April 1, 2009 8:57 AM
- Text
"J4" Hoping For "V" For Victory
(CBS)
It's not often that a musical group gets to perform in public for the first time in front of millions of people.
But that's exactly what's in store for "J4," from rural Bluff City, Tenn.
They're the latest of six finalists being announced for The Early Show's "Singing Family Face Off," and when they appear on the show, taking on another family finalist, it will be the first time they've ever played together before an audience.
The four brothers and sisters range in age from seven-to-fourteen. The oldest two have played for a couple of years for services at the church across the street, where their dad, Mark, is pastor.
You'll understand how "J4" got its name when you see its members' names:
Jessi is 15 and plays guitar and violin and sings.
Jedidiah (also known as Jeddi) is 13 and plays drums and piano.
Josiah, 8, plays violin and guitar and sings backup.
Josephine, 7, plays keyboard.
Mark travels the country as a gospel singer, so that may be where the family talent comes from.
The mom, Lori Smith, writes most of the band's original music and coordinates their outfits.
The children are all home-schooled, including daily practice of their instruments.
"Since my dad is pastor," Jessi says, "I've been going to church for like my whole life."
But Jeddi admits, "Over in church, it's usually hymns and older stuff; there's nothing exciting about it."
"We believe music is a gift from God," Mark adds, "and whatever style they want to use -- that's their choice."
Jeddi says J4's up-tempo sound wasn't really influenced by any musicians he can think of.
Nonetheless, says Lori, "This is a wonderful way for them to express their feelings and have a voice and use their talent at the same time."
As for being part of a family group, Jessi says, "I enjoy playing with my brothers and sister. That just makes it better."
"We can actually get along and play together and work together!" Jeddi points out.
"We get along," says Jodiah. "Well, sometimes we don't, but we can fix it!"
"We're all pretty young," Jeddi reflects, "so we could do it a while. I plan to do it until we're just too old to do it anymore or one of us goes to college or something."
The Early Show searched for months, going through hundreds of videos submitted by family bands, then narrowed the field to six finalists.
Each weekday morning from Feb. 16 through Feb. 23, Price will be surprising the six family finalists with the big news, live on The Early Show.
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, the competition begins with live performances in The Early Show studio. Vote for your favorite online each week! The winning family will be announced April 1.
At stake: a deal with CBS Records!
But that's exactly what's in store for "J4," from rural Bluff City, Tenn.
They're the latest of six finalists being announced for The Early Show's "Singing Family Face Off," and when they appear on the show, taking on another family finalist, it will be the first time they've ever played together before an audience.
The four brothers and sisters range in age from seven-to-fourteen. The oldest two have played for a couple of years for services at the church across the street, where their dad, Mark, is pastor.
You'll understand how "J4" got its name when you see its members' names:
Mark travels the country as a gospel singer, so that may be where the family talent comes from.
The mom, Lori Smith, writes most of the band's original music and coordinates their outfits.
The children are all home-schooled, including daily practice of their instruments.
"Since my dad is pastor," Jessi says, "I've been going to church for like my whole life."
But Jeddi admits, "Over in church, it's usually hymns and older stuff; there's nothing exciting about it."
"We believe music is a gift from God," Mark adds, "and whatever style they want to use -- that's their choice."
Jeddi says J4's up-tempo sound wasn't really influenced by any musicians he can think of.
Nonetheless, says Lori, "This is a wonderful way for them to express their feelings and have a voice and use their talent at the same time."
As for being part of a family group, Jessi says, "I enjoy playing with my brothers and sister. That just makes it better."
"We can actually get along and play together and work together!" Jeddi points out.
"We get along," says Jodiah. "Well, sometimes we don't, but we can fix it!"
"We're all pretty young," Jeddi reflects, "so we could do it a while. I plan to do it until we're just too old to do it anymore or one of us goes to college or something."
The Early Show searched for months, going through hundreds of videos submitted by family bands, then narrowed the field to six finalists.
Each weekday morning from Feb. 16 through Feb. 23, Price will be surprising the six family finalists with the big news, live on The Early Show.
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, the competition begins with live performances in The Early Show studio. Vote for your favorite online each week! The winning family will be announced April 1.
At stake: a deal with CBS Records!
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