~ “MAXIMUM EXPOSURE SHOWCASE” ~ With your host: (Bruce Hawes, Composer) continues with new music from the singers and the musicians of the gospel-music recording-act, “SOUNDS OF IMANI” featuring: “Gerald and Carol Ervin.” BH wrote: I spoke with Mr Gerald Ervin of the group, “Sound Of Imani Ministry” a few days ago, just to get more information about him, his wife and his group. In our conversation, I discovered that Gerald was a very talented man with a rich music industry history, performing with multiple hit-music-making groups and bands. First, I asked him where did he lived and where he was raised. Brief Bio: Gerald Ervin was born in Detroit Michigan. Growing up in his hometown as a youth, he began to play drums in his church. Then as a teenager, he began his professional career working as a road manager for his cousin, who happens to be the talented leader of the “Detroit Emeralds,” James Mitchell Jr., who sang the hit song: “You want It You Got It.” Later his cousin enrolled Gerald in a group named , “Chapter 8” who other members included the great soulful singer, “Anita Baker.” After spending sometime with this group, he then went on to sing with the “Floaters ,“ whose number 1 Hot R&B Chart hit-song was: “Float On.” After leaving the (Floaters), Gerald decided to go back to his church-roots, and began his road towards his music-ministry. When he was invited to join another group he audition, and also spent a brief time with this group. This is when he met his wife, Carol. Together they left this singing group and were married. That is when they began their own gospel-music group that they named: “Sounds Of Imani.” In the language, Swahili, the word (“Imani”) means, “FAITH.” Music and song review: I listened to several songs performed by the “SOUNDS OF IMANI,” at their sound cloud site and I enjoyed all of them. But today, the song that I am featuring here at “The Bruce Hawes Creative Arts Site”: entitled :“ “FLY AWAY,” has mass appeal. Not only does it have religious significance, but if you listen carefully to the words of this song, you might think the song is referring to a life-relationship. But isn’t that what religion is? Isn’t religion a relationship with a higher power or being? I say yes! And you may relate this song to your own personal relationships that you are having with someone. Gerald and Carol wrote all of the songs along with another talented gentleman named, Daron Stewart. Their sincere approach to their music is quite apparent as you listen to each of their songs. They don’t scream-out loud in their music the word “faith,” but as I listened, I immediately realized that Gerald, Carol, and Deron, were genuine, and they were committed to their belief in God, and in their faith. Or, as stated in Swahili: (“Imani Katika Mungu”). Because of “Faith” this group was led to present their music to me. And this is why I must say: “This group, “SOUNDS OF IMANI MINISTRY,” their sincerity, has touched me deeply. That is why I have featured them today. The “SOUNDS OF IMANI” are so endorsed by me. And their music is recommended for everyone to listen and enjoy their sounds of faith… Fly Away by: "Sounds of Imani"
