Sacred steel ensemble, THE LEE BOYS, are set to release the high-energy Gospel CD TESTIFY on October 23, 2012, distributed by RED/Provident. The first single from TESTIFY, “Smile,” is impacting Gospel radio now. The family group, raised in the House of God church, brings its joyous, spiritual sound of sacred steel to the masses with the release of TESTIFY.
“It has been my dream for years to reach a larger audience with the Gospel message, and I feel likeTESTIFY will be the best way to do it,” said Alvin Lee, founder and band leader.
The Lee Boys are one of America’s finest sacred steel ensembles. Brothers Alvin Lee (guitar), Derrick Lee and Keith Lee (vocals) lead the family band, along with their nephews Roosevelt Collier (pedal steel guitar), Alvin Cordy Jr. (7-string bass) and Earl Walker (drums).
“The inspiration and feeling that comes along with our music is the reason that people feel good,” said Alvin. “It is like the new music on the block, and it’s just getting ready to explode.”
In TESTIFY, songwriters Alvin, Keith, and “Li’l” Alvin Jr. repeatedly touch on the comfort that faith has given them in times of family illnesses and death. The new songs also celebrate their joy in spreading The Word as they travel the world. In the past 5 years, The Lee Boys performed for more than 750,000 music fans at festivals throughout the United States and Canada.
“I was called to take this music and His Word outside the church’s four walls,” said Alvin. “When The Lee Boys have Sunday service at a big rock festival, it makes my heart warm to know kids who might not ever have gone to church in their lives are hearing The Word.”
On this CD, the traditional sacred steel sound is transformed into high-energy arrangements leaving fans dancing, shouting and having fun. Stellar production, expanded instrumentation, and notable guests contribute to the captivating mix of Gospel and traditional R&B on TESTIFY. Guest players include Warren Haynes (Gov’t Mule, Allman Brothers Band) on vocals and lead guitar; Gia Wyre on vocals; Matt Slocum (Sixpence None the Richer) on organ, piano, and keyboards; Nate Worth on percussion; and producer/engineer/mixer Matt Grondin on electric and acoustic guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals. Horns were arranged by Mark Mullins.
ABOUT THE LEE BOYS
Born and raised in Miami, Fla., each of The Lee Boys grew up within the House of God church, where their father and grandfather, Elder Robert E. Lee, was pastor and steel player himself. At the church, they each began their musical instruction through a rigorous course of training in a variety of instruments. In 2005, Alvin Lee was called to bring The Word to a mass audience, brought the sounds of the sacred steel out of the church, and started performing at secular events while continuing to play in the church. The Lee Boys have performed with and/or been invited to tour with artists such as The Blind Boys of Alabama, Mavis Staples, Take 6, and The Harlem Boys Choir. They appeared on numerous national television outlets including Good Morning America (ABC), Fox and Friends (FOX News), CNN, Conan O’Brien (NBC), and The 700 Club (CBN).
For more information about The Lee Boys, visit www.leeboys.com.
