Jan. 4, 2011 -
PRLog -- Furthering their mission of bridging the gap between gospel and secular music, Rapture 7 announces the release of ‘Somebody’
s Knockin’’ from its latest gospel CD release “Security”
on Parliament Gospel Records. As heard on HBO’s “True Blood”, ‘Somebody’
s Knockin’’ demonstrates that Rapture 7’s appeal reaches beyond the parameters of traditional and contemporary gospel.
Rapture 7 was originally formed for the purpose of performing at a local food drive in Carbondale, Illinois, organized by IOTA Fraternity Inc. at Southern Illinois University. That initial appearance received such an overwhelmingly positive response from the community, leading to requests for performances at churches, city events, and numerous other venues. Since that time, Rapture 7’s musical ministry has grown. They have traveled to many states touching the hearts of people, regardless of religious affiliation, with their own unique style of traditional, yet contemporary gospel music.
Along with the hype of the new album’s release came a boost of exposure as ‘Somebody’
s Knockin’’ was featured on the third season finale of ‘True Blood’; HBO’s Emmy Award-winning and most watched series since “The Sopranos”. Music critic Graydon Burchfield says: Rapture 7’s ‘Security’
album hits a home run with old school grooves; listen for the layered background vocals that take a stab at the Wizard of Oz “security march” Oh, Eee, Oh! Heavy back beats and silky smoothness of ‘Oh How I Love Him’ and a capella giant ‘Never Leave Your Side” make you want to fine-tune your stereo. The crowd goes crazy for ‘I Never Knew’ in a live assault and the social and political awareness is evident on the remake of ‘People Make the World Go Round’ and ‘The World’ topped off by its roots in quartet genius ‘Won’t It Be Wonderful’ and ‘Somebody’
s Knockin’ are must hear for old school gospel listeners. ‘Save Me’ will link to you personally with its haunting guitar rift. Burchfield concludes: “You can’t miss with this CD from Rapture 7. Their unique sound definitely delivers on this 12-song journey.
Listeners of the Frank-o-Smooth’
s Soul Show agree as the title track ‘Security’
recently rose to # 1 on the show’s play list reaching over 7.5 million people in 52 broadcast radio markets and 29 Internet stations. The group’s record label, Los Angeles-based Parliament Gospel Records has also been contacted by a movie producer interested in using Rapture 7’s music in an upcoming fall theatrical release. Music producers who have worked with artists like Michael Jackson and K-Ci & JoJo are also possibilities to be involved with an upcoming album project. “Everything’
s helping to elevate our music ministry”, said lead vocalist, songwriter, and business manager Warren Grigsby, Jr., “and that’s the way we want it. We didn’t start out thinking about record labels, television shows, and movies. We just started it because we love writing and performing music. “I never imagined anything we would be doing would be on an HBO series or in a movie”, said James Anderson, Jr, who plays keyboards and produced ‘Somebody’
s Knockin’. “I could have never dreamed that.”
Due to their creative abilities and unique style, which includes a gospel, R&B, Neo Soul, and Jazz flavor, Rapture 7 has ventured into many music arenas from the church to large venues, fairgrounds, coffee houses and clubs. ‘Somebody’
s Knockin’’ exudes a universal appeal evocative of soul stirring traditional and contemporary gospel classics and their unique style emphasizes live performances where their talents and skills are seen as well as heard. Rapture 7 has opened for artists such as The Williams Brothers, Commissioned featuring Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Ricky Dillard, Take 6, Mighty Clouds of Joy and many other national gospel artists.
Rapture 7 takes seriously the responsibility of presenting what God has placed on their hearts, and their sincere desire is to share their faith with a positive and uplifting attitude. They also strive to give back to the community that has provided them with the tremendous opportunity to touch the hearts and minds of their fellow man through what they love doing…making music for the soul!
‘Somebody’
s Knockin’ is now available at iTunes, Amazon.com, and other major online retailers. Rapture 7’s CD album ‘Security’
is also available at major online retailers including BestBuy.com and offline at select Best Buy stores. ‘Security’
and Rapture 7’s self-titled CD release are also available at Parliament Gospel Records online store at
http://www.shop.parliamentgospelrecords.com/.
Contacts:
Record Label
Parliament Records Group
Ben Weisman, CEO
Ph: (323) 944-0168
Web:
http://www.parliamentrecords.comPersonal Management/Licensing
Len Weisman Personal Management
Len Weisman
Ph: (323) 653-0693
E-MAIL: PersManMnt@Aol.com
Booking & Press Information
Lakes Communication Services
Jeffery Lakes
Ph: (213) 952-5251
Web:
http://www.rapture-7.com
