Editor’s Choice: Music!

Lovely, is the first word that came to mind when I listened to the

Sigman produced project, “UNTO THEE”, for the first time. Absolutely lovely, from the first note on song one to the end of Pastor Johnson’s exhortation on song 12. Lovely.

Melodic, might be the second word that best describes the collection of thoughtful, reverent songs that threads the message of God’s love throughout the project. The result is a vibrant tapestry of worship and praise that soothes the soul and replenishes the spirit. Contributing stellar lead vocals to this project are Eastern Star members, Lyn Sigman, Diedre “Dee Dee” Gray, ESC Music Director, Sherri Garrison, ESC Christian Education Director, Michael Bryant and Staci McCrackin. Among those providing subtle and flawless background vocals are Kim McElroy Jones, Sharon Rimmer, Bonita Smith, Valerie Lismon, Morris Bradley, and our beloved and dearly departed, Barbara A. Wright, to whom the project is dedicated. A children’s choir that includes the Sigman’s daughter, Sarah, adds a spirit of fun to the music and Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. delivers a beautiful exhortation from Romans 8:28 that takes this CD to a whole new level.

Reverent, is another word that aptly describes this project, whose purpose is to “glorify, honor and worship our Heavenly Father and Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ…That those in Christ would be encouraged and those looking for encouragement would find Christ.” To that end, “UNTO THEE” opens with the rousing “STAND UP”, sung with hurricane force by Deidre Gray, a teeny, tiny powerhouse that lets loose a mighty powerful praise! The title track “UNTO THEE” features Sherri Garrison in a vocal performance that is restrained and reflective – reining in her considerable vocal power to show a softer, gentler version of Eastern Star’s dynamic Minister of Music. Pastor Michael Bryant shines in “BEFORE”, a smooth, classy duet sung with Lyn Sigman in the musical vein of Nicholas Ashford and Valerie Simpson or Be Be and Ce Ce. In fact, the whole CD brims with a late 70s/early 80s soul vibe that’s easy on the ears – and the spirit.

On “BLESS MY WALK”, Staci McCrackin sings with shades of Oleta Adams, her voice is rich and dense, like packed brown sugar, pulling the listener in like an old slave song. The background vocals on all the songs are “just enough” to complement the lead vocals – wonderfully supportive, rich and restrained throughout.

After listening to songs such as the reverential “YOU ARE THE LIGHT” and the Caribbean-flavored, “WHEN THE PRAISES GO UP”, one comes to the conclusion that Lyn Sigman has a voice that flows as smoothly as a clear stream on a calm summer day, yet contains a majestic quality that is perfect for glorifying Christ. With her husband, Jeff, supplying musical backup on the guitar and production expertise in the studio, Lyn’s vocal ministry soars. “THE SIGMAN PROJECT” would have been inspirational enough if Lyn had decided to sing all the lead vocals herself – she is surely capable of carrying this CD alone, and in fact, sings lead on seven out of twelve songs. But to invite other stellar singers and musicians to join her in this endeavor shows considerable humility and grace. Pick up a copy of this CD at the Jewel Bible Bookstore today – if for no other reason than to support our own. I know you will be blessed!

Jeff Sigman. Good For Me.

Well, if “UNTO THEE” is the warm, buttery mashed potatoes, “GOOD FOR ME” is the gravy. This collection of guitar-laced instrumentals by veteran guitarist, Jeff Sigman, takes many of the songs from The Sigman Project one step further by intertwining lush arrangements with the now-familiar melodies that you can sing to, meditate by or simply enjoy.

Each song is uniquely stylized and produced to yield its own crop of reverence, worship and joy, while maintaining close relationship with the matching songs on “UNTO THEE”. Have you ever eaten something so delicious that after eating the last bite, you longed for just a bit more? Or have you ever watched an engrossing movie and when it ended, wished it could have gone on a bit longer? Well, “GOOD FOR ME” expands the “UNTO THEE” experience and makes the connection with God that much stronger. Still, it’s a truly satisfying experience on its own. Good to the last drop. –DM

21 Eastern Star Chronicles-October 2003