Akron, OH – 2005

A musical CD that combines songs of hope and encouragement with counseling skills? That’s the intent of Carla J. Davis, an Akron-area gospel singer, who has released her first solo CD titled “Garment of Praise.”

Using the Scripture Philemon 1:20 “refresh my heart in the Lord” as the basis, Davis says “the message in the songs presented is one of hope and healing, even when in those valley situations. I am absolutely convinced praising God is the conduit to healing our minds. It represents therapy at its best – doing away with the “stinking thinking” that often derails our God-given purpose in life.” Davis selected the songs based on the musical genre and the lyrical content. Styles represented are jazz, acoustic, orchestral, swing and ballad, among others.

The melodic title track, “Garment of Praise,” was written in 2003 by former Akronite and Houston resident Minister Michael L. Pickett upon the death of Columbia shuttle astronaut Lt. Michael Anderson and presented to his widow, Sandy, at Anderson’s memorial. Based on Isaiah 61:3, the lyrics encourage the listener to “put on the garment of praise.”

Gifted musician and arranger, Brian Megilligan, of the Chapel (Green Campus) performed and arranged three songs, including the soaring orchestral string arrangement on “No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus,” performed by members of the Chapel orchestra.

Talented Akron musician and song writer Rod Stewart wrote three tracks, “Glorify Him,” “My Little Praise” and “Gospel Swing.” Additional tracks are by noted musician Charles Myricks, Jr. (“Be God for Me” and “Here’s My Heart”) and Anthony Watters (“On the Cross”).

Having traveled nationally and abroad, “Instilling a word of hope through song” summarizes Carla Davis’ mission in ministry. Davis has shared her faith through song in Paris, France, Birmingham, England, and Cape Town and Durban, South Africa. Carla believes God has called her to encourage and exhort persons – particularly women – to persevere in their journey of faith in Jesus Christ.

She has performed professionally at The Chapel in Akron; on Trinity Broadcast Network’s “Praise the Lord!” program on local affiliate WDLI; with the Ohio Ballet; with the Akron Symphony Orchestra’s acclaimed Gospel Meets Symphony; as featured soloist on “The National Anthem” with the Akron Symphony Orchestra at the City of Akron’s Fourth of July fireworks; at the Bill Gaither and Friends benefit concert; at the Harvey S. Firestone statue rededication during Firestone Tire and Rubber Company’s centennial celebration, and at numerous conferences workshops, and retreats.

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She is also a member of the gospel-recording group, Divine Hope, which was named Artist of the Year in 1992 by Star Song Records. Davis is the musical director for Rise, Sally, Rise, Inc., a workshop ministry founded by Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett that specializes in anxiety disorders in African-American women. Davis holds a Master’s degree in Pastoral Clinical Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. She is a member of the Board of Trustees at Haven of Rest Ministries rescue mission and Akron Symphony.

The CD is available at 2 Live Music (Vern Odom Blvd), Barnes & Noble (Montrose location), and Cornerstone (Canton Rd.) local music and bookstores, Arlington Church of God in Akron and may also be obtained by e-mail at info@carladavis.com or by visiting www.carladavis.com