Alone in His Presence

Description

Alone in His Presence is the solo debut album by the American gospel singer and songwriter CeCe Winans of BeBe and CeCe Winans fame, released on Sparrow Records in 1995, distributed by Chordant Distribution Group. The album was produced by Cedric and Victor Caldwell.

A decade’s worth of expanding the musical vocabulary of R&B-oriented gospel with one’s big brother may call for some stylistic respite. CeCe Winans does that with an unexpectedly traditional solo debut, ‘Alone in His Presence’.

There are ways in which this project seems to be a logical progression from the less groove-o-centric textures of her and BeBe’s ‘Relationships‘ album of last year. ‘Alone’ continues to include a plethora of strings, but instead of serving quiet storm maelstroms, the project accents the kind of inspirational bluster that resembles Larnelle Harris and Cynthia Clawson. Winans brings warmth and soul to these lush Cedric & Victor Caldwell and BeBe Winans poductions.

After an intro sounding like the prologue to an upscale gospel musical, Winans begins with a title tracks that recalls the softer sound of ‘Relationship’. «He’s Always There» wafts in a similar vein with more sonic boom, and «Everytime» comes closest to the BeBe & CeCe sound of their hit singles: a gently bumping bassline, understated rhythms and sweet background vocals complementing a devotional lyric.

Winans’ mettle is most tested when the devotions become more explicit and the lyrics mimic hymnody. «I Surrender All» and «Great is Thy Faithfulness» best exemplify this stylistic facelift. The latter is offered with duet vocals by Mom Winans, where her lower, statelier, alto delivery contrasts majestically with her daughter’s higher, sweet soprano.

Medleys dedicated to praise and Christ’s sacrificial gift continue the project’s traditional gist. The Caldwells cast CeCe into another traditional altogether, however, with «Blessed Assurance», giving a new, simple approach to a song that might have otherwise exhausted its emotional interpretations.

In all, ‘Alone in His Presence’ is a relatively surprising and powerfully pleasant collection that may make some old fans’ heads turn. The first turn will be for not anticipating this side of Winans, the second for the enduring loveliness of her voice. [Jamie Lee Rake, CCM, December 1995]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/alone-in-his-presence/723626694)

CD tracklist:

01. Overture – 1:34
02. Alone In The Presence – 4:06
03. I Surrender All – 5:29
04. Because Of You – 4:52
05. His Strength Is Perfect – 4:36
06. Every Time – 4:08
07. Great Is Thy Faithfulness – 5:00
08. Praise Medley – 5:01
09. Blessed Assurance – 3:42
10. Blood Medley – 4:37
11. He’s Always There – 3:46
12. Alone In The Presence (Reprise) – 1:14

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Sparrow Records.