Mencer, White, and Cheney, the name reminds me of a law firm, but it's not. It is one of the best up and coming groups in the Southern Gospel industry. Sheldon Mencer, Jonathan White, and Steve Cheney are not only great singers, but they are awesome songwriters as well. Their blend is especially outstanding considering they have only been singing together as a group for a little over two years.
Taking a lighter approach to this interview, we had a lot of fun talking with this delightful group. The now, fully grown men, had no trouble fondly remembering who their childhood super heroes were. As a matter of fact it was just like those heroes were still living today. Heroes such as the Lone Ranger, stick ponies, lunch boxes, imaginary friends, Johnny West and Tonka trucks made the list. I wondered how a Tonka truck could be super hero, but that's the answer they gave me.
I was curious as to what was in their CD players and they admitted to having Brian Free and Assurance, Jeff Nelson, a Praise and Worship artist, and Karen Peck and New River.
Stylistically, Mencer, White and Cheney describe themselves as Progressive Southern Gospel, and I would tend to agree with their description. The music they write helps to define their style as well. With all three members songwriters there is no end to the wealth of song material they have.
Many of their songs are inspired straight form the Word of God, but there are lots of ways they arrive at those songs. For instance, "I'm A Whosoever" came from something that they saw on a T-shirt. Many of their ideas come from their life experiences, conversations, book titles, and other things from everyday life. Of all the songs they have written and performed, the song, "I Talked To Someone About You Today," writen by Sheldon Mencer seems to really touch people as they minister.
Then I had one last question about songwriting that I had to ask. "What was it like the first time you heard someone else sing your song?" Interestingly, Steve and Sheldon went to see the Kingsmen sing one of their songs and they watched this little lady confined to a wheelchair, singing their song with the Kingsmen. They were so touched by watching the little handicapped lady being blessed by their song, that they don't even remember the Kingsmen singing it.
I asked them if there was any place that they would like to sing that they haven't already. They replied, "Africa." Now that is a lofty goal, to minister in a real mission field.
This is an outstanding group, and you should be hearing a lot more from them. Be listening for their current release, "I Just Can't Wait," and be sure to drop by Smryna, TN, Friday, July 30, 2004 as they will be one of the artists performing at the 2004 SoGospelNews Convention.
[url=http://www.mencerwhiteandcheney.com]http://www.mencerwhiteandcheney.com[/url]
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 03/14/2004
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 18
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I am so blessed to not only enjoy the music of M,W,C, but also to call them friends. What an amazing combination of talent the Lord has given to them! It has been so exciting to see the acceptance from fans and radio over the last couple of years. These guys are taking Southern Gospel forward and expanding its boundaries. Keep up the great work, guys!
Steve, Sheldon & Jonathan are more than just my friends. They are my brothers in Christ. Steve and Sheldon have proven themselves to be top notched songwriters and Jonathan is, in my opinion, one of the best tenor voices in the industry. I look forward with anticipation to what God has in store for these guys. :thumbsup:
I do agree that this group has a terrific quality and an outstanding lead singer. I would like a definition of "Progressive Southern Gospel" Progressive implies that there is something wrong with what isn't "progressive" This group maybe should be called "progressive contemporary" instead.
I am always confused by those who tend to see things in a negative light.
To clarify the term "Progressive Southern Gospel" let's define progressive.
According to Merriam Webster's Dictionary:
a : of, relating to, or characterized by progress
b : making use of or interested in new ideas, findings, or opportunities
c : of, relating to, or constituting an educational theory marked by emphasis on the individual child, informality of classroom procedure, and encouragement of self-expression
I think it is pretty logical to assume that "Progressive Southern Gospel" makes use of new ideas in music that aren't always found in the more "Traditional" sounds. This certainly does not make it better or worse than anything, it just makes is "progressive."
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Congrats again to Bubba and Sheldon and Steve. It just keeps getting better and better. Keep it up.
Jim, the term "Progressive Southern Gospel has beeen around for many years. Our awards even have a Progressive Southern Gospel category. There is nothing negative about being "Progressive". Susan is correct in her definition of Progessive ?southern Gospel.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
Deon and Susan, Thanks for the vote of confidence. We love your site and what you do for the Gospel. Some have said that we are "Progressive Southern" others have termed it in different ways. We just sing about Jesus Christ and what He can do in people's lives. If it happens to be a Progressive Southern song that reaches someone, great, or it may be a "country as cornbread" song such as "I Talked To Someone About You Today" that touches someone. Our main focus is not to be considered a certain style but to be considered Christians and Knowing what and Who we are singing about. Thank God that I do know Him and there is no better way to work for Him than to sing His praises. I just thank God that He has given us an opportunity to share this gift with others. By the way, I do love the term "Progressive Southern" and Susan, you hit it right on the head. We love you guys and really appreciate you! Keep up the great work!
To me these guys are just "Good Southern Gospel".. I don't need any other labels. MWC.. great job!
We have gone to many of Jonathan's concerts and he is a great singer,...we recently were privileged to hear this awesome group sing......we plan to attend every concert that is in our area...God bless you all and keep up the good work.....
I actually grew up seeing alot of the White family at campmeetings. The family would "sing the house down" on many occasions, & Jonathan was front & center. He could really sing back then, & has grown into someone Gospel Music can be proud of. His Christmas cd was my favorite this year! Check it out!
What a God-given talent these men have and I truly hope God uses them for many years to come! I remember the White Family from many years back - taught them, had them in Children's services, and enjoyed their singing! In fact I have a tape of them singing at our church which I enjoy! Keep up the good work! :thumbsup:
:blink: :hehe: :thumbsup: I liked Jonathan so much he sang at my wedding. We do our best to see him on those few times he or the group gets this far west. Keep up the good work. Denver, CO
:thumbsup: There is no greater talent in SGM.. progressive or whatever you want to call them!
For Jonathan, Sharon Fiala said I was to log on and say nice things about you. I will say several in our congregation have been trying to get Pastor Bob Shallenberger to have you guys come.
MW&C are a class act! I'm happy to call them my friends and I'm glad to see them get some recognition that they clearly deserve.
We've added I JUST CAN'T WAIT to our current play list at sglive365.com RADIO..
Great Sound! :thumbsup:
This group will be at SGN 5th Annual Convention...don't forget to make plans to attend!! Can't wait to work with you guys! :cool: :hehe:
Amy Marie
“If somebody makes me laugh, I’m his slave for life.”—Bette Midler
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