BYRON CAGE - Recorded LIVE at New Birth Cathedral - Atlanta,
GA. -
"To everyone who will listen to this recording, my prayer is
that it will bring you closer to His presence, and be the Balm
of Gilead in times of uncertainty. Be encouraged and stay in His
presence." - Byron Cage
On the back of his CD insert, the following positive scripture
of encouragement and Cage's personal application of it sets the
premise of his CD, which is love, trust, and worship the Lord and
staying in His presence, depending on Him for the strength, power
to sustain us no matter what the circumstances. Cage picked the
scripture from Paul's letter, Galations 6:9: "Let us not grow
weary in doing well. For in due season we will reap if we faint
not."
Waiting for God's time isn't easy, but Cage waited patiently
and as you noticed above, doors were opened for his unique music
ministry. His personal prayer of thanksgiving was also printed
on his CD insert. "Thank you Lord for sustaining me during a very
difficult seven years of waiting and isolation. I didn't understand
in the natural, but thank you that in the spirit Your plan for
my life was on course all along. God I love You more today. Even
more than yesterday."
With this debut BYRON CAGE CD, this spiritually inspired, gifted
music minister Byron Cage, supported by fine musical accompaniment
and talented backup singers, including the accomplished Kurt Carr
Choir, truly encourages the listener to rejoice in the Lord always,
through remembering who He is and worship Him for His goodness,
faithfulness, His enduring love and the hope we have in Him, despite
the circumstances in our lives.
Byron Cage' s fabulous producer, noted perfectionist Kurt Carr,
through his own musical gifts, insight, and inspiration from the
Holy Spirit, makes sure that the songs, some of which were composed
by Carr himself, are performed at the highest level of musicianship.
As the producer of this fine CD, Kurt Carr puts it all together,
working along side with Byron Cage to give the listening audience
a collection of Praise and Worship music that more than fulfills
Byron Cage's music ministry goals.
This uplifting CD not only offers an interesting variety of Praise
and Worship contemporary Gospel music that appeals to people of
all races, and all cultures, and all generations, but is also
the perfect vehicle to pump up a person's resolve and faith in
the Lord during good times, and bad times as well. These sometimes
lively, sometimes reverent, spiritually uplifting Praise and Worship
songs inspire a person's faith and hope in the Lord, in order
to get out of the doldrums of discouragement when life gets rough
with trials, pain, and difficulties. They take the focus off the
individual and redirect the listener to our wonderful Lord, worthy
of our praise, who loves us, upholds us, is merciful and faithful
and will never leave us in our hour of need.
Whether you are new to Praise and Worship Gospel music, or an
experienced listener, this CD will be a blessing as it was to
this reviewer, because it speaks to one's soul, and inspires a
closer walk with the Lord through praise,worship and thanksgiving,
making it the perfect cure for discouragement, negativity and
self-pity. If you are down before listening to this CD, chances
are you won't be after experiencing, soaking in the wonderful
music on this CD, BYRON CAGE.
Sample of His Songs
The first two songs are wonderful, energetic praise songs which
energize the Holy Spirit in the audience and performers, getting
this Praise and Worship CD off to an uplifting start.
* MAGNIFY - by Michael Brooks - Bless the Lord, o my soul, and
everything That's within me. We will Bless His holy name. (Reminds
me of Psalm 103)
Crisp, syncopated 1/2 step intervals, played by a cooking horn
section, starts the introduction out with a bang. Light drums,
guitar supports rhythm, soft organ chords support the main melody.
Horns come back in at the chorus. Dynamics swell at appropriate
times during the song. Full Gospel choir sound in nice harmonies
back up the main vocals, sung with feeling by Byron, nicely.
Lyrical Samples: (Byron comments: "We came to magnify the King
of Kings, Jesus is his name.")
He is so worthy of all the praise. Oh come magnify Him, Jesus
is His name. Honor and Glory belong to Him. Oh Come Magnify Him
Jesus is His name. Bow down before Him lift up holy hands unto
Him.*- First time -Byron sings alone. **2nd time: Choir chimes
in too.
Chorus: Come magnify Him. Jesus is His name. King of kings,
Lord of Lords. Those who we worship and adore, Everybody praise
Him. Come magnify Him. Jesus is His name Bless His name, Bless
His name (We praise your name).
Worthy Lamb, Worthy Lamb, Worthy Lamb of God. Worthy Lamb, worthy
lamb, worthy Lamb of God.
THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD IS HERE - Composed by Kurt Carr.
Starts with simple piano chords, with vocals of Byron, sung
solemnly. With each additional verse, organ, guitars play accents.
Second time through with choir, drums take it up to a fast swing
tempo, with piano, guitars, horns, and organ, joining in
with a lot of energy. Byron leads by saying the phrase before
the choir sings it. Interesting dotted note meter (swing feeling)
and 1/2 step up in key change, between each verse, and at the
coda. Song builds to a joyful conclusion.
Lyrical Samples:
The presence of the Lord is here, The presence of the Lord is
here. I can feel it in the atmosphere. The presence of the Lord
is here, the presence of the Lord is here.
The spirit of the Lord is here. The spirit of the Lord is here.
I can feel it in the atmosphere. The spirit of the Lord is here.
The spirit of the Lord is here.
The power of the Lord is here......................... I can
feel it in the atmosphere. The power of the Lord is here. The
power of the Lord is here. A blessing from the Lord is here......
Chorus: Everybody blow the trumpet, and sound the alarm, Because
the Lord is in the temple, let everybody know. Let all the people
praise Him now. The Lord is here. The blessing of the Lord is
here.
Coda: (Choir) I can feel the presence of the Lord, and I'm going
to get my blessing right now.................10x
Byron Cage: (Sung to a driving rhythm) "Can't you see him workin'
on the outside, I can feel Him movin' on the inside, so come and
enter in, and cast your cares on Him, He'll open up a window ahead
to pull you out of your sickness...................He brings everything
you need; Healin' power and victory, so its all up to you, whatever
you need Him to do, to trust Him and believe Him"......
* THOU ART A SHIELD FOR ME: PSALM 3 - by: Freda Tapp.
Described as a "moving ballad of encouragement, and an offering
of praise to God for His deliverance in times of trouble."
A prayerful hymn of worship, supported by nice supportive piano,
horns, strings, light drums, nice harmonies in the choir, and
the sweet voice of Byron all brings the song to life. Nice dynamics
throughout the song. Strings, light drums, touch of bongos, organ,
guitar plays counter melody, all which supports the lovely melody
of the vocals. The songs softens down at the coda to just the
worship and prayer time lead by Cage, for a few measures.
Byron Cage says, " In that particular Psalm, David is running
from his son Absalom, who was trying to kill him. There's a very
human side to all of us that cries out to the Lord in times of
trouble and situations where we feel overwhelmed by life's circumstances.
But in all we go through, we need to remember that the Lord is
a shield for us, just as He was for David."
Lyrical Samples:
2) I cried unto the Lord with my voice, And He heard me out
of His holy hill. I laid me down and I slept. I awakened for
the Lord sustained me.
Chorus: But Thou O Lord are a shield for me. My glory, You lift
my head. But Thou o Lord art a shield for me. You're my glory,
the lifter up of my head.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people. That set themselves
against me round about. I will not be afraid of ten thousands
of people. That set themselves against me round about.
Coda: Thank you for lifting, Thank you for lifting, thank you
for lifting my head.(Worship and prayer time) Thank you Jesus,
Come-on , give Him your worship......
* THERE IS A NAME - by Kurt Carr. - Described as "a deeply worshipful
proclamation and glorification of the name of Jesus Christ."
Another great worship song, with a beautiful melody, in piano,
organ, strings. Great vocals by Byron and lovely harmonies in
the choir. Has great dynamics that build and diminish with the
song.
Byron Cage says, "I think that song is destined to become a
classic because it's a universal song of worship that crosses
all lines of culture and ethnicity. It states the simple but powerful
promises we can count on when we call upon Christ."
Lyrical Sample:
Chorus 1: There is a name, There is a name, There is a name,
There is a name, Precious name, Bless that Name. O Jesus there
is a name. O Jesus there is a name.
There's healing in the name, Healing in the name Healing in
the name, Healing in the name, Precious name, Bless that name.
O Jesus, there is a name, O Jesus there is a name.
Chorus 2: Glory to that name. Glory to that name. Bless that
name. O Jesus, there is a name, O Jesus there is a name.
Coda: I'll forever praise that name. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.
Byron Cage Medley:
* GLORY SONG - By Byron Cage.
Starts with a catchy, perky Latin rhythm, which is established
by drums, piano in introduction. Piano plays a running counter
melody which supports the main melody until chorus when organ
and strings join in. Dynamics again increase throughout the songs.
Crisp, precise vocals by chorus support the rhythm and the melody.
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus: Lord we glorify You And we lift You up. Serving You
oh Lord is a privilege. I'm gonna lift You up...(repeat)
Solo: From the rising sun, thank you Jesus. Group: I'm gonna
lift You up.
Solo: Until the sun is long gone, Group: I'm gonna lift You
up.
Solo: Oh Lord, You're worthy of the praise. Group: I'm gonna
lift You up.
Solo: And I think I'll praise You all my days. Group: I'm gonna
lift You up.
Special: Glory, Honor, Might, Power, Worthy, Jesus. I'm gonna
lift You up. Chorus.
YET PRAISE HIM - by Byron Cage - A praise song that really cooks!
Drums, piano, guitars keep the rhythm driving forward. Melody
carried by choir. Byron leads in the singing by saying the phrases
first, but does join in, during some parts of the song.
Lyrical Samples: Yet praise Him, Magnify the Lord! Yet praise
Him, Magnify the Lord!
Clap your hands all ye people. Shout unto the Lord with praise,
sing unto the Lord, A new song. Shout unto the Lord with praise.
Sing unto Him all the earth. Make a joyful sound and bless His
holy name. Let the high praises of God be heard. Sing unto Him
all the earth.
Yet praise Him, Magnify the Lord, Yet praise Him, in trouble,
We lift You up.
I will bless the Lord at all times. Send Up the praises in His
name. I will shout cause I have victory. How majestic is Thy name.
Lift the praises, Loud up high. Satan, We have come to tear your
kingdom down.
SHABACH - Tobias Fox - Another victorious praise song that really
moves with drums, piano and organ, with strings and horns playing
embellishments. This song is sure to get you dancing around the
room, forgetting your troubles as you praise the Lord along with
Cage and choir!!!
Chorus 1: Shabach hallelujah, Shabach, praise the Lord.
Yadah extend your hand, Todah lift up your hands, Tehillah means
to sing. Hallel means to celebrate, Kara means to dance, dance,
dance, dance!
Chorus 2: Shabach hallelujah, blessed be the rock, Shabach hallelujah,
blessed be the rock....... (Byron comments: "Worship isn't based
on how you feel. You know that God has been too good to you for
you to look at me as if I'm crazy"....) -(Philippians 4:4, 1 Thess.
5:16)
The next three songs are beautifully done, and flow into one
another, lifting up one's spirit in worship, in praise of the
Lord, filling one with a peace and joy, helping one to forget
one's trials and turn the focus on the Lord and what He has done
for the individual.
* THAT'S WHAT YOU ARE TO ME - by Kurt Carr A prayerful, worship
song of praise and thanksgiving, which would be at home in any
denominational worship service. Song has a beautiful introduction
with a lovely melody using organ, and guitar. Piano, strings join
in for the verses. Flowing melody carried by straight forward
vocals, with traditional harmony. Byron Cage makes this a personal
song of praise in the second verse, encouraging the audience to
remember how the Lord has comforted them.
Lyrical Samples:
1) Lord, I love to call You Holy, for Holy is what You are to
me. Lord, I love to call You Holy, for Holy is what you are, yes,
Holy is what you are, Holy is what you are to me.
2) Lord, I love to call You Father.(When my father wasn't there,
thank you that your loving arms embraced me. Come on, He's comforted
you in your time) A Father is what You are to me. Lord, I love
to call You Father. A Father is what You are, A Father is what
You are, A Father is what You are to me.
3) Lord, I love to call You faithful. Faithful is what You are
to me. Lord, I love to call You faithful.
Faithful, Faithful, Faithful is what You are to me. Lord I love
to sing Your praises, Praise is what You are to me. Lord I love
to sing Your praises, For praise is what You are. Yes, praise
is what You are. Praise is what You are to me.
* IT IS TO YOU - By Donnie McClurkin
First time through, the women in the choir sing this lovely,
full melody song of praise, with strong harmonies. Second time
through the men and Byron Cage join in. Song builds in dynamics
and then quiets down again.
Lyrical Samples:
It is to You I give the glory, it is to You I give the praise.
For You have done so much for me And I will bless Your holy name.
It is to You holy Father, No one like You.
And I will bless Your name, Bless Your name, Bless Your name
And I will bless Your name, Forever more.
* GLORY TO YOUR NAME - by Jimmy Fisher
This is the third worship-praise song in this series, that builds
in dynamics and intensity until the finale. Has an easy rhythm,
strong melody that flows over the listener, as the lyrics sink
into your heart and lift your spirit in thanksgiving.
Lyrical Samples:
Glory to Your name, Glory to Your name, Glory to Your name,
Forever You are the same. We worship and adore You. We bow ourselves
before You. Giving You the glory, that is due Your name.
Vamp: We magnify Your name, Glorify Your name, Oh God. Thank
you Jesus!
NEVER TOO BUSY - by Brent Jones (Col. 3:17, 1 Thess. 5:18)
A worship song sung like a mini-sermon, with a nice melody, soulful
flavor, that builds in dynamics and intensity. Only the organ
accompanies Byron Cage's heart-felt vocals in the spirit of the
composition, full of feeling, in the style of a soulful, Gospel
tune.
Lyrical Samples:
Listen, As You climb the ladder of success, And the blessings
come pouring in, Make sure, you're never too busy to praise Him.
As He wakes you up everyday, don't forget to lift your hands
up, and give Him praise. Make sure, you're never too busy to praise
Him.
You gotta trust Him in everything you do, And all these things
will be added unto you. Make sure you're never too busy to praise
Him.
Because He's been so good, He's been too kind For you to push
Him away, And say that he won't mind. Praise Him, Praise Him ,
Blessed Savior......
* STILL SAY YES - by Thomas Whitfield.
It is only fitting that Byron ends his CD with a song by his
mentor and friend, Thomas Whitfield. This traditional style, fast-paced,
toe tapping Gospel praise song, raises the rafters and pumps up
one's spirit and morale. It has a fast 2 beat tempo, driven on
by the drums. Organ, piano, horns, and guitars are all really cooking,
adding a lot of spirit and enthusiasm to the song, fully supporting
the full choir and Byron Cage's energetic vocals. All efforts
come together to bring the song to life, in a manner that would
have pleased the late Thomas Whitfield. The song builds in dynamics
and intensity until the glorious conclusion, ending the CD on
a spirit-raising, hopeful resolution to not faint in our trials,
but to run the race to the end. (Philippians 3:12-14)
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus: I still say yes, No matter what the test. I still say
yes, No matter what the test, I still say yes, No matter what
the test.
Going on over, going on over, in His name, Moving by the power
of Jesus name.
Got to cross over By His blood, Gotta keep Satan, on the run.
Gotta keep prayin', gotta keep saying Yes.
2nd Chorus: Still say yes, my soul says yes....................................
Yes to Your will, Lord, Yes to Your will. Yes to Your way, Lord,
Yes to Your way. Yes to Your word, Lord. Yes to Your words. Yes
all the day, Yes, in the good. Yes in the bad.......
Reviewed by Julie Carr / ChristianMusic.com
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