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 Ever
casually pop in a new C.D. on your way to work hoping for some pleasant
distraction? Then find yourself rolling up the window and staring
at the stereo in amazement? Wanting to absorb every lyric sung,
you pull over and listen carefully to the words and instrumentals.
Well, that’s exactly what happened with Mercy Flood’s
“Make of Me.”
With
the chops of seasoned professionals, these five young artists, show
that they have truly been blessed with abundant talent. Mercy Flood
possesses the quality of a group that has been performing together
for decades, rather than just four years.
Back
in high school, vocalist and acoustic guitarist Suzanne Endermann
joined forces with drummer John Harper for a one-time Christian
Rock show. But the successful reception was just the beginning.
Demand for more performances forced the two friends to add to the
group. Soon joining the band were Jason Roberts on bass and Jason
Conard on electric guitar. John’s brother, Ross Harper, completes
the group with his impressive saxophone talent. Impressive not only
because of his sound, but because Ross suffers from severe asthma.
The
five members of Mercy Flood are currently juggling school with full
and part-time jobs. They are pursuing careers such as chemistry
teacher, youth pastor and respiratory therapist, and are affiliated
with Gateway Community Church in Escondido. Their dream, however,
is to serve the Lord through music full-time.
“Make
of Me,” the debut release by Mercy Flood, was written, arranged
and produced by the group themselves. Not only does the band have
a tight and precise quality, each individual musician is exceptional
in their own right. Lyrics for all 14 songs were written by Suzanne
with maturity and freshness beyond her years. Donations from their
church made the recording of “Make of Me” possible.
Pick
Me Up,
the opening song, jumps out of the speakers and grabs your attention
with a feisty rock beat. Proclaiming that God takes away all shame,
the singer proudly announces “There is nothing to hide, this
is how I will live and how I will die.” Followed by the percussion-laden
That’s Just Fine, delivered in a gritty
voice by Susan, “I’ve chosen life instead of me and
that’s just fine.”
Are
You Happy
is a thought-provoking ballad compelling us to question “Are
we really happy, is there nothing we would change?” Showcasing
Ross Harper’s and Jason Conard’s true talents on saxophone
and electric guitar, respectively. Following are Blue Ray and Welcome Home, delivered in a voice
as pure and clear as a cloudless sky. Make of Me, the title track,
is a fun and catchy tune that rocks. Blending a jazzy, funk sax
with uplifting words, “We are happy being what the Lord wants
us to be.”
Living
God is
a lyrical interpretation of serving the Lord, reiterating “In
His love I’ve got it all.” Where Do You Go is serious but anything
but melancholy. “Where do you go when you’re lonely?”
the song asks. “You are my masterpiece, how could I forget
you? You belong to me, and I’ll never let you go” is
God’s constant reply. These beautiful lyrics are even more
poignant accompanied by just an acoustic guitar.
Reach
Me and
On My Own, the closing songs, are notable for brilliant bass and guitar,
as well as powerful drums.
“Make
Of Me” can be purchased at Family Life Christian Bookstore
as well as Sam Goody in the North County Mall. Watch the Calendar
section for future live performances. Mercy Flood is definitely
an up and coming Christian Rock group. The Lord has blessed these
young people with so much talent. They have the desire and drive
to give back and glorify God in their own special way, through music.
If
you would like to suggest a local artist or group to focus in this
monthly feature, contact Good News, Etc. at (760) 724-3075 or goodnewseditor@cox.net.
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