VOICES OF SHALOM AIMS TO REMOVE RELIGIOUS BOUNDARIES WITH INSIRATIONAL MUSIC

Alfa Anderson, formerly of the disco group CHIC, uses music to break down boundaries that exist between the Israelite community and other religious groups.

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 11, 2003 -- The Voices of Shalom, a music group featuring original lead singer Alfa Anderson of the renowned disco group CHIC, says their latest CD entitled, "Daily Bread," aims to help unify religious communities throughout the nation.

An original member of CHIC, one of the biggest names in disco music during the 1970s and 80s, Anderson's voice helped create hits like Le Freak," Good Times" and I Want Your Love."
Now an Israelite, Anderson is a lead singer in the Voices of Shalom, a music group that aspires to blaze new trails in inspirational music by breaking down religious boundaries and creating music designed to uplift and inspire people from all walks of life.

Anderson is joined by New York-based singers and spoken word artists, Gloria (Sarah) Henderson, Yahfah Nelson, Shirley (Tareyah) Kennerly, Cynthia (Gershonah) Whitley and Lebab. Each of the groups vocalists is deeply rooted in the music arena with backgrounds ranging from a sought after recording and concert artist to a back-up singer for Nikki Giovanni and Bette Midler.

With the exception of two cuts -- Ten Commandments" and Come by Here" --Anderson co-wrote all songs featured on the CD along with bassist/songwriter and producer El-uriel Barfield. Both members of the New York Israelite community, Anderson and Barfield established the all-female group in 1991 -- shortly after Anderson ended a successful, post-CHIC career as background vocalist and dancer for Luther Vandross.

El-uriel and I found we shared a passion for music and we were both seeking and walking on a spiritual path," says Anderson about her journey from disco to producing inspirational music. We thought it would be great to form a group."

Writing this type of music was an evolutional process. We had written pop music, but always felt we were called back to writing this form of music. My mother often said, 'youd be good at writing gospel -- she saw the talent and promise. She believed that gospel music was where wed leave our mark," explains Anderson.

The CDs title cut, Daily Bread," features the harmonious voices of the group singing words of praise to The Most High. The CD delivers a fresh, contemporary sound that offers mass appeal by capturing and blending elements from many genres including dance, gospel, pop, R&B and soul. Barfield describes the music as a "colorful compilation of soothing, refreshing and upbeat songs that will move its listeners toward a higher spiritual source."

It is wonderful to compose music and apply the Voices of Shalom as a catalyst to break down boundaries that exist between the Israelite community and other religious groups. When listening to the lyrics on the CD, you realize that regardless of belief, we are all seeking the same things in life," says Barfield.

Andersons famous melodious voice is heard as lead on many of the songs on the CD including You Picked Me Up," Power," God is Calling" as well as My God" and God Knows," while Lebabs soulful vocal style compels listeners to get up and dance with up-tempo tunes like Thank U Lord" and Help is on the Way."

According to Barfield, the music is designed to motivate, stimulate, inspire, challenge and is filled with love, harmony, peace and joy. I write what feels good to my spirit," he adds.

For more information about Voices of Shalom or for a list of their upcoming events and appearances, please contact Julie M. Murray of HER New York, Inc. at 718.398.4100.

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