'New' Prosody reaches for more varied sound

R&B band Prosody.

The R&B band Prosody is a new name on the local scene, but those attending the group's concert/DVD shoot on Saturday at the New Daisy Theater may recognize some faces among the members.

Until a few months ago, some members played together under the name 1 Akord, a popular soul band that has been around since 2003. The group changed its name last August when keyboardist Marcus Malone, vocalist Decarlo Williams and drummer Wallace Walker III joined bassist Johnathan "J-Bass" Rayborn and guitarist Carlos "Blaquechild" Strong.

"We wanted to start off fresh and new," says Walker. "We had a few new members that we added, and we just wanted to show a new ownership."

The members of the new group are still likely familiar to many music fans and churchgoers even if they never saw 1 Akord. Most of the players have experience in high school or church bands. Malone has backed up Darrel Petties as well as Hezekiah Walker, Angela Spivey, and many others. His cousins Rayborn and Strong, likewise have long resumes that include gigs with Petties, Kirk Franklin, Smokie Norful, among others.

Despite their strong rooting in the church, the sound Prosody is after is very much a commercial one. Rayborn describes 1Akord as a traditional Memphis soul outfit. But in its new identity, Prosody is reaching for a much more varied sound.

"We've been singing in church all our lives, and that's really the soul of the group," Rayborn says. "The sound has progressed tremendously beyond that, from a more organic feel to a more well-rounded type of sound. At first it was more of that Memphis feel. Now we've got elements of soul still, but also elements of pop, elements of blues, and gospel."

That sound will be evident on Prosody's upcoming debut release, featuring original songs by Strong and Malone and production work by Walker. Unfortunately, the record suffered a setback when producer/engineer Skip McQuinn, with whom the band's members had worked since 2003, died suddenly in October.

"That was a real blow," says Rayborn, who adds that the band is still shooting for a spring release. "When it comes out, there's definitely going to be a dedication to Skip for everything that he's done to help us with it."

Prosody with guests B. Dot and C.J. Tate

Saturday at the New Daisy Theater, 3330 Beale St. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets: $10 in advance. For advance tickets, call (901) 490-2725 or (901) 654-7959. For more information, visit facebook.com/prosodymusiq or newdaisy.com.

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