4 singers blend harmonies to create One Clear Voice

They've all had successful musical careers on their own — doing everything from studio work to theatrical productions to creating singing/songwriting albums. But together, they become One Clear Voice, the newest women's group to come from Inspirational Music Showcase/Sounds of Zion.

Tanya Barkdull, Johanne Perry, Tammy Robinson and LaRene Tinney have worked together here and there along the way, but coming together as a group has been a fun and exciting venture, they say. "You can't imagine anything more fun than spending time with these women," says Barkdull. "We all get along so well."

Robinson has enjoyed seeing what each member brings to the group. "We each have different strengths," she says. "It's incredible to be part of a group with such strengths to draw on. When we come together, it all rounds out to make a whole."

The group has found a unique kind of harmony, both on and off stage. "We all have totally different voices," says Perry. "But they all blend."

"We balance each other musically and emotionally," adds Barkdull.

"We joke that four brains have become one," says Tinney.

The group has just finished its first CD, also called "One Clear Voice," named for the group as well as the Peter Cetera song on the album that inspired their name choice. "It just seems to fit so perfectly with everything we want to do," says Earl Madsen of Sounds of Zion.

The formation of the group, he says, came about because of the "women-of-faith" movement that is very big in Nashville these days, which basically involves country stars coming together to sing inspirational songs. "We thought we should try that in our market. As we mulled over who would be good to do it, these names kept popping up."

The women all have extensive musical backgrounds.

Tinney grew up in California. "I grew up performing — singing and dancing." She's also done a lot of theater. "That's how I met my husband, Dave. As our kids came along, I put that side on hold and did more studio work. I like the performing aspect more than studio. But I've also found your talents shift to where you are in life."

Barkdull also started early, turning professional at age 12. At age 15, she began doing work for commercials, campaigns that include ABC-TV, "The Tonight Show," "Wheel of Fortune," Velveeta's Shells and Cheese, Smith's supermarkets and Legacy Auto, to name a few.