TBGB Pick of the Week: May 12, 2009

“Till the Morning Comes”
Sylvester Burks
C&W Records 2009
www.C-N-WRecords.com

Talk about a crossroads.

As an eighteen year-old, Sylvester Burks had to choose between a request from Rev. James Cleveland to go on tour or finish his studies. At his mother’s request, Burks obediently chose the books, but the poignant “Till the Morning Comes,” arranged and produced by Burks, demonstrates that if you have the talent, music will find you, no matter what.

Ironically, the cry in Derick Hughes’ voice is reminiscent of James Cleveland. Ashling Cole delivers a marvelous second lead on this song of encouragement and hope in the darkest hours. Here, Jesus is depicted as a loving parent, “a light till the morning comes.” Passionately delivered and heartfelt.

While the mainstream gospel music audience may not know Sylvester Burks, ask top gospel musicians and singers such as Tramaine Hawkins, Yolanda Adams, and Donnie McClurkin, and they’ll know him because they have worked with him. Burks also teaches keyboards, provides music for a whole circuit of churches in the Bay Area, and is finishing the full-length album on which this single will be included.

Burks is a recording artist for Herman Williams, Jr.’s C&W Records imprint, founded in 2007 in Memphis, TN.