Two Five Nine Christian a cappella group 259

The singing group Two Five Nine formed in October 1994. Originally, seven high school seniors from Mesa, Arizona made up the group: Porter Shumway, Greg Adams, Rob Gardner, Jeff Andersen, Jackson Wright, McKane Davis and Jeff Trapnell. In early 1995, the group performed for the first time under the name Two Five Nine for Westwood High School's talent show. The band's original intent was to perform only at the talent show; however, the overwhelming reception they received encouraged them to continue singing together. Requests for group performances poured in, so they wailing.

As 259's popularity grew and listeners requested a recording of their songs Two Five Nine decided to record their songs for family and friends. They called the eleven-song CD "Harmony," and released a small number of albums. Word spread quickly about "Harmony," and soon demand for the CD exceeded the quantity available. Eventually, Two Five Nine produced "Harmony" in mass quantity and released the album to the general public. All of "Harmony"'s songs were arranged by group member Rob Gardner (aided by Two Five Nine), and the songs "Two Five Nine," "Highwire" and "Change" were written by group member McKane Davis, with other group members aiding in the songwriting process.

After one year, the group recorded a religious CD they dubbed "Amen." The CD is a compilation of religious songs the group either wrote or arranged, or performed for church functions and meetings. Rob Gardner wrote the songs "Peace I Leave with You," "There are Angels" and "Press Forward" (co-written with Greg Adams). McKane Davis wrote "Two Little Boys." The members recorded the album to raise funds so that they could serve missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The album was recorded live at Orangewood studio in just two days. Two Five Nine has never used overdubs or voice doubling for any of their music. They stand in a circle around a group of microphones, start singing, and keep singing until they get a take they like. All songs are live takes, and have not been "doctored."

In 1995, Deseret Bookstores in Arizona began to carry "Amen" and "Harmony." Between December 1995 and October 1996, all seven group members left to serve two-year missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As they had hoped, the sales from "Amen" funded their missions. While they were gone, CD sales increased and group popularity grew. When the last member of the group returned home in October 1998, Two Five Nine reunited. Group member Jackson Wright married in January 1999 and family priorities did not permit him to travel with the group, so Drex Davis, also from Mesa, was added as a replacement.

The group members attended Brigham Young University in Provo, UT for winter semester 1999. During that time they worked on material for a third album, "Maximum Capacity," and then returned to Arizona for the summer to record and distribute the CD. Deseret Bookstores in Arizona, Utah, and other states nationwide now distribute Two Five Nine CDs and the group performs regularly in Arizona and Utah. They have now recorded a new religious CD, entitled "Witness," which will be released around Thanksgiving '99.

Two Five Nine's music has been described as alternative a cappella; however, the group does not categorize itself as a cappella because they incorporate acoustic guitars and other instruments into their songs. The group attributes their success to their unwillingness to be categorized as any single musical style. Behind the original arranging of Rob Gardner and the talented songwriting of both Gardner and McKane Davis, Two Five Nine has created a unique sound to accompany their original songs. This originality sets 259 apart from standard a cappella type groups. The new albums "Maximum Capacity" and "Witness" contain many new original songs. Look for them in Deseret Bookstores and other Christian bookstores nationwide.

Discography

Witness

After serving 2 year missions, the eight young men of 259 wanted to record an album of church music and "Witness" is just that; a complete album of traditional spirituals, hymns, and religious songs. Serving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, these boys take their missions seriously, hoping to bring all that listen a little closer to God. Since their first performance together 5 years ago, the band has inevitably matured in both style and sound. Their voices are strong and heralding with style. In 259 fashion, all songs are written and or arranged by 259.

2283 CD $14.98

Topic of discussion around the office lately has been 259! Though we arenÕt sure of the meaning of their name, we are sure that we enjoy listening to what they have to say and how they have to say it! "Maximum Capacity" is full of energy and originality and these young men will serenade you to the end with their breed of inspirational pop. The voices are completely real in all of their recordings following 259 stringent law of no trickery in the studio, though their voices are so rich in tone and blend so incredibly well together, who needs trickery. Some songs are lightly accompanied with guitar and piano, which we think is just fine. They stand around a few expensive microphones and just sing "Give me my 259!"

2282 CD $14.98

Amen

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Two Five Nine

Discography

Witness

Maximum Music

Amen

For More of The Primarily A Cappella On-Line Catalog

RSS - New Releases