It’s interesting to say that I went to a concert on Saturday night at Casino NB when the ‘band’ had no instruments, or what one would typically call instruments. But there were the sounds of instruments, and great vocals, all created by the human voice (and some effects pedals and loop machines’) by the voices of ‘Naturally 7’.
Naturally 7 – Casino NB – 05/14/16 ~ Refrain Photography
Taking in different approach to a cappella they perform in style they dub Vocal Play, N7 provide not just the melodies and harmonies, but the sounds of drums, guitars, horns, strings, turntables and beats – using nothing but the human voice. They simulate the sounds of an instrumental band using only their voices, mouths and distortion effects. The group was formed in 1999 in New York City. When the group was invited to sing at a major a cappella competition in New York City, they won and moved onto the next levels at which they took two more wins in further competition. On the back of this success, they had made no decision whether Naturally 7 was an a cappella group or a traditional band, Roger developed the idea that the group would become both.
A small but vocal (sorry no pun intended) crowd attended this show that turned out to be quit entertaining despite thinking ‘a capella for two hours’. The band, or should we call them a group, it’s a bit confusing. The ‘group’ started promptly on time, walking from the shadows and launching into what most would call their most recognizable song “Feel It (In The Air Tonight)” a rearranged cover of the well known Phil Collins hit song.
Naturally 7 – Casino NB – 05/14/16 ~ Refrain Photography
Personable and interactive, they pulled the crowd into their performance with stories about developing the band in New York city, even though three members were born in England and the rest from what they call ‘the islands’ of the caribbean. They then launched into a cleverly arranged cover of “Englishman In New York” by Sting. They also performed their owns songs like the title track from their own album Wall of Sound which highlights what the band can do with their ‘vocal play’ and a little of “Rock it” by Herbie Hancock.
Complete with drum and bass solos, guitar solos (yep, a vocal guitar solo) the group held nothing back and the group enjoyed every second of it. A rousing rendition of ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ was well received as was a some Bob Marley (One Love), that was used as a sing along with the crowd, part way through the show. The show included a story of how the group met up with Chris Martin of Coldplay in London and how the two groups hung out the next day at which time the group performed a resounding rendition of “Fix You” which was accurate and as uplifting as the original.
Naturally 7 – Casino NB – 05/14/16 ~ Refrain Photography
Ninety minutes after they began they bid the crowd good night but weren’t escaping that easily as the crowd cheered them back to the stage for one encore of “Ready or Not” that was interactive with the crowd. Entertaining, unique, personable, and fun Naturally 7 will surprise and entertain you with their method of musical performance and entertainment. Than you to the group, and the Casino for another great show.