Published by Continuing to set a standard and holding on to tradition may be the way to go. Ask Byron Cage.
Is there an honorary obligation to continue things the way they were?
Byron Cage has chosen to answer that question with his “live” new album “Faithful to Believe” released last month on Verity Records. He stands in solidarity with other Detroiters or musicians who sang often in churches in the Motor City. Cage was influenced by the late Donald Vails who played and sang at Greater Grace Temple, the late Thomas Whitfield, and his style is a reminder of the late James Moore and others who were at the height of their gospel music careers, beginning in the 1980’s. Cage is following in their footsteps.
Cage is formerly a musician and minister of music at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, GA, and according to reports, he’s now the minister of music at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Washington, MD.
Foot stomping and hand clapping while the good news music rolls is enforcing the norm of tradition in certain churches which have spirited worship services.
In Faithful to Believe, Cage showcased some of his special friends including Tye Tribbett and Pastor Marvin Winans. Cage has previously released six albums and his live recordings were made in Atlanta, Detroit and in New York at the Apollo.
Some of his songs which may prove to be a part of his faithful tradition and obligation to other ministers of music include the title track with its use of real instruments and artistry, “Simply Yes” which has a beautiful organ intro and “In the Midst” which is Kurt Carr influenced.
Cage was nominated in 2006 for a Grammy Award and has won more than five Stellar Awards.
Nice one to read