Rudy Currence

Music 45 Project/ Dr. Koppelman

Spring 2000

Adoration and Praise "I Feel Like Going On"

Rudy Currence "Ebone, (All You Need)"

Program Notes: Soulful and heart stirring, Ebone's acapella rendition of "I Feel Like Going On,"captures the essence of contemporary Gospel Music. The song, through a series of transitions between delicate harmonic phrases and rhythmic contapuntal passages, demonstrates the versatility of the group. The diversity of this song serves to complement the vocalists, both as individuals and as a collective whole. Overall, "I Feel Like Going On," expresses the plight of Christian struggles and encourages us all to endure through hardship. Perhaps it is best stated in the lyrics of the piece, "Though trials come on every hand, I feel like going on."

A sharp contrast from their first selection, Ebone' presents their signature song, "Ebone' All You Need." Up tempo and energetic, The Ebone theme song represents rhythm and blues at it's finest. With it's catchy hook and selective word choice, this piece informs the listner on what the group Ebone' is all about. From sophistication to sensuality, the Ebone' theme presents the group's distinct sound and continues to remind the world that "All You Need is Ebone'."

Artist Information: The group Ebone' was formed in the fall of 1998 at Furman Universtiy, a private liberal arts college located in Greenville, South Carolina. Comprised of four ambitous young ladies, each with beautiful and unique voices, Ebone' has come to be recognized as a forceful presence both on and off Furman's campus and often performs throughout the Greenville community. The ladies of Ebone' are Jael Gadsen, Robyn Brewer, Reagan Tuff, and Reagan Singletary. Jael Gadsen of Charleston, S.C. is currently a Junior Communications and Education major and Robyn Brewer of Spartanburg, S.C. is a Junior Biology/ Pre-Med. major. Reagan Tuff of Atlanta, Ga. is a Junior HES major and Reagan Singletary of Orangeburg, S.C. is a Junior Political Science/ Spanish major. In addition to their music and academic careers, these ladies are highly involved in extra-curricular activities such as the Furman University Gospel Ensemble, the Furman University Dance Team, and various 'on campus' sorrorities. Despite the frantic pace of college life and individual schedules, all members of Ebone' aims to stay focused and dedicated to their music. With soulful vocals and precise harmonic blends, these sultry songbirds continue to captivate their audiences. Recieving rave reviews from local listners, Ebone' looks to be on the road to success!

Recording Techniques: For the first piece I recorded Ebone' using two dynamic microphones in addition to the ceiling microphones located in Harper Hall. The natural acoustics of Harper Hall provided a great sound for this live recording. Using channels 9 and 10, I sent the data from Harper to the seminar room. During this process, I recorded directly onto DAT. After recording to DAT, I sent all the information to the DECK program. From DECK, I transferred the data to the Soundedit program in which I added effects as needed. Once the effects were applied, I exported the tracks to the PEAK program. Finally, I used the JAM program to write the information to my CD-R.

For my second sesssion, I recorded only in the seminar room using 2 condenser microphones, a keyboard (Korg Trinity V3) and a drum-machine (AKAI MPC2000). Using both sub outs 3 and 4, I was able to record multi-tracks directly into the DECK program. From DECK, I transferred the tracks to the Soundedit program to add effects. While in Soundedit, I added reverb and flanger to the vocal tracks. Also, I added fade ins and outs when necessary. To shorten the tracks I used a cut and paste method. Once complete, I mixed the tracks down to stereo left and right and exported to the PEAK program. Next I wrote all information to a CD-R through the JAM program. To ensure safety, I made a backup copy on to DAT.

To sample recordings, click on text below:

Track 1 -- I Feel Like Going On

Track 2 -- Ebone' (All You Need)