Search - Byron Cage :: Live at New Birth Cathedral

Awesome Anointed Recording!!

Andrea R. Williams | Washington, DC United States | 02/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Byron Cage is best known for his passion for praise and worship. Newly dubbed "The Prince of Praise", this gifted musician and recording artist has blessed the gospel community for years with such songs as Shabach, Yet Praise Him and Jesus Will Fix It. The six-time Stellar Award nominee not only is a recording artist, but a minister, choir director, producer, and actor.

Cage has just released this new project. It's his third; his first in six years. His first two projects on AIR Gospel, Dwell Among Us and Transparent In Your Presence, gave us a taste of what this anointed man of God was capable of. But as they say, the third time is a charm and Cage's project is no exception.Recorded live last August in Atlanta at Cage's previous church, New Birth Cathedral, Cage starts off his self-titled CD and Gospo Centric debut with the rousing and uplifting song Magnify Him. Opened by the spirited introduction of his co-pastor, Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning of Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, Maryland, the power of God is evident from the first note. Magnify Him flows smoothly into the churchy, emotive The Presence of the Lord. This song is destined to be sung by praise teams and choirs alike. Cage slows things down with the smooth jazz feel of Psalm 3. The beautiful song, sprinkled with some slick instrumentation, is tinged with a sweet acoustic guitar and a relaxing melody.The song flows seamlessly into the reprise, Thank You For Lifting. Cage's calling to usher others into worship is clearly apparent on this song. It's wonderful to hear the sounds of worship in the live recording and Cage's exhortation to the body of Christ. Another strong track -- already getting airplay -- is the Kurt Carr-penned song There Is A Name. This incredible song reminds us of the power that is in the name of Jesus. Carr, Cage's labelmate, was at the production helm on this CD and he does an exceptional job. The pairing of Cage and Carr works wonderfully.Minister Byron Cage takes us back to a few of his popular tunes with a medley which includes new arrangements of the calypso-sounding The Glory Song, the high-energy Yet Praise Him and the energetic, bouncy Shabach.One very pretty song is What You Are To Me. Sung from the heart of someone totally in love with God, the breathtakingly beautiful ballad sets the tone for the next few songs as the CD moves even further into a deeper sense of worship. Donnie McClurkin lends his song, It Is To You, to Cage's repertoire. The anointed ballad is followed by probably one of the best cuts on the project, Glory To Your Name. For the true worshipper, this song will bring one into the Holy of Holies.

Never Too Busy, written by Brent Jones and massaged with notes from a church organ, finds Cage in an improvisational style. The song with a rendition of the popular church anthem Praise Him. The project ends with the hand-clapping tune Still Say Yes, an inspirational song about telling the Lord "yes" no matter the situation.This is one of the best projects I've heard. Not only is the production flawless but Cage's vocals are unblemished and powerful. Each and every song ministers to the soul, and the songwriting and musical element is never lacking."

Kurt Carrish

C. Pompey | Charlotte, NC United States | 09/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After listening to this CD, if you don't have it you should get it. This is a great CD. It reminds me of Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers. That's probably because Kurt Carr produced this album. I think it's as good as Isreal and New Breed's "New Season" album. "Magnify Him" starts out the experience. It's a rousing, nicely-done remake of the Michael Brooks tune penned for Witness 10 years ago. "My Soul Says Yes" ends the experience on a high note with hand clapping and foot stomping. In between is a wonderful praise and worship experience. "The Presence of the Lord is Here", "It Is To You", and "There Is A Name" are my favorites. He also has a medley that covers some of his old material: "Lord We Glorify You", "Shabach", and "Yet Praise Him". That's one of my favorites as well. This music will pierce the soul and lead you into the presence of the Lord. The music is top-notch. The vocals are out of this world. Every facet of the album was done in excellence. I'm not even a Byron Cage fan - never have been. I am now! This album is one that when you hear it, you can't ignore it. If you like Israel and New Breed, Judith Christie McAlister, Kurt Carr, etc, then you will love this collaboration of songs that are sure to touch your heart and usher your spirit into worship. Be Blessed"

The Next Level

Tawana Hawkins | Akron, Ohio | 12/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Praise and worship is coming out from beyond the four walls we call church. Byron was the minister of music when I was a member of the New Birth Choir. I learned more under his instruction than anywhere else I've ever been. Having said that, I'm not surprised that this cd is as extraordinary as it is. I love it from beginning to end. What a powerful instrument he is. The standout for me is Psalm 3. Ministered in such a beautiful way it encourages and uplifts..exactly as the word of God should do.
Also, It Is To You, Glory To Your Name and the medley. I encourage you to support this project as these are songs that will minister to you peace in the midst of life's storms. I am humbled by how the Lord has anointed his ministry. I look forward to the next place God takes him as we are all blessed by the fruit of it. God Bless You Byron!"