THE MUSIC

Verity Records’ 7 Sons of Soul, one of the hottest singing aggregations to hit the genre, has been strongly influenced both by traditional quartet sounds and the current contemporary vibe evidenced on their brand new release, Witness.  This dynamic ensemble invigorates the tradition of great male voices that have distinctly defined Gospel music throughout generations.  Whether it was the sounds of The Sensational Nightingales, The Mighty Clouds of Joy or The Winans, male groups have been an integral part of the popularity and the staying power of Gospel.  Today is no different, and 7 Sons of Soul has deftly merged the old with the new to create a musical blend that is uniquely their own. 

Comprised of six progressive young men on fire for the Lord, the Washington, D.C.-based 7 Sons of Soul are bringing Gospel music to a new generation while showing the world that real men rock the mic for the Lord. Cliff Jones, Dave Lindsey, Deonte Gray, Kenneth Epperson, Doug Hayes, and Sam Kendrick are a band of brothers whose individual struggles are transformed by Christ into a collective strength that resonates throughout their music.

The Stellar Award nominated group is remembered for songs like “Run On,” “Prayer Changes” and “He Can Change Your Day;” and fans who loved the sextet’s debut will have even more to smile about on the group’s sophomore release.  Jones, the group’s founder and leader, explains what listeners have to look forward to on the new musical offering.  “The first record was introducing the 7 Sons of Soul,” says Jones. “It was letting people know who we were. This time around we felt, as young men, that we wanted to witness, especially to other men. We wanted to show the world that we do love Jesus and we want our music to transcend the boundaries of the church, to reach people who may never walk through church doors.”

Witness, a grand 16-song project, accomplishes that mission. Hitting a variety of topics that any person can relate to, Witness truly has “something for everybody.” Because of the emotion and true experiences that the group poured into the making of this CD, the project speaks boldly to the hearts of men while speaking passionately to souls from all walks of life.  “Men are the head of the family. Right now, in our society, the man is in a troubled state,” says Jones. “The purpose of Witness is to minister to the head so we can effectively minister to the rest of the body. There are many men who are killing, stealing, selling drugs and who are locked up.  Although it’s tough for us to make changes with what’s happening in our society, I believe Jesus can help us do it. It starts with touching somebody else; witnessing is the first step in helping people to make those changes.”

Making sure to lift up the downtrodden, the group weaves the theme of holding up our fellow man with the track, “You Can Make It”. The song supplies a dash of inspiration wrapped in a relaxed, mellow vibe that makes it hard for the listener to walk away with a saddened heart.  Songs like “I’m A Man,” penned by Jones, Lindsey and Gray, are transparently belted out from the perspective of a godly man “just doing the best he can.” The contemporary flair of the song is a great complement to the inspiring lyrics.

Witness deals with issues related to family and friend relationships as well as basic everyday life, bringing realism to Gospel music rarely before seen. “Praying 4-U,” the lead single from the project, relays a message of brotherhood. The memorable track is a bouncy, uplifting cut written in the spirit of propping up a troubled friend. It incorporates a down home church feel along with a Tony Toni Tone meets Rev. Al Green sound, and Jones crooning with gusto.

Although a number of songs are delivered from a man’s viewpoint, Lindsey concedes that Witness has much to offer the female audience as well. “Songs like ‘One Of Those Days’ is an encouragement to men and women. We all have those days when things don’t go quite right. That’s when it’s time to get on our knees and say ‘God, I need you’,” says Lindsey.

“Clap Your Hands” is certain to be a favorite of quartet fans. Reminiscent of times before padded pews and air-conditioned sanctuaries, the song stays true to the original form many Gospel music lovers still adore. Penned by Jones and Bobby Burwell, head of the group’s Soul World Entertainment, this one begs for toe-tapping and, of course, hand-clapping. Other traditional tracks include the quartet-inspired “Trouble In My Way,” “Stand By Me” and “Thank You Jesus.”

The title tune, “Witness,” finds the young men singing unashamedly about being witnesses for Christ. It’s a song about being a living testimony through word and deed. With textured background vocals laid over a slow, but slick urban groove, the track flaunts excellent production and great songwriting. Jones says, “Dave came up with the initial track. At the time, we were thinking about using the song for another artist. But the song was so good, I thought, “We can’t give a hit away!” Shortly after, all of us were talking about what we wanted to say in this project.  We all agreed that we wanted to be witnesses this time around. Since it was the first song we wrote for the new project, we knew that “Witness” would be the theme and title for this album.”  

Although the musical element of the project is flawless, it’s the message that will quickly grab the ear. Reminding the listener of the faithfulness of God, the inspired praise & worship jam “Don’t Worry” featuring Richard Smallwood washes the spirit with its powerful affirmation of hope. “Believe,” a soft but motivating tune, is accented with smooth harmonies from the 7 Sons of Soul. The unapologetic lyrics speak of believing in and accepting the Savior. It’s pure inspiration.

And, inspiration is what it’s all about. These six young men minister to inform people of the goodness of God and to tell the world of the great things He has done. In each of their lives, they’ve come to know God in a very personal way. As successful African American men, each of them is a role model and a testament to what can be done with God’s direction.

 
THE MEN

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., founder Cliff Jones has been in music all his life.  In describing the  group’s unique sound, Jones offers: “If you had salt and pepper shakers with The Winans in one shaker and The Canton Spirituals in another, the combination would give you the 7 Sons of Soul.” Having been in the business over 20 years, Jones’ resume reads like a “Who’s Who” of the entertainment industry.  He’s done Broadway and produced mainstream artists like Michael Jackson, Will Smith, Ginuwine, Dru Hill, Biggie Smalls, P. Diddy, Gladys Knight and dozens of others. As an artist, he became an overnight sensation when he recorded the lead vocals on William Becton’s mega-hit, “Be Encouraged.”  Jones says, “I’ve been blessed to do so many things in this industry. But I have to say that my true passion is the 7 Sons of Soul.”  Although there’s much joy that radiates on the face of Jones when talking about his accomplishments, he’s truly proud of his family. His wife and three kids are the light of his life and make ministering possible. “God has been so good to me. I grew up with a troubled father and I lived my life in the streets. I took advantage of that situation and ended up in places that only God could get me out of. I’m so grateful for my mother. She encouraged me to go to church.  It was her wisdom that got me there, and now my heart and mind have been changed by the love of Jesus Christ,” remarks Jones.

David Lindsey grew up in a single-parent home in Southeast D.C. with eight siblings. His start in music came when, at the age of two, he received his first drum set. The self-taught musician later moved on to master the piano. His loves as a youngster were music and sports, areas that he excelled in.  “I went through a rough time and was cut from my high school basketball team, but that’s when my passion for music exploded,” states Lindsey. He later learned the saxophone and played piano for the jazz band in high school.  Subsequently, Lindsey graduated from Bowie State University where he met Cliff Jones. The friendship sparked a business relationship and Jones took Lindsey under his wing. Through this relationship Lindsey has worked with urban artists such as Missy Elliott, Monica, Loon, Joe and Raheem Devaughn. But Lindsey’s first love and commitment is as a member and producer of the 7 Sons of Soul, producing and writing many of the group’s hits. 

The group’s strong leanings to the quartet side of Gospel music has been ingrained in most of the members, many of whom grew up singing it from the cradle. Kenneth Epperson, one of the newest members, has a history steeped in the old-time Gospel tradition.  “I grew up around the elements of quartet; quartet music is in me. My love for quartet comes from my father’s side of the family,” says Epperson.  He had a passion for music since the age of three when he picked up the drumsticks and learned to play. His musical horizons broadened and he also learned to play the bass guitar and keyboards. His beginnings with the group started as an intern at Remix Studios in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where the 7 Sons of Soul record. The Alexandria, Virginia, native says, “During the last year of my internship, an opening was available as a group member. They saw what I could do, that I was willing to learn and work hard. I auditioned and became a member.” He has a heart for America’s young black men and strongly encourages them to “do positive things with their lives, to keep their dreams alive.”

Sam Kendrick, an original member of the sextet, has an affinity for the more modern side of today’s music. Jones and Kendrick became friends years ago on the mainstream side of the music industry. “I’m really glad to be a part of the group.  All six of us have a mutual respect and we’re honest with each other. We have a lot of appreciation for each other and our individual talents,” says Kendrick. Hailing from the D.C. area as well, he studied classical piano at the Duke Ellington School for Performing Arts and later attended Howard University. Following his heart and honing his production and songwriting skills, opportunities opened for him and he found himself working with major artists such as Lauryn Hill, The Fugees, R. Kelly, Kenny Lattimore and Chante’ Moore to name a few.

San Diego, California native Doug Hayes can’t remember a time when he didn’t have a love for music. “I grew up playing the drums for a COGIC church, but didn’t start singing until my teen years,” says Hayes. “I’m very familiar with the quartet sound.  I grew up with that; it’s what we did.” He initially came to the D.C. area to attend Howard University. After graduation he made a career choice that took him to Detroit. “When I was living in Detroit, I went through a rough time. I had two businesses and one of them failed. I ended up filing bankruptcy and at first; it wasn’t something I wanted to tell people about. But since that time, only a few years ago, I’ve been able to buy two homes. It’s now my testimony. I know it was God, He can bring you back.” Through Burwell, Hayes connected with the 7 Sons of Soul and he believes the purpose of 7 Sons of Soul is to reach beyond the boundaries of the church walls. “There are so many people reaching the Gospel community, the churched” says Hayes. “We’re trying to get the unchurched saved.” 

Deonte Gray also believes 7 Sons of Soul is here to reach the lost. “The group’s goal is to reach those who wouldn’t ordinarily go to church, those people who don’t have a covering. I believe our assignment is to not only be a witness, but to also be an example through our music, lifestyles and personal testimonies. We’re to be light. We make sure we’re specific about what we say and what we sing about; we’re singing about Jesus. We have to be a living epistle.” The Washington, D.C. native started singing in grammar school. He became passionate about music in the 9th grade performing at local talent shows. As a matter of fact, he ended up at the Apollo, which was his first claim to fame. A licensed minister, he reconnected with long time friend Cliff Jones while he was touring with Patti Labelle. He says, “Being a part of the 7 Sons of Soul has truly set me on the path of my destiny.”

During Biblical times, it took just a few men to turn the world upside down; men who were willing to be witnesses for Christ.  With Witness, 7 Sons of Soul are on the path to do the same.