In the vibrant city of Detroit, Michigan, known as "The Motor City," a truly special musical duo has emerged, captivating audiences with their soul-stirring melodies. Prepare to be moved by the inspirational, contemporary gospel and smooth jazz powerhouse that is "Sounds of Imani," led by the dynamic husband-and-wife team of Gerald and Carol Ervin and their backing band. Their harmonious voices possess an undeniable magic, and it's no wonder they have been likened to the renowned sibling duo, BeBe and CeCe Winans. Yet, in this extraordinary case, their love story unfolds on stage, as they conclude each performance with a heartfelt center stage kiss, a testament to their enduring bond.
In 1996, Carol experienced a divine vision, igniting her passion to create a contemporary gospel group. Fuelled by unwavering faith, she assembled a group of talented local singers and musicians, originally naming them "Imani of Detroit." However, as their journey progressed, the name evolved to reflect their growth. With a crystal-clear vision and strategic planning, Carol enlisted the talents of four additional members. It was within this circle that Gerald, gifted with an abundance of expertise and experience from his time in the secular music world, was invited to audition for the group. Seizing the opportunity, he became their esteemed Public Relations representative. Little did they know, destiny was conspiring behind the scenes, weaving a divine plan that would forever change their lives.
Over time, as Gerald and Carol cultivated a deep friendship, music became the common thread that bound their hearts. Their connection soon blossomed into a love story for the ages, culminating in their marriage in 1999. Recognizing the profound harmony they shared, and remaining steadfast in their divine calling, Gerald and Carol made the courageous decision to forge ahead as a dynamic duo. Thus, the evocative name "Sounds of Imani" was born. "Imani" holds a powerful meaning - faith - a testament to the unwavering trust that has propelled this group forward. With their captivating performances of love songs, Sounds of Imani continues to grace various churches, special events, festivals, and even weddings, infusing each occasion with their heartfelt and awe-inspiring melodies.
In 2002, the group unveiled their first full-length album, "Revelation," which marked the beginning of a remarkable musical journey. Subsequently, they released a string of successful singles, including the resonating projects "Must Be an Angel" and "It's Alright," which garnered significant attention both domestically and overseas. These projects featured their velvety voices layered atop funky R&B tracks, complemented by exquisite ballads and a touch of jazz. Collaborating with producer Daron Steward, Gerald and Carol took an active role as Executive Producers on their independent label, Heaven-Wings Records.
Sounds of Imani's extraordinary talent has not gone unnoticed, earning them numerous accolades and awards, including recognition from the Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards, the Royal Society of Motion Picture Awards in India, and the Gospel Choice Music Awards, to name but a few. Their captivating performances have graced illustrious stages, such as Loren Harper's Legendary Soul of R&B, the Bloomfield Hills Arts Festival, Inner Court Live TV Show, Anointed Faces Gospel Coffee House, The Gathering in Nashville, Tennessee, the Gospel Choice Music Awards in Georgia, and the Jazz Explosion in Hart Plaza alongside the renowned saxophonist Yancyy.
Following the resounding success of their recent single, "Come Praise the Lord," produced by Gregory Pearson and Demetrius "Krayon" Nabors of Inner Court Music, Sounds of Imani is set to release a captivating "Come Praise the Lord Remix" in June 2023. This thrilling remix, produced by Marcus "Daheatmizer" Devine and Gregory Pearson Sr. of Inner Court Music, presents a vibrant house-mix version of the original, further showcasing their versatility and passion for innovative sounds.
Hailing from a city renowned for producing legendary musicians such as The Temptations, DeBarge, Stevie Wonder, the incomparable "Queen of Soul" Ms. Aretha Franklin, The Clark Sisters, The Winans, Fred Hammond, and Commissioned, Sounds of Imani carries the torch of musical excellence with grace and reverence. Prepare to be captivated and inspired as their melodic voices transport you to new heights, for the world can expect nothing less than brilliance from the enchanting "Sounds of Imani."
Sounds of Imani is an alluring contemporary gospel duo with a captivating blend of smooth jazz, backed by a talented supporting band. Rooted in a foundation of inspirational melodies, their repertoire is a harmonious fusion of gospel and secular influences that resonate with audiences across genres. The duo's musical journey is a tapestry woven with threads from legendary artists who have shaped their creative souls.
Drawing inspiration from iconic figures such as Walter and Tramaine Hawkins, the heavenly harmonies of Sounds of Imani transport listeners to a spiritual realm. They pay homage to the groundbreaking jazz sounds of Edwin Hawkins and the infectious rhythms of Earth, Wind & Fire, adding a dynamic range to their sonic palette. The influence of Kirk Whalum's jazz-filled covers and his masterpiece "The Gospel According to Jazz" is evident in their performances, creating an immersive experience for jazz enthusiasts.
Sounds of Imani embraces the soul-stirring jazz vocals of Patti Austin, while also embodying the timeless melodies of Atlantic Starr and the captivating artistry of BeBe and CeCe Winans. Their musical landscape is enriched by the powerful vocals of Helen Baylor and the soulful creations of Billy and Sarah Gaines. The captivating melodies of Rene and Angela, the melodic brilliance of Phil and Brenda Nicholas, and the passionate duets of Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack further contribute to the depth and diversity of their repertoire.
In their performances, Sounds of Imani not only deliver soulful renditions of smooth jazz cover songs but also infuse new life into inspirational tunes. Their original compilations, infused with jazz elements, showcase a unique and profound appreciation for the power of music to touch hearts and souls. Audiences can expect a transformative musical experience as Sounds of Imani takes the stage, seamlessly weaving together the rich tapestry of gospel and jazz influences.
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