Naturally Seven
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Naturally Seven

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"Naturally, it's an a cappella sound"

When watching Naturally Seven perform, it's important to focus all your senses. Otherwise,your ears will deceive your eyes.Naturally Seven, an acclaimed a cappella singing group, will perform 8 p.m. Saturday atSyracuse University's Goldstein Auditorium. The seven male vocalists use their elasticvoices to imitate the sound of a fully equipped band, creating a deceptively rich andintricate sound. If two is company and three's a crowd, then seven seems as if it would be chaos, but thatnumber isn't an accident - it's vital to the Naturally Seven sound."Seven actually works out to be almost a perfect number to get what we want to do done,"said Rod Eldridge, a founding member of the group who grew up in Syracuse.After forming in New York City in 1998, the group created its sound by listening to other acappella groups and dreaming up ways to sing outside the box."Bit by bit, we started working ourselves to be less of an a cappella group and turningourselves into a vocal band," Eldridge said.A vocal percussionist keeps the beat while the bass vocalist bellows the low notes, and theremaining five members alternate between singing lead, harmonizing and mimickinginstruments including a violin and turntable scratching. Their love of vocal experimentationgives them access to a conceivably endless supply of instruments."It's something that most people probably have done or try to do at some point in time,when you're listening to the radio and your favorite song comes on and there's a guitar riff,and you're screeching away trying to do it," Eldridge said. "We have said, you know, let'sreally try to do it, not for something that we're doing in the shower."The group's sound tugs at many threads from the tapestry of black vocal music, includingjazz scatting, traditional gospel and beat-boxing.Their diverse style made them a natural choice to perform as part of SU's Black HistoryMonth celebration. "I thought it was most appropriate to invite them," said Paul Buckley, SU's associatedirector of multicultural affairs. "They are such a phenomenal group, and I thought theywould be a great choice to represent black music and black culture."Naturally Seven plays about 100 shows per year, but Saturday's performance will be onlythe second time Eldridge has performed in his old stomping ground. The band's lastSyracuse performance was also at SU in 2001.Eldridge said he and his band are thrilled to be returning to SU, especially to take part in There are so many good and positive things coming out of black culture and the blackinfluence on music, culture and art," Eldridge said. "We're happy to be a part of it."
By Joshua Alston - The Post-Standard


"Review: Legend, opener Naturally 7, spark fire on East Stage"

It was a diverse crowd, on the younger, hipper-looking side, that filled the Common Ground fest's East Stage last night. It's the smaller of the festival's two main stages, but the evening's two artists made the open-air rock venue seem almost intimate.The Big Apple is the home of street-corner harmony, but NYC's own Naturally 7 has taken the already high art of vocalese to heights that must be heard - and seen - to be believed.Fronted by musical director Roger Thomas, this cappella juggernaut consists of seven men who first met in church, "where the singers are," as Thomas joked.World-class singers all, the 7 mixed unearthly, stacked jazzy harmonies with vocal percussion, "turntable" scratch, pounding bass and every other musical sound imaginable - all with only the human voice.And we haven't even talked about the Jimi Hendrix imitation, or the inhumanly tight arrangements. Naturally 7 was a cool breeze, and if it was a daring choice for a Midwestern rockfest, it was a winning one.John Legend's star has risen very high of late, and it's burning bright; some call him the Next Big Thing in urban music.As soon as the white-jacketed Legend strolled crooning onstage, it was easy to see why: That yearning, imploring voice is a vocal blue glow, always smoldering, sometimes bursting into bright flame.Legend's music is built on a hip-hop chassis, but it's a ride built of old-school, churchified soul - and if latter-day soul often lends itself to slick, satiny blandness, Legend's gift - one of many - is to keep the groove loose and spontaneous.His stack of current trophies include BET's "New Artist of the Year," playing the young Stevie Wonder in a TV drama, even People magazine's "50 Most Eligible Bachelors."Last night's show was deep into his "Get Lifted" tour, promoting the breakout album of the same name, released on his mentor Kanye West's Sony Urban label.The festival crowd heard them all: his current single "Ordinary People," the passionate "So High," slated to be his next. - Lansing State Journal - The Hub


"Instruments? Naturally 7 don’t need no stinkin’ instruments"

By Bayan Misaghi
John Adams Middle School

There’s no need for instruments — just a heck of a voice — when it comes to the internationally famous a capella group Naturally 7. The septet produces every sound imaginable with the one instrument they all possess — their mouths. Though not a traditional musical ensemble, Naturally 7 entertained Clay Center audience members on March 25 with a diversified collection of compositions.

At the start of the show, the group entered wearing trendy attire, creating the sense of a relaxed and hip show geared toward young adults and teens. However, as was soon proved, such an impression was completely off the mark. The numerous adults in the crowd rocked to the beat just as much as the youngsters during the group’s predominantly upbeat rap number that opened the show.

Also during the opening number, Naturally 7 showed what separates it from mainstream music. Obviously, not using instruments or audio-mixing devices distinguishes its members from other vocalists, but also the content of its songs sets Naturally Seven apart from the rest.

Oftentimes, rap music contains profanity and mature content — not Naturally 7’s. The group is appropriate for anyone ages 7 to 70, and such diversity was reflected in the Clay Center crowd.

The vocal troupe doesn’t just do rap music, though. Also incorporated into the concert were classics like “Amazing Grace” and covers like Mr. Mister’s “Broken Wings,” all done with the group’s own musical arrangements. Though Naturally 7 isn’t a straight gospel group, a common element in many of the songs were God and his love.

The group also added special flavor with slick dance moves, layers of harmonies and, of course, completely “instrumental” solos. While one may have been “scratching” on the turntables like a DJ, another was performing on a trumpet that only he could see. Throughout the concert, guitars, violins and drums were also heard.

If you closed your eyes during Naturally 7’s performance, you would believe the group to be a truly gifted band of musicians. Naturally 7 is just that, but without the assistance of equipment. Besides microphones, the only extras the guys needed were stools to occasionally sit on and bottles of water.

During a brief moment in the show, microphone issues caused the sound system to shut down. Though the volume decreased then, it proved the group’s singing was authentic. Even special effects — including echoes of the lyrical voice — were created not by a sound mixer but through the voice of a singer.

Naturally 7 may be one of the greatest and most talented vocal groups in the world, and the band isn’t afraid to admit it. When each member was introduced, he showed off his particular area of expertise, from beat boxing to a melodious violin in addition to the other sounds already mentioned.

However, the band still exuded a warm and welcoming attitude. The guys treated the audience as old friends, making the performance that much more enjoyable.

Truly one of the most talented a capella groups in the world, Naturally 7 creates a sound that many musicians fail to accomplish. One could attend a concert tens of times and still be in awe when the skill of Santana on his guitar or Midori on her violin is replicated through vocalists.

And though such award-winning vocal effects are what the group is known for, it is truly the intertwining of subjects as well as music styles that make Naturally 7 unique. - Sunday Gazette, Charleston, WV


"Legend, opener Naturally 7, spark fire on East"

It was a diverse crowd, on the younger, hipper-looking side, that filled the Common Ground fest's East Stage last night. It's the smaller of the festival's two main stages, but the evening's two artists made the open-air rock venue seem almost intimate.

The Big Apple is the home of Street-corner harmony, but NYC's own Naturally 7 has taken the already high art of vocalese to heights that must be heard - and seen - to be believed. Fronted by musical director Roger Thomas, this cappella juggernaut consists of seven men who first met in church, "where the singers are," as Thomas joked.

World-class singers all, the 7 mixed unearthly, stacked jazzy harmonies with vocal percussion, "turntable" scratch, pounding bass and every other musical sound imaginable - all with only the human voice. And we haven't even talked about the Jimi Hendrix imitation, or the inhumanly tight arrangements. Naturally 7 was a cool breeze, and if it was a daring choice for a Midwestern rockfest, it was a winning one. John Legend's star has risen very high of late, and it's burning bright; some call him the Next Big Thing in urban music.

As soon as the white-jacketed Legend strolled crooning onstage, it was easy to see why: That yearning, imploring voice is a vocal blue glow, always smoldering, sometimes bursting into bright flame.

Legend's music is built on a hip-hop chassis, but it's a ride built of old-school, churchified soul - and if latter-day soul often lends itself to slick, satiny blandness, Legend's gift - one of many - is to keep the groove loose and spontaneous. His stack of current trophies include BET's "New Artist of the Year," playing the young Stevie Wonder in a TV drama, even People magazine's "50 Most Eligible Bachelors." Last night's show was deep into his "Get Lifted" tour, promoting the breakout album of the same name, released on his mentor Kanye West's Sony Urban label. The festival crowd heard them all: his current single "Ordinary People," the passionate "So High," slated to be his next. - Lansing State Journal


Discography

ALBUM: "Ready II Fly"
1 Can Ya Feel It?
2 Open Your Eyes
3 Feel It (In The Air Tonight)
4 Harder Than That
5 How Could It Be?
6 Forever For You
7 Cool
8 Never
9 I Can’t Doo Dat
10 4Life
11 Tradition
12 Fly Baby
13 Let It Rain
14 What I'm Lookin’ 4 (Ain't No Mountain High Enough)
15 New York
16 Comfort You
17 Close2me
18 True Friends (and Family)
19 Let It Be

ALBUM "What Is It?"
01. So The Question Is?
02. What Is It?
03. Gone With The Wind
04. Broken Wings
05. Another You
06. I Wanna Be Where U R
07. More Than Words
08. Get Ready
09. Say You Love Me
10. Closer
11. No Fool For You
12. Back To The Essence
13. Music Is The Key
14. Grace

ALBUM “Non Fiction”
01 Opening Meditation
02. Theme From Mahogany
03. Sit – Back – Relax
04. WDRG – AM
05. Bridge Over Troubled Water
06. All Of You
07. …At The Tone
08. Born To Worship
09. Lat Days [preprise]
10. Blessed Assurance
11. Y’all Hear Dat
12. Train
13. Last Days
14. Bless This House
15. Closing Meditation (The Path I Take)
16. Have I Ever Told You

DVD "Naturally 7 - Live In Berlin"
01. Sit Back - Relax
02. BMG (Be My Guest)
03. Bless This House
04. Broken Wings
05. Say You Love Me
06. Back To The Essence
07. Another You
08. What Is It?
09. Simon & Garfunkel Medley
10. Amazing Grace
11. Have I Ever Told You
12. Music Is The Key
Bonus material & Special Features:
First Time In Japan
At Telekom "Hauptstadt Repräsentanz"
Interview With Naturally 7 At The Hotel Lobby
Photo Gallery
Biography

ALBUM "Christmas ... It's A Love Story"
01. O'Tannenbaum
02. What Day Is It?
03. Love Story
04. Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
05. What Child Is This? (Greensleeves)
06. Can I Play My Song
07. No Christmas Without You
08. Little Drummer Boy
09. In Your Eyes (Baby Girl)
10. Rejoice (Loop)
11. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
12. O Come, O Come Emmanuel
13. Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony 5th
Movement (The Shepherd's Song)
14. We 3 Kings
15. If The Lord Allows
16. (Around the world in one) Silent Night
17. Stille Nacht (German)
18. Kiyoshi Kono Yoru (Japanese)
19. Nuit de Paix ( French)
20. Noche de Paz (Spanish)
21. Pachelbel's Canon in D
22. O Holy Night
23. Happy Christmas (War Is Over)
24. That Thing / We Wish You A Merry Christmas
25. White Christmas
26. If The Lord Allows
Bonus Tracks
27. Can I Play My Song (Dance Mix)
28. In Your Eyes (Alternate Version)

Photos

Bio

Naturally 7 was signed to Festplatte/SONY label in 2002 just 6 months after being #1 music act at NACA Nationals that year. Audiences in 14 countries have listened to them open mouthed. You will not believe your ears...there they stand, seven black guys, and they make more noise than Nelly, R. Kelly, Dru Hill, Jaheim, but they don't play ANY INSTRUMENTS! Their entire music, the rhythms & beats, the bass, the keyboard effects and up-beat soul voices that just pull at your heart strings - they manage to produce that sound with nothing more than their very versatile voices. This is a-cappella that will blow away the biggest acapella fan and also will captivate any acapella reviler.

Since their number-one Billboard hit in Europe "Music Is The Key" with Sarah Connor, Naturally 7 have found a new home in Europe. Starting in Germany, their performances have expanded into Austria, Switzerland, France, Scandinavia, Slovenia, Hungary and even to Japan and Singapore. To spend more time in the USA, to see their families, Naturally Seven has recently lowered their U.S. college pricing.

Naturally will be enjoyed by anyone who loves R&B-inspired pop music, not to mention all soul fans!

What makes Roger, Warren, Dwight, Marcus, Rod, Jamal and Garfield of Naturally 7 so inimitable and amazing is staying unique and extraordinary. And they are better than ever! Not only are they true professionals, they are true friends!

Exclusively represented for Colleges\ Universities, Performing Arts Centers, & Arts Presenting Organizations by:
Auburn Moon
www.auburnmoonagency.com
800.566.6653