CeCe Winans

Item: Alone In His Presence
Author: Vanessa Crooks

Alone In His Presence

(1995)

Reviewed by Vanessa Crooks

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label Sparrow RecordsThe LighthouseJanuary 1996

adult contemporary gospel worship

Alone In His Presence is an apropos title for this premier solo project from Gospel chanteuse, CeCe Winans. This album is not only her first project without her brother and duo counterpart, BeBe; but it is also, as the epitaph implies, a very reflective and inspirational work. Winans referred to the project as a "tribute to [her] family and [her] faith."

The bulk of the songs included on this project are familiar, selections that Winans considers favorites. Indeed, there are two tracks, "Blood Medley" and "Praise Medley," which are comprised of a variety of beloved hymns and choruses. ("Blood Medley" includes such standards as "There Is Power In The Blood" and Twila Paris' "Lamb of God." "Praise Medley" weaves together such diverse traditionals as "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" and "Give Thanks"). She also offers such classics as "I Surrender All" and "Blessed Assurance," giving each a lavish and individual rendering. Touching on the more contemporary, Winans chooses Steven Curtis Chapman's hit, "His Strength Is Perfect," and performs it in soaring, ballad form.

It is interesting to note that Winans also records some superb, self-penned tunes. Among them is the title track, which beckons us to follow her lead and seek His face in solitude:

I am safe and sound, serene and calm Whenever I'm here, I know You're near me My secret place, where I escape From all the cares of this race

However, her primary focus is on well-known tunes. Among those, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," a duet with her mother, stands out.

While it is certainly a treat to have a solo effort from CeCe Winans, she would be remiss if she didn't include her talented family-so fear not! In addition to "Mom" Winans, BeBe, Marvin, Ronald, Debbie, and Angie, all lend their support in one way or another. At its heart, Alone In His Presence is a worship album which seeks to bring fresh relevance and appreciation to a melange of praise and prayer music, as well as drawing its listeners out of the clutter and clamor of day-to-day living and into the peaceful and radiant presence of God. I especially appreciated the Scripture references that she put in the liner notes at the beginning of each song.

Musically, this project is quite a departure from Winans' usual urban or Black Gospel-infused melodies-it creates a more lush and polished atmosphere. There is still a strong pop sensibility and a soulful sound to much of the score; however, the aggressive edges have been replaced by luxuriant orchestration-strings, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and horns add body and depth. Assuredly, CeCe Winans is one of contemporary Christian music's most acclaimed and talented female singers, and her powerful and passionate vocals find another fitting format here. Joining the full-bodied accompaniment are the Born Again Church Choir, as well as such notables as Margaret Bell, Donna McElroy, and Billy and Sarah Gaines.

Alone in His Presence is a suitable showcase for CeCe Winans' considerable vocal and interpretative abilities, and it can't help but broaden her already sizable listener base-finding appeal with anyone looking for a high-quality, worship album. Although she has gained popularity and many accolades with her brother BeBe, as well as a member of her family's performing group, I hope this is only the beginning of CeCe Winans' solo efforts. On Alone In His Presence CeCe Winans definitely fulfills the exhortation of Ephesians 5:19, that we are to encourage each other with "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs."