Here is a welcome, unexpected recipe for success:Take four African American renowned tenors each known for their own contribution to their craft and watch what happens as their penetrating sound stirs and arouses fans. In a business full of egomania, Grammy Award-winning, contemporary gospel impresario Fred Hammond has done just that. Hammond reached out and gathered the talents of Dave Hollister, Eric Roberson and Brian Courtney Wilson and put them together onto 14 tracks that showcase their individuality and most important, the collectivity of the United Tenors project. –tony binns
Why did you bring this together?
Fred Hammond: I needed it. I was looking for a fresh sound, fresh voices and fresh interpretation. Dave and Eric signed on and Brian and I kind of come from the same sides of the track, so we kind of understand the way certain things are done, but as I listened to the record I am so glad and grateful the approach is very unique.
What was your original concept in bring the four of you together?
FH: Basically, I was motivated by inspiration. It was about what will be effective for God? When I thought about it I took it back to my old group, Commissioned, because that was what I was supposed to do, but after seven or eight monthsof going in circles I realized that it was time to do something else and I reached out to Dave [Hollister]. I’ve known Dave for 10 years, and he was like, ‘Man I’m good, whatever you want’; Brian and Eric were the same way.
What is the proudest moment for you collaborating with this project?
Dave Hollister: I think the proudest moment for me was listening to the final product; when everything had finally come together. Being a part of the group and hearing the final product.
Eric Robeson: The fact that we were able to come together as brothers and do this project. It was just refreshing, and it’s refreshing for music as a whole. I hope it sets a new standard not just for Gospel music but for all genres.
What do you hope audiences and fans alike listening to the United Tenors project will get?
Brian Courtney Wilson: Eric spoke to it earlier that there was a camaraderie that came about it. One thing that I talk about is the joy while I was doing this. I feel I was right in line with my purpose. I pray that everyone listening to this finds God and finds a purpose in their lives as well and feels the joy I felt when I was doing what I was doing in the studio that day.
Share one word that you believe best describes this overall experience.
ER: Completion!
FH: Necessary!
BCW: Exuberant!
DH: Awesome!
