Perfect harmony: An exclusive interview with the international vocal group Naturally 7

Naturally 7 is an international vocal group incorporating r&b, Christian, hip-hop, jazz, and pop music. Their unique vocal styling and a capella technique has gotten them noticed all over the world. Not only do they sing, but their voices are the instruments. With recent performances on The View, and A Very BET Christmas, these seven men took the time to answer some questions about their life while currently on tour overseas.

What are the names of the group members?

Roger Thomas – founder and 4th tenor

Rod Eldridge- Vocal DJ and 1st Tenor

Garfield Buckley – Vocal Harmonica and 2nd Tenor

Napoleon Cummings – Vocal Guitar and 3rd Tenor

Warren Thomas – Vocal Drums Dwight Stewart – Baritone

Armand “Hops” Hutton – Bass

How many of you live in Atlanta?

“The band was originally started in NYC. But as the years went on we decided to leave and 5 guys now reside in the Atlanta area, one guy lives in Nashville, and there’s one guy left in NYC.”

You all are blessed with a lot of talent, what else makes the group unique?

“This group should have its own reality show. Because we spend so much time on the road, it’s very similar to a family in that each member has a unique and very distinct personality, but when you mix it with the other 6 guys, you’re bound to see any level of craziness. A lot of joking going on and a lot of competition, but out of all of that, the one thing that might make us unique is our strong religious foundation. Most of our songs are used for inspiration and uplifting.”

What are your favorite places to tour, and why?

“There would be different answers for each guy. Personally (Hops), I love touring in the United States because there’s really no place like home. But as a band, I’m sure the collective answer would be “Switzerland” because 1) it’s such a beautiful  country and 2) we’re always received extremely well there.”

You did an amazing collaboration with Ludacris and Rudy Currence for Quincy Jones’ new album Soul Bossa Nostra. How did this come about and what was it like working with the legendary Quincy Jones?

“We were invited to sing at Quincy Jones’ 75th anniversary in Montreax, Switzerland. It really was a reunion of sorts for a lot of the musicians there because most of them had worked together in making some of the classic hits all throughout Quincy’s music career. So just being there was a dream. After that performance, we made such an impact on Quincy that he wanted to work with us in some fashion and the Soul Bossa Nostra project ended up being perfect. It was nothing short of a dream come true! He has had his hand in so many aspects of music culture for decades now and the man still is going. He’s very sharp and I wouldn’t be surprised if he came out with about 50 more projects!”

Besides singing, what other interesting hobbies do you all enjoy?

“As a band, we all love to play Spades and dominoes”.

What is something you can’t live without?

“God and family. Without them, there is no music”.

What are your other most recent and upcoming projects?

“We have an album coming out entitled, VocalPlay: A word of mouth. It’ll be released via Hidden Beach and should be expected later this year."

Please visit our website: www.naturallyseven.com. Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@naturally7), and also look for us on Facebook. “We love to interact with our fans and those mediums will keep you up-to-date with all the latest details of what the band is doing and when.”

Don't forget to purchase Quincy Jones' CD Soul Bossa Nostra, featuring Naturally 7.

An interview with local Stellar award-winning gospel artist Kendall Hunter, Pt. 2

5.How would you describe your sound?
Ummm. Let’s see, I would say authentic, soulful, and current.

6.What are your most recent and upcoming projects?
I just released my new single “Brighter Day”, which is the stand-out debut single of my solo project. The song has an anthem-like quality to it, having listeners singing on the first spin: “I believe that someway there’s going to be a brighter day.” The entire Kendall Hunter Project will be released February 2011.  Also, most recently I had the opportunity to collaborate with Pajam on the Grammy and Stellar Award-winning Artist, Karen Clark Sheard’s new single entitled "He Knows".

7.Who would you like to work with in the future?
I really would love to work with Rodney Jerkins and Warren Campbell. I believe our creativity would be seriously amazing.  Also, I would love to work with Marvin, Kim, & The Clark Sisters lol! I can only imagine what that would sound like.

8.What is your favorite part of the music making process?
My favorite part about making music is bringing together the “HOOK” which I believe is crucial to having a memorable and retainable melody. Next, I would have to say the chords and then the rest is all she wrote. Wow! Now you make me wanna go in the lab [meaning studio] and start making more music.

9.Do you play any instruments?
I started out as a drummer, believe it or not, but gradually started playing the keyboard at age 12. I’ve been playing keyboard, piano, organ and anything else that has black and white ivories every since.

10.Who are your top 5 favorite Christian artists?
Marvin Winans, Kirk Franklin, The Clark Sisters, Kim Burrell, & MaryMary.

Purchase the new single's "Brighter Day" and "I'm Free" online at Amazon.

Keep in touch with the talented Kendall Hunter at kendallchunter@yahoo.com or (404) 645-9153.

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An interview with local Stellar award-winning Gospel artist Kendall Hunter Pt. 1

As a Stellar award-winning songwriter and 2008 Gospel Choice Awards’ “Best Male Artist of the Year”, Kendall Hunter is making his mark in the Atlanta, Georgia gospel music scene. Described as “radical, innovative, soulful, and anointed,” this gifted singer-songwriter, producer and music minister has a “lyrical, compositional and vocal style ranging from urban contemporary and neo-soul, to traditional gospel, praise, and worship” (www.kendallhunter.us). 

He is most recently known for his contemporary arrangement and lead vocals on the old traditional song and radio smash, “Glory Glory” by the Miami Mass Choir and also for his musical composition of the Grammy and Stellar Award winning Karen Clark Sheard’s new single entitled "He Knows" featuring her sister, Dorinda Clark-Cole. This thirteen-year veteran lead vocalist for the Miami Mass Choir answers a few questions about his music, influences, and new project: 

 1.When were you called into the music ministry?
I was called into the music ministry at the age of 5 years old, singing and leading songs in the youth choir where my grandfather the Late Bishop Boykin Hunter was the pastor. My lil brother, cousins and I started our own group at my grandfather’s church at the age of 8 years old singing at all the main church events and national convocations. It was at the age of 13 when I took my first Minister of Music position becoming the youngest Minister’s Of Music in the South Florida Tri Counties. Making $60.00 per Sunday, I had to give my sweet mother $20 out of the 60 and was left with $40, hilarious, but I really appreciate my mother the late Jacquelyn Hunter teaching me responsibility at an early age. 
 
2.When and why did you move to Atlanta?
I moved to Atlanta on December 13th 2005.  After an awesome journey that I had in south Florida, I honestly felt like my season was up in my hometown and it was time for me to step out and further the gifting and ministry that God birthed in me. Through much prayer and fasting, Atlanta was the city I felt released to go and live and to begin and fulfill this assignment that I’m on right now. 
 
3.Who are your influences?
Wow! ahhhhh… actually I really embrace all “GOOD” music and am best influenced by whatever is current from a few of the greats out there like: Marvin Winans, Kirk Franklin, The Clark Sisters, Kim Burrell, Rodney Jerkins, Warren Campbell, MaryMary, Fred Hammond & John P. Kee. 
 
4.What else inspires you?
I would certainly have to say without a shadow of doubt, The Holy Bible, and listening to good teaching and preaching. Romans 10:17 says that, Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.  

Sound of Blackness: Grammy-award winning Ann Nesby reflects on her life in music

Ann Nesby is a renowned multi-award winning R&B/Gospel singer-songwriter from the Midwest. She was a former lead vocalist for the singing group and theatre troupe Sounds of Blackness and has also starred in the feature film The Fighting Temptations. The former theatre major has also acted in many stage plays, including working on Broadway and in Tyler Perry’s first production entitled I Know I’ve Been Changed. Known for hits like “Put It on Paper" featuring Al Green [Put In On Paper album], “I Apologize” [This is Love album], and "I Found A Place" from her latest album The Lula Lee Project, this multi-talented performer has also written songs for Gladys Knight and Patti Labelle (www.annnesby.com).

It was more than an honor to interview the gracious Ann Nesby. It became less of an interview and more of just an intriguing conversation with a friend. She is very down to earth, and her words of wisdom were also very encouraging. Residing in Atlanta, she opened up about her journey in the music industry, new songs, and upcoming performances in theatre.

Chantal: How long have you been in Atlanta?

Ann Nesby: “I moved here from Minnesota after doing Sounds of Blackness.”
She relocated to Georgia in February of 1998 after spending time here in the winter with some friends. She was delighted with the warmer Atlanta climate after going through cold winters in Minnesota.

Chantal: Where do you get your love for singing and how did you develop your talent?

Ann Nesby: “My love for singing came from my family. Both of my grandmothers were singers, and both of my parents sang in quartet groups. I sang my first song in church as a duet with my father at the age of three, then in a chair at the age of four. We were in church all the time singing.  My first recording experience came with the James Cleveland Gospel Music Workshop of America and I sang with that workshop for many years.”

Mrs. Nesby met Donald Lawrence through the GMWA and starred in his production of Sing Hallelujah.

Chantal: You were in the group Sounds of Blackness for many years. How did that prepare you for your solo career?

Ann: Nesby: “I got to understand the music business.”

Soon after finishing her work with Sing Hallelujah her sister tricked her into auditioning for the upcoming Sounds of Blackness Christmas play. She joined the group and learned all of her parts for the play in just a few weeks.

Ann Nesby: “Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were friends with Sounds of Blackness and brought Janet Jackson in to watch us perform while taking a break from the studio.”

It was a young Janet Jackson who in fact nudged the super producers to go backstage and meet with the group, but Mrs. Nesby signed as a solo artist. She and the group went on to tour with Luther Vandross and Sinbad.

Chantal: What did you learn working on Broadway?

Ann Nesby: “It was very, very educational and allowed me to join the union. I learned wonderful values and a great work ethic.” She also learned how to take better care of herself because “having to do shows back to back was very grueling. It definitely taught me diligence and taught me to have longevity. It was a blessing.”

Chantal: You have a song on YouTube called “I Get an Answer”, is that going to be the next single from your upcoming album?

Ann Nesby: Yes, “I Get an Answer” is featured on a CD called "Gospel Any Way You Like It” which was licensed to and released by Ashro records.”

This song, along with another single called “Just For Me” will also be featured on her upcoming 25th anniversary project.

Chantal: What are your favorite spots to eat or hang out in Atlanta?

Ann Nesby: “I love Chinese food and seafood so I often frequent the buffet."

Chantal: May I suggest Pappadeaux?

Ann Nesby: My favorite place to go is Pappadeaux’s for Sunday brunch, especially when I’m in Texas or Chicago.”

Chantal: What other performances do you have coming up?

Ann Nesby: “I am about to tour with David Talbert in a play called What My Husband Doesn’t Know. It also stars Michelle Williams and Clifton Davis.”

The tour kicks off in February 2011. While there are no current Atlanta dates, the stage play will be headed to a city near you in Savannah, Georgia on March 10, 2011, and Columbus, Georgia on March 13, 2011. For more cities and ticket information about What My Husband Doesn’t Know visit www.davidetalbert.com.

Click here to purchase Ann Nesby's latest release,  The Lula Lee Project.
For booking contact: Timothy Lee, Manager- laborforcemgmt@aol.com
For more information on Ann Nesby visit:
www.annnesby.com
www.facebook.com/annnesby
www.myspace.com/annnesby