Local quartet working for success
By Jolanda Brown
For the St. Louis American
“We want to rise as a legendary female quartet group. We want to freshen up a traditional form of music and have longevity as a female group,” Lydia Jones said.
Jones is a member of the gospel quartet Jewell & Converted. The group began singing about four years ago, but Jones just joined last year. Since then, the group signed a recording contract with Phoenix Records in June of this year and is completing their first release, which they hope will be available by the first of the year.
“It is traditional gospel mixed with contemporary jazz and R&B. We have a very broad influence. We don’t want to get locked into just one style of music,” Jones said.
The close-knit group of talented singers is comprised of Jewell Brown-Chesser, Ann Thomas, Bablen White, Ni’Asia Hatch, Latrice Hatten and Lydia Jones. Jones said she has known Chesser since she was a child when their fathers both sang in local quartets and belonged to the now-defunct Quartets on Parade, a local organization established to support the unique art form.
Traditionally, members of quartet groups were men, especially those groups that achieved success in the gospel music industry. Now Jewell & Converted hope to follow in their footsteps while bringing a fresh take on a traditional classic.
“I grew up singing quartet-style music. I’ve been doing it now for over 20 years,” 35-year-old Jones said.
Jewel & Converted has toured with such legends as Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s, the Jackson Southernaires, Evelyn Turrentine-Agee and the Williams Brothers. Chesser writes all of the music with her two sons, who are also in the band. The group has a requirement that all members have a church home.
“We want to live what we are singing about. Our music is a ministry and we want to reach out to people and help them with our music. Sometimes you can hear a song and it can help you get through,” Jones said.
Each of the women has singing in her blood. Chesser’s father taught quartets and both of Jones’ parents sang gospel. Thomas, White and Hatch all sang in choirs and other groups before joining Jewell & Converted. The quartet has won several awards, including an Excelsisa Award, which is comparable to a Grammy.
All of the members have regular jobs to support themselves, but they hope to become successful enough as a group to quit their day jobs.
“The Bible says that your gift will take care of you. Until then, we have to work,” said Jones.
Jewell & Converted recently completed a live recording for a new CD. A release date has not been set for the untitled CD, but the group has performances lined up at a Christmas concert December 18 and the American Gospel Quartet Convention in January. Last year they were the featured artists at the convention.
“We are excited that they have so much confidence in our talent,” Jones said. “It feels good to know that someone believes in us.”
For booking information or details about upcoming concerts, contact manager Jewell Chesser at (314) 428-1667.
