Our music is a gift from God, say a group of young women featured on a new Bermuda gospel album.

The release of the 'Women of Substance' album featuring Priscilla Warren, Ashley Smith, Lauren Easton, Lisa R. Trott, Riché Robinson and McCartney Darrell coincides with a gospel concert tomorrow.

"Singing is a gift," said Ms Robinson.

"I started singing at age 11 in solos and choirs. Now, most of my singing is done at the Glory Temple New Testament Church of God. I am on the Challenge of Praise team. I do that every week.

"Singing is something special. It is God-given. I don't think I am this fabulous singer at all. But I am grateful to God that he would give me that kind of gift. So I am very excited about celebrating him and the gift he has given me."

Ms Robinson is currently studying psychology through an online programme with the University of Phoenix.

She works full-time as supervisor of registrations at the Registrar of Companies. But singing is not simply a sideline for her; it is a passion.

Concert and album organiser Myron Brangman, of DMB productions, said he organised the concert to give young women like Ms Robinson an opportunity they otherwise would not have had.

"When they are not a group, they are putting together their own work in the community," said Mr. Brangman.

"Everything is fresh. None of them have ever recorded before."

He said putting together the album and concert was a vision from God. "I used to go to different churches," he said.

"I was impressed by different ladies who were singing. So I talked with the studio, Just Platinum, and we discussed who I wanted to be on the album."

Although none of the women are full-time singers, they still manage to work singing into their everyday lives.

Lisa R. Trott is a teacher at Elliot Primary school.

"I use singing at school," she said. "For example, a teacher needed a song about responsibility for assembly, so she asked for my help. I just threw something together. But the kids picked up on it.

"Now when I go into the classroom, the teacher will tell her students 'go ahead, sing it for Miss Trott'. I try to write songs for my students that are simple and catchy.

"I collaborated with our music teacher and we sang a song at 'Spring into the Arts', an annual celebration of youth music across the island."

Miss Trott has been singing since she was a child.

"My parents, Harry and the late Ruth Trott, were both singers. They use to sing in quartets. There was always music in the house."

Singer Priscilla Warren is from Franklin, Virginia. "A girlfriend of mine moved here and met Mr. Brangman," said Ms Warren.

"When he started talking about the concert, she said 'oh, I have the perfect girl for you'.

"I am so grateful that the fact that I am American didn't stop anything. I have been working on albums here and there, but nothing compared to what will be released here."

Ms Warren, who works for a housing authority, said her job was stressful right now and singing was a great stress-reliever.

"It is a joy-bringer," she said. "Singing and writing for me is a release. You have an opportunity to create something when there is nothing."

Some of the songs she has been writing lately look at the different stresses people face in today's world.

"A lot of the songs that I write talk about what is going on in the world today, but it also has to do with worship," she said. "If you can just keep your mind on God, rather than what you are dealing with, he will keep rewarding you."

Ms Robinson said her songs often come when she is going through a hard time.

"Then I say, 'OK, I guess I was going through that so I could write this'. He sends it to you."

Miss Trott said she finds inspiration when driving her car.

"A lot of songs don't even get written down," she said.

"So I have to say, OK that song was for that moment. Then you just move on."

The Women of Substance performers range in age. Lauren Easton is a teenager and was the 2007 Teen Idol.

Other women in the group are in their 20s and 30s.

"McCartney Darrell probably has the most experience as she has sung with the top gospel artists," said Mr. Brangman.

"She has worked with Israel Houghton and his group 'Israel & New Breed'.

"She comes with a lot of experience."

Mr. Brangman doesn't do any singing himself; he just likes to put "stuff" together.

A few years ago he was part of a play at City Hall called 'From the Womb to the Cross'.

He also put together Bermuda's first men only church service at Southside Glory Temple. His event producing was put on hold when he experienced some health problems but he is back in business now with his first showcase of local female gospel talent.

The concert is at the Heritage Worship Centre on Dundonald Street in Hamilton tomorrow (Saturday, July 4) at 8 p.m.

Special honorees will be Saadia Bean and Dr. Joyce V. Chesley-Hayward. Admission is $30. Children under 12 are free.

Tickets are available at the Heritage Bookstore and the Christian Bookstore.

For more information about the album contact 747-2880 or 335-4265.