About Me
ERNIE SAUNDERS, a native of CHESTER, PA, was a GIANT in the field of Gospel Music, not because he had made many recordings or garnered countless awards. He was a Giant because he took what GOD gave him and used it tirelessly to bring God Glory. He took the things that the world called "limitations" and impossibilties", and proved that GOD'S WAYS are not Our Ways, neither are HIS THOUGHTS Our Thoughts. Ernie became a Musical prodigy at the age of 6, and LITERALLY mastered the Piano and Organ SINGLE HANDEDLY.
His pursuits in Ministry progressed in High School and especially at Lincoln University, where he created a Gospel Choir that remains unmatched. He used his own life and challenges to witness to others that THROUGH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. The result of his influence was the tremendous following he had of college choir members who then joined NEW JERUSALEM C.O.G.I.C in Twin Oaks, PA, where Ernie was then Minister of Music. Many of those same members remained a part of his Music Ministry even beyond New Jerusalem Chuch. From State Choirs to the Nationally Acclaimed WILMINGTON-CHESTER MASS CHOIR, Ernie Saunders was a pressence much sought after. The impact of his gft and THAT VOICE that defied even Nature, helped to change lives and strenthen the Call and Vision in others.
He was definitely one of the Special Features of the World Reknowned MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY CHOIR under the supreme directorate of DR NATHAN M. CARTER. He WOWED audiences both here in th US, as well as other countries such as KENYA, RWANDA, ISRAEL, THE CANARY ISLAND and THE CARIBBEAN with his amazing talent and extraordinary abilty. What confounded and astounded those audiences was that Ernie excelled not only in Gospel Music, but also in Classical Performance. His technique and skill both VOCALLY and INSTRUMENTALLY constantly affirmed GOD'S AWESOME POWER. One of the most memorable performances with MORGAN STATE was as the soloist of Dr Carter's arrangement of GREAT IS THY FAITHFULLNESS during the televised concert, MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY CHOIR'S 25th CELEBRATION. Ernie's voice is crisp and resonant, rising to zenith heights atop the chorus. "... MORNING BY MORNING, NEW MERCIES I SEE... " The 1996 concert airs on Public Broadcasting Networks to this day, and continues to be one of it's Biggest Fund Raisers EVER. *********************************************** A NEW BEGINNING is a stunning tapestry
of Voice, Lyric and true Musicianship.
Here, the voice is unique not only because of its rich and seemingly endless COUNTER-TENOR RANGE, but also because it impresses the listener with substantive vocalism rather than the meaningless and all too typical clutter of riffs, grunts and growls.
It opens with the spirited A NEW BEGINNING pronouncing, with authority that "JESUS Is The Way".
Ernie fashions his musical abilities on keyboards as well as vocals
with skill and aplomb.
KEEPER OF MY SOUL weaves intricate harmonies with remarkably fresh chord progressions and driving Bass lines (Tyrone T-BONE Blandford) that inspire and compel.
The highlight of the CD is unquestionably I WORSHIP YOU (Gerald Pierce). Once again his approach is intelligent, focusing soley on the infectious melody and unforgettable chorus. With each refrain, the listener is quieted and comtemplative, satisfied AND inspired.
The atmosphere of Worship continues beautifully with GIVE HIM THE GLORY, the only song on the CD penned by Ernie, himself. The soar from middle register to its octave is astounding. A NEW BEGINNING invites and justifies Praise with Abandon. Your opportunity to sing, clap, dance and even cry unto the Lord is made readily available by this man who's life and commitment to Ministry make for a Testimony BOLD and TRUE. We are sorely disadvantaged by the passing of this very gifted AND anointed artist in 2004, but his Life and Purpose remain in the Legacy of his music. Our Loss is Truly Heaven's Gain. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ And OVER MY HEAD... I HEAR MUSIC IN THE AIR!
