Sounds of Blackness | The 3rd Gift: Story, Song & Spirit

Gary Hines has always purposed to keep his audiences entertained, encouraged and edified.  These are three very impressive reasons as to why the musical choir and self-contained band he has directed for almost four decades – Sounds of Blackness – continue to manage a high standard of excellence in any genre of music and any audience they perform to.  Many R&B loyalists were first introduced to Sounds with a string of hits in the late eighties to mid-nineties – co-arranged and produced by fellow Minneapolis musicians Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.  But the group’s history stretches way back into the early seventies as pillars in African and African American culture through theatrical and concert presentations, and twelve recordings – their latest being The 3rd Gift.  Their longevity and accomplishments are astounding considering a lack of a representative chart topping albums or singles since their hit music reign.   Yet the Sounds have never compromised the power behind their original musical gifts to this day; staying true to their signature sound based off gospel and inspirational themes in both classic and contemporary arrangements.  

When the Sounds began as a private college choir in the Minneapolis area in 1969, who would have ever fathomed that one person two years later – such as Gary Hines – could completely revolutionize their direction in a short period of time.  After a permanent name change signifying their purpose to embrace African music history in all its glory, Hines and the Sounds pushed new boundaries in entertainment by producing theatrical shows.  One such show, The Night Before Christmas – A Musical Fantasy, was eventually showcased on a national scale on the Sounds’ second major label release on Jam and Lewis’ custom label Perspective Records.  

Besides entertaining the masses with their extraordinary repertoire utilizing blues, jazz, hip-hop and spirituals, The Sounds emphasize encouraging messages of hope and faith.  Their hit parade during the eighties and nineties were a breath of fresh air on the R&B charts:  “Hold On (Change Is Coming),” “Testify,” “Optimistic,” “I’m Going All The Way and “The Pressure” being a few examples.  After the Perspective Records era ended in 1997, Hines and the Sounds decided to lift their unique ministry to newer heights.  With Time For Healing, Unity, Reconciliation and The 3rd Gift, they started addressing more pressing issues in society including reconciliation, the realities of global war and the pressures causing domestic violence.      

Both Sounds faithful fans and those who simply appreciate inspirational music during our current troubling times like these will not be disappointed with The 3rd Gift.  Some of the more memorable moments include Hines’ innovative arrangements of Billie Holiday’s “God Bless The Child: and Marvin Gaye’s “God Is Love” without stripping either song’s lyrical intention.  A slightly laid-back update of “Optimistic” matches the intensity of the original take. The lively spirit of Africa is represented on “Harambee.”  “Healing” provides hope for those who are dealing with abuse issues.  Finally, what would a Sounds event be without a treasure chest of spirituals such as “Steal Away”, “Certainly Lord” and “Great Getting’ Up Mornin.’ “

With The 3rd Gift, Hines’ vision of entertainment, encouragement and edification to the masses still resonates true.  Quite frankly, there is no rhyme or reason as why The Sounds will ever drift from this mission statement as they continue bucking every trend known to musical mankind.