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. Up until 2001, we were once part of various choirs, ensembles and groups under the direction of Sylvia Cotton; and until more recently, were a weekly ministry at a local church in Anaheim Hills for 3 years (under the leadership of former pastor, Chuck Obremski) where Sylvia served as Worship Director.

One thing, however, was bothersome to us: 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.

In 2001, Sylvia 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--the "boomers", the "gen-x'rs", the "wanters" who are SPIRITUALLY hungry and looking to sample something that nourishes the soul. We appeal to the "individualistic-minded" middle, yet-seasoned aged ones who enjoy and appreciate cultured, sophisticated, "let it just linger for a while" developed music. Those to whom the WORD is the most powerful central issue of their heart--those persons looking for truth.

In our mode of evangelism, we seek to share the things we've seen and heard, something that's akin to some of the New Testament ideals. 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. For you see, we've been touched by the hand of God...

The Sylvia Cotton Singers' first CD project, "Somewhere There Is SomeOne" is available. The album is available through numerous internet sites and on their website (http://www.Ohorecords.com). Visit us on MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/sylviacottonsingers)