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Naturally 7


Naturally 7 is an American ensemble founded in 1999 in by brothers Roger Thomas and Warren Thomas, along with five other vocalists, specializing in a technique known as "Vocal Play," wherein members replicate the timbres and roles of instruments such as guitars, drums, trumpets, and bass using only their voices.
The group, consisting of Ricky Lee Ricardo Cort, Rod Eldridge, N'namdi Bryant, Sean Simmonds, Dwight Stewart, Roger Thomas, and Warren Thomas, emerged from 's a cappella scene and quickly gained recognition by winning local competitions before advancing to national levels, where they secured additional prizes. Over their more than two-decade career, Naturally 7 has released multiple albums, including Non-Fiction (2000), What Is It? (2003), and Wall of Sound (2009), the latter of which reached number 29 on the , and achieved international chart success with their cover of "Feel It ()," peaking in the top three in countries including , , and .
Notable achievements include three world tours comprising nearly 500 performances as opening act for , collaborations with artists such as , , and , and a win for "Best Group" on CBS's talent competition following . Quincy Jones has acclaimed them as "the best group in the world" and "the future of vocal music," highlighting their innovative fusion of traditional vocal harmony with instrumental mimicry across genres.

History

Formation and early career (1999–2003)

Naturally 7 was founded in 1999 in by brothers Roger Thomas and Warren Thomas, along with five other local singers they had encountered through the city's vocal scene. The group originated from the brothers' shared background in church harmonizing, classic songwriting, and , initially experimenting with blending traditional techniques and emulating full band instrumentation using only voices. This approach, which would evolve into their signature "Vocal Play" style, involved members like Warren Thomas mimicking drums and others replicating guitars, trumpets, and other instruments through vocal precision. The group's early efforts focused on refining this innovative sound amid debates over pursuing pure or instrumental imitation, ultimately settling on the latter to distinguish themselves. They released their debut album, , in 2000 as an independent project showcasing raw vocal experimentation across R&B and urban styles, recorded at Deane Street Studios. Gaining initial traction through competitive success, Naturally 7 won a major competition in , advanced to the nationals, and secured two additional prizes, which helped build regional visibility. This momentum led to their signing with Transglobal in 2002, marking the end of their self-directed phase and preceding the 2003 release of What Is It?, which further highlighted their vocal instrument techniques.

Breakthrough albums and rising recognition (2004–2014)

In 2006, Naturally 7 released Ready II Fly through , marking their first album with broader international distribution beyond independent efforts. The album featured genre-blending covers, including a reimagined version of ' "" retitled "Feel It," which showcased their vocal emulation of instruments like drums and guitar. This release highlighted their shift toward polished productions while maintaining core vocal play techniques, though it achieved only modest commercial traction without major chart entries. The group stabilized their lineup around core members including Roger Thomas (musical director and ), Warren Thomas (), and others like Rod Eldridge and Dwight Stewart, enabling consistent performances amid growing European interest. They transitioned to Universal Music for the 2009 album , which expanded their sound by layering voices to simulate orchestral and rock elements, such as bass lines and percussion, in tracks like the title song and "Broken Wings." This production approach drew attention for its technical ambition in mimicking full-band arrangements solely with vocals, though reviews noted mixed reception on execution. European touring intensified during this period, with shows in including in and subsequent dates supporting album promotion. Collaborations and high-profile nods, such as performing at ' 75th birthday celebration in 2009 where they interpreted "" and other tracks, elevated their profile; group members described Jones' recognition as a pivotal validation from a music industry legend. Despite these milestones, chart performance remained limited, with no significant placements, reflecting their niche appeal in and genres.

Vocal Play era and recent developments (2015–present)

In 2015, Naturally 7 released Hidden in Plain Sight: Vox Maximus, Vol. 1, an album that showcased their signature Vocal Play technique through covers and original arrangements, including tributes to influences like and the . The project emphasized their ability to replicate full band instrumentation using only voices, building on prior works while expanding their repertoire with tracks such as "In the Air Tonight" and "How Deep Is Your Love." This release reinforced their focus on vocal emulation of instruments, a style they had coined as Vocal Play to distinguish from traditional . From 2019 onward, the group intensified global touring, including repeated stints as for across multiple world tours totaling nearly 500 shows, which significantly amplified their international visibility in , , and beyond. These performances, often receiving standing ovations, highlighted their live Vocal Play execution and contributed to sustained audience growth, with shared billing alongside artists like and . In 2024, Naturally 7 issued Naturally 7 @theMovies, Volume One, a 14-track paying homage to iconic film soundtracks and scores, featuring reimagined versions of songs like "" from and the "." This collection marked an expansion into cinematic genres, blending their vocal instrumentation with orchestral and pop elements from movies. The group announced the N7 Closer Look Tour for 2025, featuring headline dates across and the , including appearances at venues like SFJAZZ Center in on August 9–10. These engagements continued to promote their evolving catalog, with performances emphasizing intricate vocal layering and adaptability to diverse audiences up to late 2025.

Musical style

Development of Vocal Play

Vocal Play refers to the technique of employing to replicate a full range of sounds, such as drums through , guitars via overtones, and via lip trills and pitch bends, extending beyond conventional singing that focuses primarily on melodic . This approach aims to produce a band-like sonic density using only vocal timbres, enabling the emulation of complex arrangements without physical instruments. Group founder Roger Thomas described it as "becoming the instruments" through precise , where listeners can identify specific sounds like a guitar or line derived from vocal production. The concept originated during late-1990s rehearsals in led by brothers Roger and Warren Thomas, who drew from R&B and classic vocal ensemble traditions to experiment with percussive and timbral vocal effects. These sessions built on foundational influences like group dynamics and rhythmic vocal layering, evolving into a deliberate for simulating ensemble instrumentation as the brothers assembled the initial lineup in 1999. Refinement occurred through iterative practice, prioritizing recognizable instrumental fidelity over abstract vocalization, which distinguished it from earlier beatboxing's rhythmic focus by incorporating polyphonic textures akin to a live band. Vocal Play's foundation rests on vocal , leveraging techniques such as shaping for control, subharmonics for low-end frequencies, and multiphonics for simultaneous pitches, which permit genre-spanning adaptability from rock's distorted edges to jazz's improvisational swells. This physiological grounding allows seven voices to achieve orchestral fullness, setting it apart from groups like , which emphasize choral blending, or , known for pop-oriented stacking, by prioritizing emulation of amplified band elements for a self-contained "." The term "Vocal Play" was formalized around 2010 to encapsulate this matured style, reflecting years of acoustic trial-and-error to balance vocal strain with instrumental verisimilitude.

Technical aspects and influences

Vocal Play, the signature technique of Naturally 7, relies on the division of vocal roles among its seven members to replicate an instrumental ensemble, with individuals specializing in emulations of bass lines, percussion via and vocal drumming, guitar riffs through throaty distortions and plucking simulations, and wind instruments like trumpets or harmonicas using breath control and manipulation. Layered harmonies are achieved through precise real-time synchronization, where performers maintain polyphonic textures without pre-recorded tracks or electronic aids, creating the illusion of amplification through collective volume and resonant blending. This approach extends beyond traditional by treating voices as modular instruments, enabling causal sound production grounded in human physiology rather than synthetic processing. The technique draws inspiration from Phil Spector's production method, which layered multiple live instruments and echoes to generate a dense, orchestral density in recordings from the early 1960s. Naturally 7 adapts this conceptually to an all-vocal framework, as evidenced by their album titled Wall of Sound, substituting instrumental overdubs with simultaneous group vocal stacking to evoke similar immersive fullness without studio manipulation. Additional influences include classic songwriting and elements, where rhythmic mirrors beat production techniques, though reinterpreted through unamplified human capabilities. Live demonstrations, such as those captured in unedited performances at venues like , verify the feasibility of Vocal Play by producing complete arrangements—drums, bass, melody, and harmony—exclusively from synchronized voices, audible in raw audio without artifacts. These recordings highlight the causal realism of the method, where sound emerges directly from coordinated laryngeal and respiratory actions, distinguishable from tracks by organic variations and breath artifacts. Despite these innovations, Vocal Play faces inherent physical constraints: human and lungs limit sustained volume and compared to amplified instruments or electronic synthesis, often necessitating for large-venue projection and potentially reducing fidelity in replicating high-decibel peaks or sustained low-end frequencies. This reliance on for underscores a , where authenticity in unprocessed is balanced against the impossibility of matching the output of a full setup, though the technique excels in portable, instrument-free versatility.

Members

Current members

As of October 2025, Naturally 7 consists of a stable of vocalists specializing in the group's Vocal Play technique, where members emulate instruments like guitar, , , drums, and keyboards using layered vocal harmonies, , and extended techniques. This lineup has enabled consistent full-group performances since the mid-2010s, following earlier adjustments to core personnel. Roger Thomas, the founder and musical director, handles arrangements, first vocals, , and multi-instrumental s central to the band's sound. His brother, co-founder Warren Thomas, provides third vocals alongside percussion and . Rod Eldridge contributes first leads and supporting instrumental vocalizations. Dwight Stewart, Ricky Lee Ricardo Cort, Sean Simmonds, and N'Namdi Bryant round out the ensemble, each specializing in distinct Vocal Play roles such as simulation, guitar riffs, and rhythmic foundations to replicate a full texture.

Former members and lineup changes

In the group's early years, the original bass role saw rotation, with founding member Marcus Davis departing around 2006 and being briefly replaced by Andre Edwards before Armand "Hops" Hutton assumed the position. Hutton, known for his deep vocal basslines integral to the group's Vocal Play instrumentation, served for nearly a decade. A significant dual departure occurred on April 23, 2015, when long-time members Hutton and Napoleon "Polo" Cummings, the latter handling tenor and guitar emulation duties, left after performing together with the ensemble for over eight years. The announcement expressed regret but did not specify reasons, though both members had contributed to key recordings and tours during their tenure. Further adjustment came in 2018 with the exit of Garfield Buckley, a core vocalist responsible for trumpet and keyboard simulations, who was succeeded by Sean Simmonds to maintain the septet's and timbral balance. Other early originals, such as Jamal Reed, also transitioned out amid the group's evolution from local performances to international commitments, though exact timelines for those shifts remain less documented. These rotations emphasized recruitment of vocalists capable of replicating specific textures, ensuring continuity in the group's signature sound without halting live engagements or . The changes reflected adaptive dynamics in a demanding format, where individual vocal specialization supports collective emulation of full-band arrangements.

Discography

Studio

Naturally 7's studio albums are characterized by their exclusive use of vocal play, a technique in which the group's voices replicate instruments such as drums, guitars, and brass without any electronic or traditional instrumentation during recording. This approach defined their production process from the outset, enabling full band simulations through layered human vocals. Early releases leaned toward covers of popular songs, while later works increasingly featured originals alongside reinterpretations. The debut album, Non-Fiction, was released on May 23, 2000, and included vocal renditions of tracks such as "Theme from Mahogany," "Sit Back Relax," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Ready II Fly followed on September 30, 2006, via , with highlights including original songs "Can Ya Feel It" and "Open Your Eyes," as well as a vocal cover of "Feel It ()." Wall of Sound, issued in January 2009, peaked at number 28 on the UK Official Physical Albums Chart. VocalPlay, released in 2010, showcased advanced vocal layering on tracks like "SOS (Anybody Out There?)" and "You're Beautiful." The most recent studio album, Naturally 7 @theMovies, Volume One, came out on June 28, 2024, featuring movie soundtrack reinterpretations such as "Stayin' Alive" and "Lose Yourself," all produced vocally.

Singles and collaborations

Naturally 7's single "Feel It (In the Air Tonight)", a vocal reworking of ' 1981 track with added lyrics, was released in 2007 and marked their breakthrough in . The song peaked at number 3 in , number 15 in , number 14 in , and number 55 in , reflecting stronger continental reception compared to negligible U.S. chart impact. Its viral subway performance video further amplified visibility, garnering millions of views and contributing to regional airplay success in . Earlier, the group featured on Sarah Connor's 2004 single "Music Is the Key", providing backing vocals that highlighted their harmonic style in a pop-R&B context. They also contributed to Quincy Jones' 2005 track "Soul Bossa Nostra" from the album Q: Soul Bossa Nostra, alongside Ludacris and Rudy Currence, blending their vocal percussion with hip-hop and jazz-funk elements; the song received some European promotion as a single. In recent years, Naturally 7 has issued standalone cover singles, including "" in 2024, showcasing their instrumental mimicry on the iconic , and "", a vocal rendition of Eminem's hit. These releases, available on platforms like and , emphasize their ongoing experimentation with pop and film soundtracks but have not replicated prior chart peaks. Collaborations with , such as vocal features on tracks like "", remain tied to his albums rather than independent singles. Overall, their singles output prioritizes artistic vocal innovation over commercial charting, with European markets providing the primary audience.

Tours and live performances

Key tours and opening acts

Following the release of their 2009 album Wall of Sound, Naturally 7 embarked on European headlining tours, including the Wall of Sound Tour in , marking an expansion of their independent live circuit beyond support slots. These tours featured full-length sets showcasing their vocal play technique across multiple venues, building a dedicated continental audience through repeated visits to markets like and the . The group served as opening act for on multiple world tours from 2007 onward, including performances in , , and , accumulating over 500 shows that exposed them to Bublé's multimillion-strong fanbase per concert. This role demanded logistical adjustments for vocal preservation, such as abbreviated warm-up protocols and set times limited to 20-30 minutes to maintain precision in emulating instruments without instrumental backups, contrasting with traditional bands' reliance on equipment transport. In 2025, Naturally 7 launched the Closer Look Tour, a headlining outing primarily in with dates in , , and the , designed for closer audience interaction through stripped-down demonstrations of vocal layering and sound effects. This tour extended their global footprint, incorporating U.S. appearances at jazz venues like the SFJAZZ Center in on August 9-10.

Notable one-off performances

In 2008, Naturally 7 performed at Quincy Jones' 75th birthday celebration concert, delivering renditions of "Wall of Sound" and "Another You" that highlighted their Vocal Play style of emulating instruments through voice alone. The group appeared at the Kennedy Center for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dedication concert in September 2011, joining harmonica virtuoso Frédéric Yonnet and gospel artist Maggie Ingram in a live webcast event streamed from the venue, featuring vocal arrangements tied to civil rights themes. In October 2009, Naturally 7 delivered a headlining set at ' Bermuda Music Festival, where their performance underscored their ability to replicate full band instrumentation vocally. Naturally 7 also featured at the Playboy Jazz Festival, including a return appearance at the , presenting distinctive covers such as "Feel It ()."

Reception and legacy

Critical reception and achievements

Naturally 7 has received acclaim for pioneering "vocal play," a technique blending harmonies with and instrumental mimicry, earning endorsements from prominent figures in music. described the group as "the best group in the world," praising their ability to transform voices into human instruments during performances, including at his 75th birthday celebration in 2008. Their long-term collaboration with , spanning nearly 500 shows across three world tours starting in 2009, consistently drew standing ovations and highlighted their live prowess, with Bublé frequently featuring them as opening acts. Critics have lauded the group's technical innovation and energy in live settings. noted their evolution from strict on earlier works to incorporating fuller production in albums like Ready II Fly (2008), appreciating the shift while maintaining vocal-centric arrangements. highlighted their polyrhythmic inventions and precise vocal solos, such as tenor Ricky Cort's guitar emulation of ' "" at the 2024 Playboy Jazz Festival, describing the display as peaking in inventive fusion. commended their "formidable, energising display" of replicating instruments like drums and brass but observed challenges in translating the spectacle to recordings, suggesting stronger appeal in performance than sales. Achievements include early wins in a cappella competitions, propelling them to national recognition, and shared stages with icons such as , , and . They received a 2019 nomination for Best at the Hip Hop Film Festival for "Rebirth of Slick: Cool Like Dat." Despite modest album sales reflecting their niche , their reputation for jaw-dropping live audio pyrotechnics has sustained a dedicated following, with outlets like All About Jazz and Vocal Australia calling performances "outstanding" and "innovative." Some critiques point to risks of vocal strain from sustained instrumental imitation and limited mainstream crossover due to the format's specificity.

Influence on a cappella and vocal music

Naturally 7's development of "Vocal Play"—a technique involving the emulation of instruments such as guitars, drums, trumpets, and harmonicas solely through vocalization—marked a significant advancement in performance by expanding the human voice's role beyond melodic to full instrumental simulation. Formed in 1999, the group coined the term to differentiate their approach from conventional , which typically emphasizes unaccompanied singing without such mimicry. This method relies on precise vocal layering, where members assign roles like bass lines, percussion, and auxiliary effects in real time, enabling renditions of complex arrangements such as Michael Jackson's or Coldplay's without external amplification beyond microphones. The technique's emphasis on live authenticity has influenced vocal music pedagogy and performance practices, particularly in demonstrating the feasibility of band-like dynamics through human physiology alone. Naturally 7 has conducted demonstrations and workshops that inspire emerging vocalists, showcasing breakdowns of their "Wall of Sound" process to highlight causal mechanisms like breath control and timbre variation for instrument replication. Their 2009 TED presentation further disseminated these principles, illustrating how vocal emulation can achieve percussive and timbral fidelity comparable to acoustic instruments, thereby encouraging applications in vocal training programs focused on extended techniques. Endorsements from figures like , who deemed them "the best a cappella group in the world," underscore their role in elevating vocal play's credibility within professional circles. By hybridizing genres—integrating R&B, , , and pop through vocal instrumentation—Naturally 7 contributed to genre-blending in , verifiable in their original compositions and covers that fuse disparate styles without aids. However, the approach's reliance on real-time vocal imposes limitations on penetration; unlike tools that allow infinite editing and , live vocal demands exceptional group and stamina, restricting scalability in recorded media dominated by effects. This has confined broader adoption to niche live contexts rather than pervasive commercial soundscapes. Their legacy persists in prioritizing unadulterated live execution, as evidenced by high-profile performances like opening for 400,000 attendees at the 2013 and tours with , where audiences initially perceived their output as instrumental tracks until reveals confirmed vocal origins. Such demonstrations reinforce causal in vocal music: the voice's inherent constraints foster authenticity but cap mass replication, sustaining influence in performance-oriented subsets of over synthesized alternatives.