Byron Gibbs of Boston says we are our brother's keeper, and he'll tell you why if you allow his vocal stylings to bend your ear for a few moments.

The former Hermitage resident said he has messages people need to hear, but he doesn't use pencil and paper to tell them. He employs his voice to touch hearts and souls.

Soon Gibbs' vocals will be featured on a new contemporary gospel album, which he hopes to debut by November.

"I think sometimes I get overwhelmed because I realize how much of a responsibility it is to be a messenger," the soft-spoken Gibbs said Sunday. "But it has to be inspired because the music I write ... it's too clean, too perfect."