Mercy’s Mark Quartet - Mercy’s Mark, ReviewsCD Review

Sep

2004

Mercy’s Mark Quartet - Mercy’s Mark

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Label: Daywind Records
Producer: Garry Jones
Website: http://www.mercysmark.com
Song Titles: "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," "Another One Like Him," "Who Is This King," "I'm On The Battlefield," "His Response," "This Jordan," "I've Crossed This Valley Before," "I Got It," "Soldier On," "We Shall See Heaven Someday," and "In Awe"

Mercy's Mark earns high marks for song selection, track, and vocal performance quality on their debut self-titled CD. Printed lyrics aren't included with the product, but the packaging quality is everything you'd expect from a Tier 1 artist otherwise. Garry Jones pulls a triple role for this recording, functioning as producer, baritone singer, and player . . . and doing all three quite well. Jones is joined on vocals by former Journeyman tenor Anthony Facello , Josh Feemster at lead, and bass vocalist Chris West .

The project begins with a tight a cappella rendition of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." Remember Gold City 's a cappella CD that Jones produced in 1993? This arrangement would have been right at home on that project. Chris West turns in a solid performance on the next tune "Another One Like Him." West's voice reminds me of Jeff Pearles . . . big, robust and very melodic as opposed to growling. I did noticed a minor pitch waver on the end of the song, but nothing too obvious. "Who Is This King" deserves a mention, also. Jones and Niles Borop co-wrote the tune in 1996, and it subsequently appeared in a choral release arranged by Tom Fettke and Camp Kirkland titled Lord Of Lords . "Who Is This King" is a powerful ballad that builds to a strong climax at the end.

From there, the CD more or less alternates between lighter/upbeat tunes, and slower/anthemic numbers. "I'm On The Battlefield," "This Jordan," "I Got It," and "We Shall See Heaven Someday" are all uplifting and get the toes to tapping. "His Response," "I've Crossed This Valley Before," "Soldier On," and "In Awe" give the listener time to fully absorb the message in each lyric. I enjoyed the modern rhythmic treatment of "I'm On The Battlefield" in particular . "I Got It" was my least favorite cut on the CD, due to the sheer number of phrases that end with the word "it." Of the slower tunes, I like the understated quality of the first half of "Soldier On," and the way it builds up on the last chorus for a contrast."In Awe" is a particularly nice acousitic guitar based arrangement to have at the end of this recording.

My analysis is that the debut from Mercy's Mark sounds like it was put together by seasoned professionals. I'd expect no less from Garry Jones. I deducted a half star for the lack of printed lyrics in the CD booklet and the one wavering pitch on what should have been a sustained ending chord, but don't let that deter you from enjoying this outstanding recording. It's great to hear another excellent male quartet in Southern Gospel.

Reader Comments

I think this debut recording from Mercy's Mark is wonderful! I had been anticipating their first major project because I knew with Garry involved it would be outstanding & that it is! You would have thought these men had been together much longer than a few weeks when this was recorded. I believe there are great things in store for Garry & his group.

God is good all the time & all the time God is good.

Elaine Harcourt

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/01/2004

This is, by far, probably the best recording to come out this whole year. I didn't catch the flaw you mentioned David on the end of "Another One Like Him." I'll have to go back and listen.

"His Response" is my personal favorite, as is "I Got it." For some reason, I just love "I Got it." It's a cool song.

I would have given the CD 5 stars. It is a massive recording of awesome proportions. Magnificent arrangements, cool music tracks and stellar vocals.

It is the best Anthony Facello has ever sounded. I always thought he sounded a bit strained in the past, but Gary brought the best out of him. I am a new Facello fan because of this recording. He has excellent tones and a pleasing sound and can hit the high notes without squeeling or screaming or sounding strained.

Chris West, if he stays in the forefront of SGM, will become one of the best bass singers in SGM.

This group blows all the other groups out of the water. Big sound, big arrangements...just what I love.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/01/2004

This CD didn't really do much for me. It is not a bad CD. In fact, Chris West and Anthony Facello have both improved since their Men of Music and Journeymen days. But IMO it only has about 4 songs that are real standouts, "Another One Like Him," "Battlefield," "We Shall See Heaven (which has still been recorded multiple times)," and "In Awe." There is nothing really interesting about this CD other than the fact that is a new quartet. Not a bad album, but not a very interesting one either.

Commented by Alan Kendall On 10/02/2004

I'm with you James, I'd have given this one 5 stars. I listened four times with headphones blaring and never heard the wavering pitch. I also agree that "I Got It" is one of the beter songs on the recording. I don't think that not having lyrics on the insert is enough to take away a half star, but, hey, it's David's review. No matter what, this is a great recording.

Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog

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Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/02/2004

I purchase pretty much every major quartet album that comes out. I always have high expectations and many times I'm let down. Not true with Mercy's Mark! I was blown away by the blend this new group has. It is the best CD I have purchased all year.

"I've Got It" should be a radio release. It's a catchy tune with great lyrics. Not a day goes by that I don't find myself humming or singing that song.

I didn't notice the pitch waiver on "Another One Like Him." However I didn't notice that on "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" the vocal tuner was set to tight when Anthony came out on his solo line. It didn't allow his vibrato to fully resinate. I noticed the same problem a few other times on the CD as well.

Still a great CD that every Southern Gospel lover must own.

Commented by Daniel Ball On 10/02/2004

Deon, trust me, it's there. I write all my reviews while listening thru studio quality reference monitors. It's not the type of thing I can imagine happening, because it's in the same spot every time.

Alan, I was impressed by the overall technical quality of this CD, but I thought it could have used some more risks. Comparing this CD to Integrity's _Home Free_ (which is not as technically perfect . . . not the greatest mix, in spots), I felt Mercy's Mark could have stepped up the energy level a notch on vocals. On the other hand, this is just their first CD together . . . and as a first CD, I think it's very, very good.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/04/2004

I agree that Anthony sounds a little stronger on this album than with the Journeymen. But in fairness, The Journeymen have their best lineup ever. Their new album is Awesome. Chris West is very solid on the low part. Josh if he keeps it up could possibly become an icon in this industry. Can't remember a lead singer this good for some time. I can't identify with the comparison to Integrity?? David sutton has too many pitch problems and I'm not a big fan of Clayton Inman, despite how talented I think his son and Eric Bennett are. Mercy's Mark is anchored in all 4 parts which is a rarity in many groups today. I personally loved this album and think it ranks among the greats for debut albums. Look out SGM because this quartet is definitely got it all.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/04/2004

By the way, this review is based on the retail version of the CD that was being sold at NQC by the group . . . not the pre-release that was mailed out a couple months ago. Those mixes are often different.

Dan, on the comparison to Integrity, I was just saying I would probably have kept Mercy's Mark at that 5 star level if they had a little more of a spontaneous/live type feel on their CD like Integrity has on _Home Free_. A Gold City comparison may have been better, but I haven't heard Gold City's latest CD yet. Their last one, _Walk The Talk_, though, is another good example of well thought out production combined with great songs and a spontaneous feeling vocal delivery. Mercy's Mark hits on all these levels and does a great job of it, but could go a little further with selling their songs in terms of energy.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/04/2004

This is an awesome project! Gary has to be one of the best producers in the business! If you haven't "Got It", you need to "Get It". I also enjoy "Southern Classics Vol 1". Both CD's are worh picking up. IMHO, vocally Mercy's Mark can't be beat! There are doing some great things as a group! Keep up the Outstanding Work!

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/08/2004

You've made sood points David. Even still though, there seems to be nothing unique about this group to me yet. Singing is fine, but it sounds just like half the other quartets in the industry. Good point in the fact that it's just their first CD. Maybe they can find their niche better on their next one.

Commented by Alan Kendall On 10/17/2004

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