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Next up, on the audio carnival known as music in the state of Ohio, come the Prayer Warriors, Cleveland's champions of the gospel sound. Armed with their new 14 cut disc, "Alley Suites," the harmonious act has been making a name for themselves over the years in the state. OhioOnline music correspondent Peanuts recently traded thoughts with Cleveland percussionist/group founder Herb Thomas as the latter was obviously preaching to more than the choir. |
| OO: |
Are you a Cleveland native?
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| HT: |
"I was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and moved to Ohio at age nine. Cleveland has been very good to me, a great town."
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| OO: |
How did the interest in music start?
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| HT: |
"I think that I was just born with music in my veins. In the black church, where I grew up, there was always a group of people called the Prayer Warriors. My grandmother was a true prayer warrior. Wednesday night in Alabama was prayer meeting night. My father was a Baptist minister and a great gospel singer. Reverend Willie Butler could really get them rolling. Just the sheer power of gospel music is just something that can move people. Awhile back, I had written a stage production called the Prayer Warriors and we decided to stay together, using the name." |
| OO: |
Yet, surprisingly, the group isn't all vocals.
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| HT: |
"Voice is the biggest instrument. The dynamic keyboard playing and music arranging of Clifton Beasley, plus our drummer, Rod Reisman, has some of the best chops I have ever heard. Reisman has a way of setting up a groove and just driving it home. Being a percussionist, I just love to be able to play between these guys." |
| OO: |
Any musical influences outside gospel for the group?
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| HT: |
"Paul Simon, early Motown stuff, Gamble and Huff, as well as Sly & The Family Stone." |
| OO: |
What national acts have the Prayer Warriors played with?
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| HT: |
"On a great night, I would put the Prayer Warriors on stage as an opening act with any band in the country. We have been very fortunate that we have played with many national acts like Foreigner, Diana Ross and Josh Groban. Due to the fact the group is so versatile, Barry Gabel, from Belkin Productions, calls us to do quite a bit of national act opening slots." |
| OO: |
Have any acts from Ohio caught your ear?
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| HT: |
"One of my favorite bands is the Colin Dussault Blues Project and we have sung background on some of their recordings. I also think Anne E. DeChant and the Prayer Warriors would make a great concert." |
| OO: |
Let's jump to the disc. Is "Alley Suites" the group's first?
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| HT: |
"This is not our first disc. We have had four releases prior, but this is our first major release." |
| OO: |
Where was it recorded?
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| HT: |
"Closer Look Studios in Cleveland. After it was done, we decided that we won't wait so long to produce our next project. We loved the studio, it was a great experience. Working with producer Tyler Owens, we learned a lot." |
| OO: |
Favorite Ohio venue to play?
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| HT: |
"The Barking Spider on Case Western Reserve University campus." |
| OO: |
Long term plans?
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| HT: |
"To take the band on the road and become a powerful musical act. In my heart, and my faith, I feel that the Prayer Warriors can make a difference in Cleveland and indeed the world. I just haven't heard of anything like us out there." |
