Simply Elevate Issue 9 September 2013 | Page 32

Divine Duet Let your heart take wings “Christian Love” may not be a musical genre you’ve heard before, but if Raymond and Kim Larkin have anything to say about it, that will soon be changing. The singer/ songwriter couple living together in Winston Salem, NC is driven by a divine mission using their musical gifts as a conduit. Raymond describes this mission by saying, “I believe that we are here to reflect and share the love of God in our relationships and in our music to the world.” Christian Love sounds something like a blend of Gospel, Neo Soul, and classic R & B with a sprinkling of melodic jazz strains heard within certain songs. But what really defines this new genre is not the musical composition but the powerful message that fuels it. Currently on the Love E xperience Tour, the Larkins share Story by: MD Marcus have voices big enough to fill any size venue. They have been booked for festivals, fairs, weddings, birthdays, and church events. They are excited for what their future holds and anticipate ministering through performances at wedding shows, marriage conventions, and conferences. With the release of their full CD Love Defined they offer two wedding ballads; the title track “Love Defined” and “Complete Because of You”. With such mellifluous lyrics like, “You’re my definition of real love, and no one can come between us, I am yours, and you are mine forever together” and “I love you and I cherish you each day, I love you and my loneliness is passed away” one can indeed tell these self-professed best friends do sincerely love singing together and each other. Enjoy a Sample from Their Latest CD the mutual desire to communicate a message of marital love and God’s love through their music. Focusing on the greater picture, they encourage married couples and those looking forward to marriage to “keep love lite”. Kim gives the analogy to a soft drink that has “less calories.” To both let go of the little things that may cause friction in a relationship and remember the little things that originally bonded you to your spouse. Raymond and Kim have been performing together since 2005. The connection and chemistry that they share are undeniably seen in their interaction with one another and felt in every note they sing together. With individual sounds that blend beautifully creating smooth harmony full of passion and purpose, these performers certainly This talented twosome has been likened to BeBe & CeCe Winans and Ashford & Simpson- and for good reason too. But upon first hearing their music, I was immediately reminded of my all-time favorite musical duo, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. I couldn’t quite put my finger right on what exactly it was at first. It isn’t quite the sound or even the comparable message of love that both duets belt out. After watching several performances and listening to tracks off their new CD, I was finally able to pin it down. They complement each other in just the right way. What they have is a rich and soulful collaboration that comes from a genuine connection that cannot be faked. Raymond and Kim Larkin are definitely the real thing. 32 www.simplyelevate.com www.simplyelevate.com 33