Although Paula Ralph-Birkett is an actress, songwriter and spoken word artist, she is most excited about her current endeavor - featured vocalist on The Tyrone Birkett Group (TBG) progressive Gospel Jazz debut In the Fullness of Time. The Hempstead Long Island, NY native croons sweetly and belts mightily throughout the recording, articulating the message of the music while complementing the instrumental offerings.

Her love of music began in her parent’s basement with her friends creating songs and musicals “Even then,” says Paula “I saw how the power of music could change and affect lives.” Hooked on the ability to change lives for the better, she continued performing through high school and began her professional career in musical theater right after that.  She performed in regional theaters throughout the New York Tri-State area, including Surf Light Summer Theater in New Jersey and The Paul Robeson Theater in Brooklyn.  Paula also appeared in the independent ensemble film ‘Scenes from the New World’.  She developed her vocal production and songwriting ability working with various groups and record labels, performing both R&B and Dance/House music.  Most noted, she performed the Dance Track Records single Ain’t No Runnin Away produced by Willy Washington.

Paula, however, has counted this all as preparation for her current enterprise. Prior to auditioning for TBG, Mrs. Ralph-Birkett sang in various gospel quartets and groups which led to a featured vocalist role with Brooklyn’s St. Paul Community Baptist Church (SPCBC) Choir at the Sacred Music Festival in London, England and the Gospel USA Ensemble in Verona, Italy.  She has also performed in and written dramatic presentations and spoken word for churches in the New York Metro area, including the SPCBC MAAFA Celebration.

Pulling from diverse genres Paula’s influences are many, including Luther Vandross, Phoebe Snow, Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby McFerrin, Dianne Reeves, Tramaine Hawkins, Betty Carter, Lynette Hawkins, James Taylor, Anita Baker, and Phyllis Hyman. Although the list could go on and on Paula says, “What attracts me to those vocalists is their ability to tell a story. Like modern day griots their musicianship draws the listener in, ultimately making the listener part of the story.”  In the Fullness of Time demonstrates Paula’s command of ‘storytelling’ as heard on the longtime audience favorite ‘Perseverance’ and the title track ‘In The Fullness of Time’.  And her talent for writing and delivering the spoken word is heard on the meditative ‘Abundant Life Defined’.

While Paula continues to grow as a storyteller, her passion at hand is the In the Fullness of Time. “I’m really excited about the project because it emphasizes the beauty, strength, and joy of how life is meant to be lived.” Be sure to check out www.tyronebirkett.com for performance dates in your area.  You won’t be disappointed.