless of who we are or where we are.”
Karima cites flowing ballad, “You’ve Been Merciful” as her personal favorite for the day. “Every day there is a new song on this album that ministers to me and speaks to what I’m going through,” Karima explains. “Lately it has been the song ‘You’ve Been Merciful’... I was in an auto accident recently and it’s the song that was in my heart…God sends His protection, He spared me.”
“God is Your Source,” is Ebony’s number one. “It just plainly reminds that even when things happen or when people turn their backs on you- you can always turn to God,” said Ebony. “No matter what God is right there, He is your source. Also, because it is like two people talking to each other, it reminds me of encouraging conversations I’ve had with my sisters.”
With the release of VIRTUOSITY on the horizon, the future holds a landscape of opportunity for the women of VIRTUE. The group will join the successful (and aptly titled) Sisters In The Spirit national tour that kicks off in September. Summing it up, Ebony said, “we’ve been waiting for a long time and we are very excited. It’s our time now to encourage people to share our love for God with everyone.”
