Brother Gerald Cloud - Lord Console Me

By Peggy Oliver

When the gospel is planted in someone's childhood; even when one strays; the greatness of God can save lives in their darkest hour.  As Brother Gerald Cloud's adult life reflected, he walked that dangerous line, but mercy, grace and probably lots of conviction converted into a contrite heart and street ministry.  

The debut from the Atlanta native, Lord Console Me, is dedicated to the ones who raised him, Harvey and Mary Cloud, who gave their son the greatest gift.  Like many gospel vocalists, it started with the church choir with his older brother.  The major battles began with drug addiction, followed by a prison term. That battle turned victorious, in the form of Fragment's Ministry, reaching out to the homeless.

The mid-tempo title track, with a heavy woodwind emphasis on the accompaniment relies, on the never failing power source and the One who never lies: "Your promises are so true."  Speaking to those who have addictions and even those who don't, Spared My Life progresses from a tender plea to an enthusiastic reading of Psalm 23.  The clock-ticking percussion lends appropriate tension throughout this nearly eighty-minute excursion.

A catchy guitar riff with pop edges should start listeners on their way to praising and cleansing ("Let Him know that you love Him") for Talk To God Sometime.  Just Say The Word shifts to an old-fashioned quartet mode, stating God is always faithful no matter what the situation, including avoiding temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Incorporating a touch of I'll Fly Away, At The External Doorway, flanked by glossy keyboard rhythms, warns those to take heavenly treasures seriously: "Don't take chances with your eternal life."  Never Do Walk Alone, a modern urban ballad, honors our protector: "Someone greater than me."

Brother Cloud and others can attest to this situation sketched out on Prodigal Son, that delves into the "story of three men", aka all of Gerald's siblings, and a new lease on a tainted life: "Surely God has you in His will."  More Than Enough, a trip down Stax, Hi and Malaco Records lane, claims "all things work together” (Romans 8:38) for those who love God unconditionally.

The balance of this CD mellows out considerably: The Storms of Life about the chilly winds and raging storms; what Christ experienced on the Cross (On His Mind), without uttering a complaint in representing us so “we can be free indeed” (John 8:36); and a claim for victory on Just One Touch.

Brother Cloud balances southern style soul and blues, a bit of traditional gospel praise and some slick R&B flavor.  The very busy man wrote nearly three-fourths of Lord Console Me with additional material by executive producer Emanuel Campbell, Jr., plus contributes a bulk of the instrumentation alongside keyboardist Jody Ford and guitarist Tim Kreider.
At times that instrumentation seems stale, even though the guitar fills shine brightly.  It doesn't hurt to flex raw harmony vocals without studio trickery or massive overdubs.  The overall vocal stylings, whether calm or bold, make a sufficient impact communicating his lyrics, however, pitch problems crop us on occasion.  In the long run, one constant rules: the urgency to embrace the Lord, as a comforter and our guide.

For more information visit www.cdbaby.com.