It's been a while since I did an album review here...especially of a current release!
The main reason for that is that I'm not by design an album reviewer...I tend to like what I like...and leave it up to everyone else to do likewise.
Tonight, however, a certain album has come to my attention...and I feel that people who visit this corner of the web ought to know it's out there.
It is by the Cerces...very good friends of mine, and dedicated singers devoted to minister to their audiences through their music.
Back in June of last year, they recorded a concert they did at Bethel Fellowship in Florissant, Missouri(a suburb of St. Louis)for release on CD and DVD.
What you think of this album will depend a lot on what you expect when you listen to or attend a gospel concert.
If, for example, you're looking for state-of-the-art video and audio production, for ostentatious, acrobatic singng, full of highs and lows, and melisma, and other devices so used(or abused)by singers of today, you're not likely to be overly satisfied here. The Cerces don't aspire for virtuosity, or try to take your breath away with their presentation.
If on the other hand, you enjoy straightforward, heartfelt singing of some of the best gospel songs written in the last 20-40 years or so, and if you like down to earth, unprententious stage presentation, and a group that strives to reach out to YOU as if you were the only person in the audience, you might find yourself enjoying the Cerces very much.
I have only seen the Cerces in person once in my life, in late 2006 in a small church in Bakersfield. Such intimate settings really find the group in their element, and their presentations really work in those kinds of places.
This is not to say that the Cerces would not charm an audience in a larger, auditorium-like setting, only trying to illustrate where I feel the Cerces are particularly effective. I don't know whether or not Bethel Fellowship is a large, medium sized, or small church.
Part of the reason I don't is...I was so taken by the Cerces' stage presence in this particular DVD, I didn't really pay attention to much else. This is why I suspect that they could be equally effective in any setting, provided they were "on their game".
Now, when I saw them in 2006, they had decent stage presence then...the people in that tiny church were attentive and taken with the unpretentious style of the group. I thought they were in this DVD as well.
And with such songs as "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God", "John The Baptist", "He Only Sees The Blood", "Give Me Jesus", "Refiner of Gold", "Sheep And Goats", "In God We Trust", and "Enduring Faith", how could someone looking for a good gospel message in song not notice, even for just a song or two?
And the friendly manner and personalities of Cliff Cerce and his wife Anita is refreshing to watch in this age of "American Idol", where it seems everyone who takes a stage is out to become the next big star, even among gospel singers. The two Cerces and lead singer Terry Yarham labor under no such delusions of grandeur, preferring to focus on their songs and the message in them.
Even the between song patter is not convoluted or scripted with stock jokes and lines(which too many gospel groups present as entertainment)used and recycled through many years and concerts. What you see when you see and hear the Cerces are themselves...for better or worse. This transparency and sincerity is the same kind of thing that made artists of the past like the old Couriers(who are role models and mentors to the Cerces, as they have been to so MANY artists over the years)the beloved artists they were.
Of course, even the nicest group of people in the world would not build a loyal fan base if they couldn't "carry the mail". And with the addition of Yarham on lead, the Cerces sound better every time I hear them anew. The improvement in their singing between that concert I saw in 2006 and this one(on both the CD and DVD)is so rapid, it is reminiscent to me of the Couriers' huge jump in skill from their first album(1958's "Beyond The Sunset")to their third(1960's "Answers Your Requests")or the reorganized Blackwood Brothers' similar improvement between 1956's "Hymn Sing"(their first 12" album for RCA)and 1958's "Stranger of Galilee". The Cerces have come a long way...and they're still coming!
Of the 18 songs on this project, my favorites are "He Only Sees The Blood", "What The World Needs Now Is Jesus", "Stepping In The Light", "Refiner Of Gold", and "Enduring Faith". I also appreciate their balance between songs with recorded tracks and songs they do with Cliff at the piano(Cliff is a fine veteran gospel pianist, by the way), a style which I personally prefer.
But again, it depends on what you look for in your gospel music. If flash and dash is your forte, you might not find enough in the Cerces' careful, thoughtful approach to moving songs with strong lyrics(although you will find a bit).
But if you like to see genuine, caring people present strong gospel songs with well-crafted lyrics, and see approachable singers who are real and true to themselves, you might want to check out "The Cerces: Live in St. Louis". I did, and I'm glad.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 06/05/2008
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Category: Southern Gospel Music
Comments: 1
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A few days ago I had the opportunity to view the Cerces' latest project on DVD.I was pleasantly surprised at the continuing improvement by Cliff,Anita and Terry.
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