A Bermudian gospel group that began 15 years ago when two sisters wanted to get other children in their church singing, has grown into a fully fledged music producing group called 'Praiz'.

Praiz director Judith Mills said she always wanted to sing gospel music in a band.

"My sister, Helen Paynter and I came up with the name," Ms Mills said.

"We used to sing in church and choirs. We played with a band. We wanted to gather up the church's youth to do different things, like at Christmas and youth services."

She said that the band started back up again in 2001 after members "went their separate ways in life".

But this week she said: "It's great to be in a band with the rest of the girls. We have a unique blend of vocals.

"We do not sound like other groups because we can combine our different talents."

As director, Ms Mills not only sings but organises appearances for Praiz, as well as writing letters and doing other administration work.

The single they produced is called "His eye is on the sparrow", she said.

"This is traditionally sung in a slow sultry beat. Our version is kicked up a notch with a Caribbean flair that is sure to have you dancing and praising the Lord."

The song is also featured on their upcoming untitled album, produced by Wesley Hall.

"He is producing the album, most of which is original material," Ms Mills said.

The CD single was produced totally in Bermuda.

"It was recorded at the Kingdom First Ministry on Cemetery Road, Pembroke," she said. The CD's were manufactured here as well, right down to the album cover.

However, the CD is not available in local music stores.

Currently, it is only available on their website, www.praiz.net, but Ms Dill said copies of the single might be appearing in stores soon.

"In the next few weeks we will be working to get a copy to the Christian Bookstore to see if they are interested to put them on," she said.

Praiz has already performed at J-Splash Beach Bash at Clearwater Beach on July 24, 2004.

They also played in February for Black History Month at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium.

"We play various functions, like birthday parties and youth functions," Ms Mills said.

The group will perform at the Wesley Methodist Church tomorrow and November 14. They will appear at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church on November 21.

"While over the years some members have come and gone, the vision of the group has remained the same ? to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through the gift of music," she said.