Naturally 7 | Vocal Play
Naturally 7 | Vocal Play
Advance Review | Album to be released June 29th, 2010
Newly signed Hidden Beach Recordings seven man acapella group, a band formed in New York City, Naturally 7, delivers an 11 song disc of aural vocal delights in “Vocal Play : A Work Of Mouth”. Group members, Roger Thomas (musical director, arranger, 1st Baritone, Rap), Warren Thomas (percussion, guitar, clarinet, 3rd tenor), Rod Eldridge (1st tenor, scratching, trumpet), Jamal Reed (4th Tenor, electric guitar), Dwight Stewart (2nd baritone), Garfield Buckley (2nd Tenor, Harmonica) and “Hops” Hutton (Bass), take acapella to greater heights we’ve never heard since the arrival of Take 6 in 1988.
Opening track, “If You Love Me”, starts off with the group reproducing the sound of Monks chanting in the mountains of Tibet, then human beat boxing, church choir choralling into a song of heart and emotion of a man wondering if his lady still loves him. “768 (Nonstrumental)”, is a funky up-tempo PERFECTLY replicating the sound of a live jammin’ Funk band.“Relax” {Featuring Michael Buble} is a circus atmosphere performed reworking of the jazz standard, “Relax Max”. “SOS”, is a mid tempo, easy listening, hip hop back beat inspired track. “Is There Nowhere For Me”, is a funk fueled R&B laced offering. Their vocalizing and overdubbed parts are executed with ease and perfection. “Catchy”, is supported with human handclaps in conjunction with their vocal performances.
“All I Ever Wanted”, you’ll think you’re listening to a vinyl record manually backspun and manipulated as they recreate that effect to the tee. A great melodic, hip hop inspired track. “Break These Walls”, I liken this to a funked up Kraftwerk song. It’s amazing how these guys replicate the electronic sounds of that pioneering German techno-pop band. A rap is thrown in for good hip hop measure. “Run To You”, is a slowed down vocal synthesizer replicated tune. On this song, of most songs on this album, they do sing in their natural voices ….. and quite well I might add. These guys could really sing, minus the vocal effects. They can stand up to traditional male vocal groups. “And That’s When You Love Me”, is a tender hearted ballad with strong vocals and a middle of the road easy listening melody. Certainly one of the album’s highlights. You gotta love the human generated guitar solo and electronic drum tom tom rolls.
Closing track is a live song performed in their, and my hometown, New York City’s Madison Square Garden, “Say You Love Me”. It’s a track performed in a spiritual context. Once again, the blending of their natural voices with the vocal generated live instrument performance will make you yearn to see them live …. And I strongly encourage that you do if they ever play your town. Not only are they Naturally 7, they’re naturally gifted !
Happy Listening !
Randy Mahon
The Urban Music Scene