When was the last time you truly felt a song? The joyful rush that comes when an arresting melody pierces through the cacophony around you. When the words ring with a story that could have been lifted straight out of your own life.

Welcome to the Chaz experience.

Reminiscent of Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Luther Vandross, Chaz symbolizes the next generation of soulful artists for whom music is a divine passion—rather than a formulaic exercise. Having wrapped his Broadway-starring role as Harpo opposite Fantasia in Oprah Winfrey’s “The Color Purple,” the singer/songwriter/musician is ready to showcase those formidable talents on his debut album, “The First One.”

Due August 2008 through independent label The PRK Group, “The First One” finds Chaz musically discoursing on love’s exhilarating promise, life’s roller-coaster ups and downs and hope for world unity. No matter the subject, however, this multifaceted artist imbues his music with infinite feeling.

In describing his writing and singing technique, Chaz describes himself as a “feel” writer and singer. “I write based on the feeling and energy of the moment,” he explains. “If that’s not there, then my creativity will be forced and I can’t live with that. The melody and lyrics have to be married to each other. It’s hard to produce a song I feel doesn’t make sense.”

And once you hear his songs, you will understand the creative mantra that drives him. He possesses a penchant for breaking down life’s complex issues in a relatable yet unflinching manner, set against a backdrop of body-moving grooves melding R&B/soul, pop, jazz and gospel. Tying everything together is his emotion-wringing, octave-climbing tenor.

Lead single “By My Side” is a case in point. The shimmering ballad delves beyond love’s physical pleasures and explores its spiritual core. Sings Chaz, “Ain’t got to do nothing … touch nothing … say nothing/Can you lay by my side tonight and be part of my morning rise/Because I need to see you when I open up my eyes.” The single is already shaping up to be a smash at urban AC radio, where it is receiving early spins and adds in several major markets.

Chaz, who wrote and produced the entire album (mixed by legendary mix engineer Dave Pensado and his partner Jaycen Joshua), embraces the project’s piano-driven vibe on the poignant “Why Me.” Pondering a question that everyone asks at some point, he deftly notes, “Sometimes I don’t feel like livin’/But I don’t want to die/Oftentimes I ask God the question/I ask him why/What is your purpose for me?” On the uplifting anthem “Turn on Your Light,” Chaz sounds a clarion call for world unity.

“I’ve always been a writer and composer for all time,” says Chaz. “My goal is to make my songs relative to all people. I write based on everyday living.”

Chaz, a 1993 “Star Search” winner, comes by his talent naturally. Raised in the soulful bedrock of South Philadelphia, the North Philadelphia-born Chaz (ne Shepherd) is the son of a gospel-singing father and a mother who also enjoyed Motown and Philly soul along with her church music. He began playing the piano at seven years of age and then added drums to his repertoire when he became his church’s drummer at 11. The multi-instrumentalist also plays percussion.

The acting bug bit a year later when Chaz appeared in his first professional production in Philadelphia, the play “Big River.” After signing with a New York agent, Chaz began auditioning on a regular basis. His acting resume includes television stints with the “Sinbad Show,” “The Steve Harvey Show,” “Moesha,” “In the House” and “7th Heaven.” Before landing the role of Harpo, he appeared in two CW Network shows: “The Game” and the Nick Lachey pilot, “The She Said, He Said Project.”

“I’m a performer at heart,” says Chaz. “When I hit the stage, I naturally go for it. I feed off the audience and myself. I enjoy that energy.”

Initially signed to Atlantic Records in 1997, Chaz had by this time become a fan of such R&B acts as Jodeci and one of his greatest musical influences, Donny Hathaway. Although an album didn’t materialize during the Atlantic association, Chaz remained determined to heed music’s siren call. A fortuitous meeting with music industry veteran Precious King led to his signing with The PRK Group and the impending release of his first album.

“While I was growing up, my mother told me this would all happen,” says Chaz, who puts Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy at the top of his mentor list. “The concept for ‘The First One’ is simple: truthful, classic songs that are love-based and feel-good-based. I just want to inspire people to live happy.”

Welcome to an artist who’s truly the real deal. Welcome to the Chaz experience.

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