Variety, so they say, is the spice of life. And I am always excited when an artist or group shows me some variety. In fact, many times, by the time I finish listening to a new CD, I’m bored – even if it was a good project. I just like variety. So, when I saw the title of The Cerces’ latest project, I was looking forward to popping it into the CD player. And it didn’t let me down.
Right off the bat, they deliver a “happening” version of the classic, “I’ll Walk Them Golden Stairs.” The production is first class with a great orchestral track. Neil Enloe’s “Loaves and Fishes” comes up next. Then we are treated to “Absolutely Positively,” an upbeat affirmation of faith in God’s provision.
“No Wonder They Call Him the Savior,” written by Gary S. Paxton slows down the pace. It has a “blues” feel, with good saxophone work. Next, “He’s Always Made A Way” picks up the pace and gets your toes to tapping. The traditional, “Jesus Saves” precedes “No Place To Hide,” another toe-tapper. More Phil Enloe songs, “Put Your Hope In Jesus”, “Refiner of Gold”, a moving inspirational song, and the snappy “God Is Good” come up next.
Dottie Rambo’s classic “I Go To The Rock” swings in next, featuring their newest member, Darin Kasterke. It is followed by the old spiritual, “Ezekiel Saw The Wheel.” The project closes out with the moving “He’ll Understand And Say ‘Well Done’” and “Homecoming.”
Variety is a good title for this project. It not only showcases a variety of good songs, it also shows that The Cerces are not a uni-dimensional group. They can do the Southern Gospel three chords and a cloud of dust, but they can also blend the tight harmonies required by inspirational or more progressive Gospel music. The tracks on this project are outstanding. Some of the best I’ve heard. And The Cerces, Cliff, Anita and Darin, have sung their hearts out.
My favorites from this project are “Refiner of Gold”, “I’ll Walk Them Golden Stairs”, and “He’ll Understand and Say ‘Well Done’”. This project will be welcomed by all The Cerces’ fans, and by the new fans they will inevitably win as the fan out over a wider area, singing across the country. You can find more about The Cerces at http://www.thecerces.com
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 01/01/2005
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Category: ReviewsCD Reviews
Comments: 9
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I agree with the revue. The Cerces new albumn is great, and I too feel Refiner of Gold is an excelent song. Knowing Cliff, Anita and Darin personally, their desire is to serve God most of all and use the talents god has given them for Him. They do a great job in their concerts and this new project is great as well. I would give it a 4 myself.
A good revue of the Cerces new CD. In fact I did something I rarely have done. When I received the CD from Cliff Cerce I started to play it. Usually I will play a couple of tunes and then go on to something else. This time I was "compelled" to keep listening and when the final song was played I had been weeping and rejoicing in my spirit. The entire album had blessed me so much. I immediately called Cliff and expressed my feelings to him. I sensed that as the revuer said, "They had sung their hearts out on the CD". Heart goes a long way in my books. I have heard and been around many great singers, but heart means more than anything to me.
Thanks for the nice comment, George. You folks at KWFC have been very good to us over the years.
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I can also add my voice to the chorus here...in the small segments of the Cerces' CD I had the opportunity to hear...it indeed sounded "from the heart"...you can tell they love to sing...the right way...in the solos I heard, Cliff's voice was reminiscent of former Couriers Quartet baritone Don Baldwin...in both the sound and the energy he displayed! If you like good songs sung from love and the heart, you will enjoy the Cerces!
This album did not let me down. Having heard this trio on several occasions I am more and more impressed with thier tight 3 part harmony, the variety of the music they do and the absolute certianty that they truely live what they are singing and have made hard and sometimes painful sacfafice's to do what God has led them to do. I hope to see and hear much more in the coming months and years from this dynamic young group.
If you love SGM as I do, you will love "The Variety of The Cerces". And If you love wonderful singers, and Christians with great personality-you will love The Cerces with Cliff,Anita and Darin Kasterke. Cliff worked with and produced for The Couriers, James Blackwood and Rev. Dan Betzer, Anita is the daughter of Buck Smith of the well known Royal Masters Quartet from Birmingham, Ala., and Darin fits right in and rounds out the group. I thank God for groups like The Cerces.
Working for a 24/7 SG signal, I get many projects for review. All of them get the prayerful consideration of my listening ears to determine if they would reflect the attitude of my show and be a blessing to those who hear it over the air. Every once and awhile, I get a CD that I hear with my heart and I really like it when that happens! The Cerces have such a project! Thanks for the blessing of your music!!
Great job, guys!
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