Earnest Pugh (A Worshipper’s Perspective) - Reviews

Earnest Pugh
A Worshipper’s Perspective

Hailing from the same church at which Byron Cage is minister of music, and drawing comparisons to Daryl Coley, Smokie Norful and Donnie McClurkin, East coast-based Earnest Pugh moves into his first national release, A Worshipper’s Perspective, with ease.

Production from Lonnie Hunter and featured songwriting from Cage, Brent Jones and others distinguishes the project, which begins with an introduction from the Prince of Praise (Cage) himself.

As expected from the title, worship is emphasized a great deal, and “Holy Spirit” is the perfect ballad to start things off. Pugh and his singers invite the Holy Spirit to come into the place and be the anchor of the recording. The worship continues with the powerful, “Just For Who You Are”, which flows into “Holy Holy Holy”, linked to a soothing piano solo to set the atmosphere.

The jazzy stylings of Nikki Ross is the highlight of “He’s There”, an uptempo number that has the surging Texas native trading vocal riffs and runs with Pugh, as the choir stays with them and shines. On “High & Lifted / Everybody Lift ‘Em (Medley)”, Pugh delves into an infectious call and response perfectly fitted for church, with the line “great Jehovah” echoing back and forth.

Pugh even includes an R&P gem in the midst of the worship experience. “If You Never”, written by Cage, is a jam designed to make the saints bounce. Then on “Praise ‘Em (In The Meantime)”, Pugh takes it straight to church, with all musicians getting a chance to praise God with their instruments.

On “Speak To Me”, Pugh puts the focus on the vertical relationship we have with God, as he seeks to hear His voice.

Tribute is paid to the late Thomas Whitfield with a remake of the popular, “Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up”, with Pugh doing the song justice as his tenor vocals weave throughout the impressive musical arrangements and backing vocals. Look for the 7 minutes plus of this song to catch your attention. Beginning softly and slowly, Pugh pours out his heart over strings and chorus, before the familiar words of the song’s title are expressed.

Earnest Pugh makes waves as he shares his testimony from A Worshipper’s Perspective, making the project a summer pick not to miss.

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Production: Lonnie Hunter, Keith Williams, Earnest Pugh album release date: July, 2006
Crystal Rose Records

— reviewed by Stan North and Dwayne Lacy —