BeBe Winans (Cherch) - Reviews

BeBe Winans
Cherch

It's been some 21 years since the music world was formally introduced to BeBe Winans via the incredibly successful duo of BeBe & CeCe Winans. After six albums as a member of that duo, the youngest son of the ten Winans' children launched a wildly successful solo career highlighted by countless awards and accolades.

With great anticipation, Winans releases his sixth solo effort titled Cherch. This effort serves as his third solo release on his imprint The Movement Group and marks a historical moment in Winans' career.

The double-disc presentation is Winans' first foray into the traditional gospel format. Known historically for his smooth pop, R&B, and urban presentations, Winans takes listeners on a journey down memory lane to his historical church roots.

Recorded live in his current home church, Faith Community Church in West Covina, California, Winans presents several old school hymns and spiritual songs that defined the early African-American church experience. Presented through his unique creative colander, Winans effortlessly maintains his smooth vocal presentation while presenting these musical classics with authenticity and class.

Classics such as "Everybody Don't Know (Who Jesus Is)", "Ain't No Harm Done", and "So Glad I'm Here" are revived and presented in their traditional formats. Winans avoids the trendy option of repackaging these classics but approaches them reverently and respectfully.

With the mission of sharing his childhood church experience with the world, Winans keeps the arrangements of each presentation simple and accessible. Fusing classics with wit, Winans never leaves a dull moment during this set, connecting each song with encouraging words or childhood stories.

Winans doesn't embark on this task alone, enlisting the help of his father David "Pop" Winans on "What Do You Want the Lord to Say". Meanwhile, super duo Mary Mary kick it up a notch with "I Don't Know What You Come To Do". Don't miss the original pieces "Saved by Grace" and "Arms of Love".

Known for going outside of the norm, Winans has broken yet another barrier, showing the music world that indeed he can operate in the traditional realm with the best of them. This infectious CD set showcases Winans at his proverbial "Sunday Best", taking the entire music world on a fulfilling and exciting ride back to Cherch.

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Production: BeBe Winans album release date: November, 2007
TMG

— reviewed by Gerard Bonner —