From NuWave to Fortitude

From the South Side of Chicago — where gospel music found its voice more than eight decades ago — comes Fortitude (Jamie Simond, Cinque Cullar, Leon “Rock” Guyton and Teddy Jackson). Originally the Stellar nominated NuWave, the group has been reborn as Fortitude with the same tight harmonies, only richer and more robust. I dare you to listen to these guys and not think “early Boyz II Men.”

Their first CD as Fortitude was released last month, and it has all the components of a winner: strong urban beats, superb harmonies, crystal-clear production, and two songs that have crossover potential. These two gospel ballads, “In Your Arms” and “Where You Go,” are fine amalgams of black gospel and CCM. Both are delivered with so much passion that they are by far the most outstanding tracks on the project. These two songs are alone worth the price of the CD.

I had the opportunity to hear these gentlemen sing live and they are consummate musicians and genuinely good people. They just might have another Stellar nomination — and their first win — in their future.

Fortitude — now available on Word Records.