It's been a whirlwind year for new Gospel and R&B sensation Naturally Seven, who debuted on the New York music scene last winter. In March, Naturally Seven delivered a first and stunning performance at the New York City Regional A Cappella Harmony Sweepstakes at Symphony Space, winning the title of Regional A Cappella Champions and a spot on the prestigious national Harmony Sweepstakes program in San Francisco. In early May, Naturally Seven went on to become Harmony Sweepstakes? 1999 National Champions, besting top A Cappella groups from around the country with a performance that one reviewer described as, "The best surprise of the evening. Seven gracious young men stealing the show and the hearts of the audience with an astonishing harmonic banquet." The group not only pulled down top honors overall, but also took first place in the category of Best Arrangement for their lush revival of Simon & Garfunkel?s Bridge Over Troubled Water, showcasing their "gorgeous textures, brilliant arranging, and inspired, soulful delivery." Back in New York during the summer and early fall, Naturally Seven buckled down to work, recording their first CD, Non-Fiction, which has been heralded as, "One of the most electric innovations yet in Contemporary Gospel music." The group?s "Gospel background has been good preparation for the brilliant rainbow of tonalities that characterize their technically ambitious, yet passionate approach." Their sound is "urbanized, funky, and immediate. They choose from a palette that is deep, intense and brilliant."
Naturally Seven's members all hail from the New York Metropolitan Area and have been friends and musical partners, in various combinations, for years. The group?s latest incarnation came together last year when Roger Thomas, Naturally Seven's founder, arranger and musical director, added two new voices and began to build intricate seven-part harmonies around a fuller sound, artfully blending gospel, jazz, R&B, hip hop and even classical vocal genres. On selecting Naturally Seven's members, Thomas says, "They have to have a keen ear for complex harmonies, and be eager to experiment and create what doesn?t already exist." The six other carefully melded voices are those of Dwight Stewart, Garfield Buckley, Rod Eldridge, Warren Thomas, Marcus Davis and, newest addition, Jamal Reed. Their faith-infused music reaches across denominations, striking common chords of human experience among religious and secular audiences alike. "Most moving is when people find an honesty and spirit in the music. When they are touched right there," Thomas reflects, tapping his chest. For Naturally Seven, the music and the message are inseparable. "We?re all about hope. It?s spirit, music and entertainment. We want to give you something you remember, that makes you smile and even do the right thing."
Took my 17 year old Grandson and his girlfriend to see Michael B and what an opening act, Naturally 7. Ya'll (a southern term) were great! Is there anywhere I can show a friend of mine your music?
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