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Netflix is finally pulling the curtain back on Pharrell Williams’ latest musical project.
The “revolutionary choir” he set out to build last summer with his uncle, local Bishop Ezekiel Williams, will be revealed when the docuseries detailing its conception and creation debuts Friday.
You might even recognize a few faces among the group of singers, which has more than doubled in size to about 70 members since its inception, said Norfolk native Phil Thornton, senior vice president and general manager of RCA’s Inspiration record label. The label partnered with Williams to release the choir’s upcoming gospel records.
Named after the group itself, “Voices of Fire” follows both Williamses as they scout for top-tier talent in Hampton Roads and beyond.
In the trailer, Pharrell and his uncle are shown inside Norfolk’s Faith World Ministries, which was founded by Bishop Williams 15 years ago after he relocated from New Orleans to Virginia Beach, according to the religious organization’s website.
The 1-minute-and-10-second sneak peek is peppered with clips of infectious smiles, tears, inspirational singing and a very confident Pharrell, who half-way through reassures his team they’re on the cusp of building the “most awesome choir.”
“That’s the voice that could sing cancer out of a body,” Pharrell tells a singer after his audition, a humble grin spreading across the man’s face.
Thornton, who is a lifelong friend of Pharrell’s and his Neptunes co-producer, Chad Hugo, said it was no surprise when Pharrell approached him last year during the project’s development phase.
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“I’ve known Pharrell for 25 years and throughout his journey, he’s always been very vocal and upfront about his faith. That’s something that has been near and dear to him forever,” Thornton said in an interview. “His faith has always been there. It’s in his DNA.”
It’s truly awesome to see Pharrell give back to the gospel community, Thornton said.
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Thornton said the choir’s overall style will feel familiar to fans of the Virginia Beach native’s other music. Aside from it being another Neptunes production, the music itself perfectly blends traditional and contemporary gospel music.
“Gospel music is such a foundation for so many genres. It’s the roots for so many producers we know and love,” Thornton said, including Pharrell. “Musically, it’s incredible to see how this can stretch Pharrell and take him to another place he never even imagined.”
Thornton said the Netflix series debut and ensuing music releases will undoubtedly boost the genre’s positioning in popular music, just as Kanye West’s recent turn to gospel did.
With COVID continuing to complicate recording and making performances a no-go for the time being, Thornton said the label doesn’t have any firm details on when the choir’s first single premiere, but big plans are in the works including a full music release and several high-profile performances.
Once the music does drop, though, Thornton said fans will be “blown away by the level of talent” coming from the multi-generational and multi-cultural choir. So much so, he’s willing to bet that Netflix greenlights the series for another season.
“It’s unbelievable, but there’s something in the water, right? It’s V-A.”
Amy Poulter, 757-446-2705, amy.poulter@pilotonline.com