The Gospel Hummingbirds
Rio Vista, California, United States | Established. Jan 01, 1961 | INDIE | AFTRA
Music
Press
The second to last show of Jazzfest 2006 featured a Sunday matinee performance at The Esplanade by the Gospel Hummingbirds.
The six-piece Oakland-based gospel/jazz group quickly had the crowd clapping their hands and swaying in their seats with their velvety smooth voices and catchy melodies.
The group has been together since the 1970's and you could tell they've played their share of shows by their great stage presence and ability to interact with the crowd.
At one point of the show, they asked to have the house lights turned up to get a better look at a member of the audience who caught the band's attenton by her screams of approval.
Despite their undeniably mellow, soft approach, the boys from the bay proved they could just as easily turn up the intensity by a series of squealing guitar solos and funky keyboard grooves. All in all, it was a solid performance by a band who have been making it look easy for parts of four decades. - Ian Sorensen/ Medicine Hat News
Discography
Route 66 To Heaven
Signs of Revelations
Steppin' Out
Taking Flight
Live In Paradise
Life Songs
Eye Of The Storm
Keep Sailing
Photos
Bio
The Gospel Hummingbirds are synonymous with tight harmony, creating outstanding inspirational music with urban rhythm and blues. James Gibson, Jr., spokesperson for the group, coined their style as "Rhythm and Gospel". R&G for short. Audiences from all over the world have marveled at the way the Hummingbirds effortlessly bring them to an inspirational frenzy, leaving them clamoring for more.
Joe Thomas, Sr. founded the "Birds" in the early 1960's. Soon they became known all over the world as one of the most elite musical groups in their field. Since their inception they have have recorded six Albums and two EPs. " Route 66 To Heaven", " Signs of Revelations", "Steppin' Out", "Taking Flight", "Live In Paradise", " Life Songs", EP "Eye Of The Storm" and their latest EP "Keep Sailing". In 1993, the Gospel Hummingbirds album "Steppin Out" earned them a Grammy Nomination in the category of "Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album". That same year it received the French "Jazz Academy Award" as the "Best Gospel Album of the Year".
Over the years, as with any group of longevity, there have been personnel changes. The current Gospel Hummingbirds are James Gibson, Jr, Mark Kenoly, Morris LeGrande, and Craig Kenoly,. Somehow with each personnel change, they just keep getting better.
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It has been suggested that they perform other kinds of music, but the Gospel Hummingbirds remain true to their faith and true to "R&G".
Band Members
Links
