Vernon HillSongs From His Presence (2013)
Available on iTunes
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
The mini-album Songs From His Presence is the CD debut of Vernon Hill, a worship leader who defers the singing of the sacred compositions he wrote or co-wrote to a team of capable artists.
From Owings Mills, Maryland, the conservatory-trained Hill pens songs that walk a fine line between CCM and gospel, but with enough dexterity that the two styles work together like bacon and eggs. The result is a selection of delicate and contemplative but melodically arresting songs.
“In Your Presence” is the first and best selection on the album, a meditative ballad sung by vocalist Lavarn Gordon, who caresses the lyrics in a tender tenor. Gordon, Jemila Richardson, and Byron Gordon trade off as lead vocalists.
The prelude to “I Will Wait” is a breathtakingly lovely classical choral composition, almost liturgical in its wordless, cathedral-echoing harmonies. It best demonstrates Hill’s conservatory training and, if expanded, could stand up against any of its contemporaries. In musical contrast, “I Will Wait” is soulful and gritty and displays more traditional gospel techniques than the other selections, though “He Loves Me,” with its B3 accompaniment, runs a close second.
The gentle ballad “Jesus Is Calling” is the song Hill wishes to highlight. With Jesus beckoning “come just as you are” to all who are lost (a classification Hill defines in the opening verse), the song is an ideal altar call vehicle.
Vernon Hill’s resume includes production, studio engineering, and musician. If Songs From His Presence is any indication, he is also a sacred songwriter worthy of note.
Three of Five Stars
Picks: “In Your Presence.”
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Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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This CD hights the very essence of Vernon Hills mastery of worship and praise. I have been and continue to be blessed by the melody and inspiration of its lyrics. Truly, this CD is a blessing to all. Thank you V. Hill for your committment to minister to God’s people.
D. Smith
Baltimore, MD
This is a powerful cd. ! Every song builds on one another.Thanks for taking me into the throne room! I love all the songs.Keep playing the piano and producing under the anointing of God..Jesus is calling and people need to listen.