Reviewed by Andy Charalambous

'He Will Come' represents a classic viewing of Shirley Caesar at her very best. Recorded at a concert somewhere in Georgia, the 74 minutes dedicated to showing 'The Evangelist' of gospel at work is certainly not wasted as the whole thing evolves around testimony after testimony interspersed with some powerful songs, backed up by a choir not lacking in spirit. In the purest sense of the word, the concert is straight out of the black gospel manual complete with a little bit of showmanship just for the camera. One of the things that has always struck me about Caesar though is her honest and down to earth approach in spreading the good news and this is certainly reinforced throughout the tape either through song or through one of the featured interviews, however in all truth, the video's contents will be best suited for the older generation or those who love the traditional sound delivered without any compromises. The highlight for me came by way of the story of the grocer and shoe shop keeper - a story that will lift your spirits should you find yourself witnessing to an atheist. Need I say more than that?


Also reviewed in CR 42:
One of the first albums I ever reviewed was by black worship leader Ron Kenoly, and that has remained a favourite of mine. The female equivalent must be Shirley Caesar and this live concert shows her in full flight, one rainy night in Georgia. Backed by her own singers, choir and band, there are lots of pursed lips, mopping of brows, bulging eyes and not a white man in sight. Shirley whips the audience up into a frenzy with songs like "Looking For The Stone". There's an incredible 10 minute track where she tells the most bizarre story about a Christian and an atheist shopkeeper- I really thought she was going to explode! "If You Wanna Be Blessed" is quite a redeeming number, where the lady in red takes a back seat and lets the choir sing while she shakes hands with the audience. If you like this type of music, you'll be really moved by this 74 minute video. However, with my apologies to black gospel lovers everywhere, the only way I was moved was to reach for my VCR's eject button.
5
Geoff Howlett

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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