This group of singers hail from "Disneyland" country! "Music that touches you where you wonder" best describes our music and "multi-facted" best describes us musically and individually. The fact we utilize varied forms of music is what separates us from most others. Our music and lyrics are not overly simplified; but rather, entwined with a blend of non-traditional musical textures and tones. You WILL feel this music.
The Sylvia Cotton Singers
For many years, our group has enjoyed tremendous success ministering at hundreds of venues, events and churches throughout Southern California, at national conventions, fairs and festivals and on TV and radio. The Sylvia Cotton Singers, up until 2001, were once part of various choirs, ensembles and groups under the direction of Sylvia Cotton. However, one thing was obvious and equally as bothersome-- our music was like that of most other groups seen and heard--unoriginal, recycled and impersonal for us. We longed for something "tailored" to our particular groove, personal style and intellect.
Believing gospel and inspirational music must first touch the minister in a worshipful way before it can be effectively ministered, we longed for this type of emotional experience with our music. Then came the answer to our prayer and our desire became a reality.
Sylvia Cotton, our group's director, began the journey of writing songs in what seemed to be "from out of no where." Although she possesses extensive formal training in music and has vast experience in directing, teaching, and performing with choirs and as a solo artist (both as a vocalist and musician), it was her grasp of the music, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that set our group on a different course of ministry.
How can we describe the music? "Cool" arrangements, "warm" harmonies with "eclectic" style. Our listeners' responses have been, "Where did they come from?", "Why haven't we heard this type of music before now?", "This is a breath of fresh air!" Impacting the community in this way is like cracking open an egg--a delicate undertaking, yet a satisfying source of nourishment. And, what's the reaction of those who have known us for a long time?...utter amazement!
What did all this mean? Simply--God was leading in a different direction from where we had been and was equipping us with the tools necessary to go a step higher, a little farther, and a little longer with a whole lot more.
Can we be compared to those youthful teens, 'tweeners, or twenty-something groups out there making music in the urban contemporary field? No, and for various reasons! We hail from that sector of the population who seem to have been "left behind" musically. The "boomers", the "Gen-X'rs", those "individualists" who are spiritually hungry and looking to sample that which would be nourishment for their souls. Those middle, yet-seasoned aged" ones who enjoy and appreciate cultured, sophisticated, and developed "let it just linger for a while" music. Each of us has LIFE experiences that have allowed us to bear witness to ALL of the lyrics we sing. We can "claim" the song before we share it. We can say, "I know what this means 'cause I've lived this--I KNOW what you're going through." This is undeniably where our passion comes from.
The Sylvia Cotton Singers will debut their first album, "Somewhere There Is SomeOne" this Fall, 2006. The album will be available through numerous internet sites and on their website (http://www.Ohorecords.com). Visit us on MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/sylviacottonsingers)
Bios of members
Sylvia: A "lifer" in the world of music. Singing, playing piano, leading and directing groups and choirs for decades now, Sylvia only hopes to do more for Christ, pressing toward the best He has for her. She settles for nothing, doesn't stop short of the mark, yet exudes confidence and credibility necessary in ministry.
Allan: The consummate "Entertainer" and Professional DJ whose job has put music in the ears and hearts of TENS OF THOUSANDS won't stop in his ministry until the music God has planted in his heart has reached tens of thousands for Christ! Allan's gratitude of the love of God is his motivation to reach others.
Pam: "Dr. Pamela" as she's most known. This lady exudes exceptional professionalism as her profession dictates (Obstetrics Anesthesiologist!). Pamela's dedication to the Lord is unparalleled and she strives earnestly to keep not just her voice, but her "heart" in tune with the Lord.
Paige: God has shown much mercy and tender loving grace in strengthening this lady during the struggles of her early young adult life when the enemy wanted both her body and her soul. A corporate sales manager in the foods industry, Paige has a tremendous love of Christ and sings to help bring the message her Lord to others. She wants all the world to know if Christ can be there for her, He'll be there for you!