An Invitation to Worship (CD - 2005)

Like a lot of contemporary gospel, Byron Cage's brand borrows heavily from urban contemporary, R&B, and pop, while still maintaining a firm footing in traditional gospel. The charged-up opener "I Will Bless the Lord" announces that AN INVITATION TO WORSHIP will be positive, inspiring, and full of the raise-the-roof energy associated with Baptist services and tent revivals. Yet Cage's musical world is far removed from that of some steeple in the sticks. With a muscular electric band, the full complement of strings and horns, and a gargantuan choir, Cage's sound is as slick, powerful, and polished as it is raw and rootsy.

Hard grooves alternate with sweeping devotional ballads, and Cage's role as lead singer, songwriter, and arranger (he is responsible for the choral charts) indicates that this is his project through and through. Additionally, the fact that AN INVITATION is recorded live at the New Birth Cathedral in Georgia ensures that it's shot through with spontaneous performance energy, which gives an edge to its messages of praise. minimize