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On their IVORY COAST debut album FIRST FRUIT, Distinctive Praise, the Chicago, IL based Gospel group unveils a brand of heartfelt, harmony-laden Christian/Gospel that combines joyful exuberance with praise and worship.

Distinctive Praise’s tight-knit chemistry is apparent throughout FIRST FRUIT which was produced by noted recording artist Michael Manson, and consist entirely of the groups original compositions. Their effortless harmonies and seamless instrumental rapport are prominent on the album.

“I think it’s a good representation on who we are and our love for the Lord” says KC Fortenberry of the album. “Our concern wasn’t making it perfect or polished; we wanted it to be real and emotional”.

The members of Distinctive Praise have been making music for much of their lives developing their musical vision on their own terms free of the influence of musical trends. They grew up in families that were both musically included and church-oriented.

“We were all a little naïve when we started and we didn’t know anything about the music industry” KC notes. “But there’s always been a natural progression. From the start, there’s always been a series of little things that kept us motivated, and made us feel like we have something good going on over here”.

When it come time to record FIRST FRUIT Distinctive Praise found a sympathetic ear in Michael Manson. Michael kept everything organic and real. He was very respectful of our ideas, and he was very supportive and careful not to step on anybody’s toes. He seemed interested in capturing what we do, rather than imposing agenda on us.

The resulting album offers ample evidence of Distinctive Praise’s powerful musical bond. “We want it to last” KC concludes. “Of course we want to be successful. But if that didn’t happen for us, that wouldn’t stop us from making music for the Lord, because it’s what we love and what keeps us going”.