Monica Lisa Stevenson – Selections from Finally…In God’s Time

“Lord Keep Me,” “I Can’t Give Up,” and “Fall Fresh”
Monica Lisa Stevenson
From the Puretonez Productions CD Finally…In God’s Time 2009
http://www.monicazmuzik.com/

Monica Lisa Stevenson is a firebrand of a gospel singer. I saw it for myself while watching her no-nonsense performance at a taping of a Bobby Jones television program earlier this year. Cut from the mold of old-school gospel singers, this young hard-singing artist worries blue notes until they need beta blockers.

On her CD Finally…In God’s Time (possibly named in honor of fans who kept asking, “So, when is your project coming out?”), Stevenson contributes a Caravans favorite, “Lord Keep Me” (aka “Lord Keep Me Day By Day”). A duet with Minister Nigel Andrews, “Lord Keep Me” is gut-wrenching, as Stevenson sells the song with the passion of a Beverly Crawford.

“I Can’t Give Up” is a hard-sung message of persistence and faith despite the odds, and as such is radio-appealing, as is the sprightly and contemporary “Fall Fresh,” a call for a latter rain of blessings.