Bishop Paul S. Morton Presents…the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir: Cry Your Last Tear

Bishop Paul S. Morton presents the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir
Cry Your Last Tear
Tehillah Music Group/Light Records 2008
www.lightrecords.com

Browsing through the music bins, one might think Cry Your Last Tear, with a photo of Bishop Paul S. Morton dominating the front cover, is a new release by the pastor’s Greater St. Stephen Choir of New Orleans, but it’s not.

It’s much bigger.

The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir is comprised of members from the denomination’s Southern, Southern Atlantic and Central Regions. The group has a smooth, comfortable, well-rehearsed sound accompanied by sweeping string arrangements best expressed on the quietly prayerful “More of Thee.”

Cry Your Last Tear is not just about the choir, however. Two Gospel Dream winners cameo: Stephanie Dotson (2004) leads “I Do Believe,” and 2008’s Melinda Watts fronts the choir on “In Pursuit of Your Glory.” Inspirational interludes by Full Gospel Baptist Church recording ministers such as Bishop Neil C. Ellis and Pastor William H. Murphy III are interspersed throughout.

Many of the songs are of uplift and inspiration, on how belief in the power of God can turn the impossible into the possible. Not surprisingly, though, the two tracks that disrupted the recording session were the traditional-sounding “Wonderful God,” and “Cry Your Last Tear,” the album’s home run. Written by VaShawn Mitchell and led by Bishop Morton, “Cry Your Last Tear” has all the makings of a modern classic, though it will need a radio edit, as it winds down with Morton playfully interpolating Marvin Winans’ “Ain’t No Need to Worry.”

The album’s final moments quieten the congregation. Bishop Lester Love renders “Glory Medley” in a tender, husky baritone reminiscent of Shekinah Glory’s Phil Tarver. Bishop Morton’s tearful delivery seals the deal on the final track, “Get the Glory,” a bone-chilling choral work with shades of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and a coda with grandeur worthy of Richard Smallwood.

Executive Producer Pastor Jerry Q. Parries – himself a choir guy – has put together a beautiful recording that goes down like a fine mint.

Three and a Half of Four Stars