Search - Gersh, Mark Gersmehl :: Awakening

Elizabeth F. (celeria)
Reviewed on 10/25/2006...

A fine CD in the tradition of Jars of Clay - that is, spiritual music that isn't overly spiritual.

Good

worldofcm | Cleveland, TN | 07/26/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Coming down the pike from Spring Hill Records, the nation's largest and best record label for Inspirational and Southern Gospel artists like Scott Krippayne, The Martins, Gaither Vocal Band, and David Phelps, comes the first of what will hopefully be many solo recordings from former Whiteheart member Mark Gersmehl (otherwise known as "Gersh"). It seems that Gersh has moved far beyond the stadium rock sounds of Whiteheart to embrace euro-pop piano based sounds, a la Peter Gabriel or Sting and a hint of Dido or Brent Bourgeois. While the music has more of a mellow, soft and easy listening feel to it, the disc doesn't seem to drag. Even though the melodies are nice, the real highlight of the album is Gersh's introspective lyrics that capure everything from modern praise and worship to through-provoking and emotionally charged tunes. Gersh seems to dig deeper than most artists ever dream of going on songs like "Breakdown" and "24 Coins". Gersh manages to avoid all the normal stereo-typical Christian lyrics and lyrically created an album full of deep spiritual insight. Gersh is an artist that isn't afraid to share his insecurities and spiritual struggles on his albums, and for that, he is to be highly commended."

White Heart Fans Awaken

T. Tennard | NJ | 05/25/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I first heard of this release a few months back I became quite excited. White Heart was one of the first Christian bands that I was introduced to years ago and they are still one of my all time favorite bands. I was fortunate to catch them on tour for the 'Inside' CD and they put on one of the best shows that I have seen. When the band broke up I was extremely unhappy, so to hear this CD is a pleasure. Gersh wrote and sang some absolutely amazing songs with White Heart so I was not at all worried about liking this CD. However, if one buys this expecting to hear the glory days of White Heart revisited they will be very disappointed. Overall this is a pop CD with several mid tempo tunes and a few piano ballads, there is no arena rock to be found here. From start to finish this is a good CD, there is not a bad track to be found. It is so good to hear Gersh's distinctive vocals again. Many of the songs on the CD are in a similar vein as the softer side of White Heart's last CD "Redemption". Since Gerch is a keyboard player the CD is mostly keyboard and piano driven, with the guitar taking a back seat. As I said do not expect White Heart, instead expect an extremely well written, well produced, modern sounding pop CD that will draw one closer to Christ and His love. Now let's hope that a solo releases by Rick Florian and Billy Smiley are not far behind."