self-titled
Mercy's Mark Quartet
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.
--- by David Bruce Murray
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"
Rating: 4½ stars