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 takes
it up to a fast swing tempo, with piano and guitars and 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 al 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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