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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I remember the Lesters from way back when I lived in the St Louis area. You transformed from the Lester Family, to the Lester Family with the Gateway Boys and Donna, then the Gateway Boys with Donna and Ginger, and now on to just the Lesters. Tell us a little about the history of the Lesters from the early days to now. Are there any future Lesters waiting in the wings?
Deon, since 1925 there has been a Lester Family. St. Louis has been home to this music ministry from the beginning. The name, Gateway Boys came about in the 60's when the Gateway Arch was built on the riverfront along the Mississippi River. St.Louis became known as the Gateway To The West. My Grandfather, Harvey (Pop Lester) decided to name the younger generation of the Lesters the Gateway Boys. Then after Curt Reed was drafted into the Army, Pop decided that my sister, Donna, could step in. Thus, began the Gateway Boys and Donna. Then Ginger, my younger sister, came onto the scene. Guess what? The Gateway Boys with Donna and Ginger came into existence. Different names, yet we were all the Lester Family. I loved it! You asked about other Lesters in the wings? My son, Jonathan travels as much as he can at this time. He represents the fourth generation of the Lesters. Deon, only God knows, but, yes there is hope for the Lesters to continue on.
How has the ministry of the Lesters changed since it was Mom and Pop Lester and Herschel and Alene? (Correct my spelling if you need to.)
The ministry never changes. It is the gospel message in song. As it was back then, it is still our desire to see people saved, to see lives changed, Christians encouraged, and to see God glorified in everything we do. The big difference is that we have a greater opportunity nowadays to reach more people because of the many different means of communication.
You traveled so long with mostly family, how is it different now?
Naturally. I miss the days of it being mostly family that traveled. It will always be a family ministry. By that, I mean that anyone who comes to be a part of the Lesters will always be made to feel as if they are a part of the Lester Family. Even though Trecia Cisneros, Liz McMillan, and David Parrett may not be blood relatives, they are who God has placed here. I believe they are here on purpose.
I know that you are an Ordained Baptist Minister. Does that work directly with the Lesters ministry?
Many years ago I knew that I had been called to sing the gospel. I surrendered my life to that calling. I am very grateful that the Lord uses the Lesters through the ministry of Gospel Music to share the word.
Many people may not know that you are an excellent drummer. Do you often get the opportunity to use that talent?
Deon, it has been a long time, hasn't it! Thank you for your kindness, but it has been a very long time since the days of drumming for me. At best, I hope I could still keep a decent rhythm.
The Lesters were the promoters extraordinaire of St. Louis in the 60s, 70, and 80s. What are you doing in the promoting arena now?
Actually, the main promotion the Lesters do is at Meramec Caverns. This October will mark the 39th Annual Fall Festival of Gospel Music. This is now a four day gospel music event and is a huge undertaking! And quite honestly, with our travels is all we can handle. the other promotion we do is also held at Meramec Caverns. (Get the picture? The Lesters LIVE in a cave!) The Lesters host an Easter Weekend Celebration. This event features the Lesters doing the singing and a cast of fifty friends that portray the crucifixion and the resurrection. This production is presented in pageantry and song the Saturday evening before Easter and Easter Sunday morning. The Easter weekend celebration has become an important outreach of the Lesters ministry.
Tell us a little about the lovely scene that you have on the side of your bus, or is it a picture that you carry to all of your concerts? (Help me out of this hole I've dug myself into)
Deon, I'm always digging a hole for myself. Actually, you are right on both counts. At one time, we did drive a tour bus that did have a picture of Meramec Caverns painted on the side. We were the only group in gospel music or in any music, I guess, whose bus was a rolling billboard. Needless to say, we got alot of looks and alot of questions. Now, We simply display a picture on our product table. Who knows. one of these days we may be traveling in another cave bus!
What one place would you love to sing at that the Lesters haven't made it to yet?
We've had the privilege to sing in so many wonderful places. Honestly, I really can't think of one certain location or building in particular. When you've sung in a cave like Meramec Caverns (God's Creation) what else is left except Heaven? That's the ultimate!
What's the funniest thing that you can remember happening on stage in all your years of traveling with the Lesters?
Probably, it was on a television set back when my Grandmother, Mom Lester, was living. I had made a big introduction about how the entire family was about to sing a great old Albert E. Brumley song, "I'll Fly Away." Well, the music started and needless to say it was not "I'll Fly Away"! It was a song entitled "Let Me Travel Along." For some unknown reason, we all just decided to play along and started singing the words to "I'll Fly Away" to the melody of "Let Me Travel Along"! It was a train wreck! One thing led to another and before you knew it, my sainted Grandmother started doing a little jig and flapping her arms like she was flying! I have never laughed so hard in my entire life! Not one of us could gain composure, so we had call off the rest of the filming for that day. This is actually on a video we released that included bloopers.
Is there anything that you would like to address that I haven't asked?
I'll just say that it is our desire to continue doing our best to share the gospel.
Be sure to visit The Lesters website at http://www.thelesters.com. And don't forget to see The Lesters ib concert, Wednesday, July 26, 2006 at the 7th Annual Gospel Music Fan Festival in Smyrna, TN
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 04/01/2006
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Thanks, Deon, for a great interview with Brian. I believe The Lesters are one of the greatest family groups in SGM & the least known to the general public.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
I've been singing bass with the Signature Quartet since we started out on this journey in Dec. 2000 Along the journey I have had the unique privilege of meeting several "National" Southern Gospel Artis. None have been as personal as the Lesters. As a matter of Fact, Ginger produced our first album ! Brian has been an encouraging inspiration to us all with his magnetic personality. Trecia is the best Soprano in the business . . . She is a "Singin' Machine." You just simply won't find a more genuine family in Southern Gospel !
Many years ago, Hershall Lester was nice enough to welcome 4 corn-fed girls from Sikeston, Missouri to sing at his singings. My mother and her sisters were The Tolbert Sisters in those days, and some of their fondest memories were singing with The Lesters. The Lesters have always been a kind family who loved the Lord and loved to sing. Time flies, but precious memories are forever. God bless you, Lester Family -- and thank you!
Thank you for hi-liting the Lesters ministry. The always have the tightest harmony of any mixed group on the road, and their life speaks volumnes for the Lord
Being from St. Louis, I may be a bit biased, but I do believe the Lesters have always been underrated. Songs like "He'll Only Need It For The Weekend" should have easily been top 5 material but barely hit the top 40. However, their focus has remained on ministry and their fan base is loyal so the legacy will carry on!!
Just a wonderful family; sincere; they live what they sing about. I've known Brian and the family since he stood on a accordian case to sing in the microphone. They're "real people".
I've been a Lester's fan ever since I was saved in 1962. Mom and Pop Lester were wonderful, Godly, humble, down-to-earth people, and those characteristics ho9ld true with the rest of the family. Having lived in St. Louis until 2003, I spent many a wonderful hour at the old Kingsland Theatre on Gravois, listening to the Southern Gospel groups that the Lester's brought in. I can almost smell the popcorn and taste the home made pie. I requested a song by the Lester's on the one So. Gospel station her in Sumter, SC, and to my disappointment they had none.
JUST A BIG... T H A N K Y O U
Thanks Deon for finally giving the Lesters their due. I have known Brian Lester and his family since I was knee high to a grasshopper it seems and they are some of the finest folks anywhere! Brian has even let me bang the ole' skins for them a time ot two over the years. I miss Mom & Pop and Herschel since their passings, I miss Donna, Dan & Ginger as well, but know that Dan & Ginger are following their calling as well. Nobody sings "He Didn't Throw The Clay Away" like Brian and he is a wonderful choice as emcee at the NQC as well. God Bless and keep smilin' Brian.
The Lesters are vastly underrated in terms of popularity within the SG industry. They don't overly-market themselves. That's not their focus. Their focus is on people, not on themselves. Their sound is tight. They communicate the message in their songs well. Liz has been a great addition. She has a rich, full voice. They all are so genuine. Going to hear them sing is like going to church, not just going to a concert.
I love Your Song you sing. I would like to know where I could get the Sheet music for this song.
i remember back in the 70's when i first got to meet and hear the Lester family down in Salem MO. at Corinth Babtist church. My sister fell head over heels for Brian lol but seriously, i thought they were such a blessing through their music. I too am a gospel singer but i remember that i was so jealous of Ginger, even though i knew we were not supposed to be jealous. I learned every one of their songs so i could sing them but i am sure i probably didn't do them any justice. I just love the Lord and love singing for Him. God Bless the Lester family.
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