Byron Cage (Live at the Apollo: The Proclamation) - Reviews

Byron Cage
Live at the Apollo: The Proclamation

With "Byron Cage" on the marquee over the legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem on April 26, 2007, the next set of music from the artist they call "The Prince of Praise" was delivered to an enthusiastic crowd (see gallery of Red Carpet Arrivals).

Live At the Apollo: The Proclamation, on GospoCentric Records, is a 10-song set from the award-winning Byron Cage, featuring production from

PAJAM. With all the hallmarks of his renowned style, the project begins by declaring —proclaiming#&151; the name of Jesus Christ. Orchestration and rich vocals from a hand-picked backing chorus mark the cut.

"Anyhow" is a reflective piece that brings in soulster Dave Hollister. Cage, focusing on the importance of praising God through thick and thin, ties in melodic fragments from Thomas Whitfield's hit "Hallelujah Anyhow".

On "If You Never", Cage continues the theme, exhorting that praise to God doesn't hinge on what He will do, but on what he has already done. Kim Burrell and J.Moss join in on the proceedings here.

V. Michael McKay writes "More Than You'll Ever Know", as Cage takes the mic over a scaled back piano and guitar arrangement, before the song builds to a full-fledged hand-raiser with full vocals and organ added in. The traditional low-key bump of "I've Got A Reason", while tipping the hat to another era, is wonderfully melded to sound of today.

The Proclamation

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You can't miss "With All Of My Might", an infectious praise with PAJAM flava' that is bound for hit-dom in the coming months. On "Royalty", Cage co-writes with Demond Mickens and Darien Mickens, and offers up a gorgeous, meditative song that gives God honor as King of Kings.

Live at the Apollo: The Proclamation is another triumph for Byron Cage. But more importantly (as Cage will surely agree), this project is a success because it gives all the glory to God, and is a mighty encouragement to all those who listen to do the same.

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Producer: PAJAM album release date: September 18, 2007
Verity Records

— reviewed by Stan North —