If you’re looking for music that perfectly combines the message of Christ with uncompromising flavor, Deliverence has come.
Deliverence, a local gospel group, was started by Minister Robert Brown, a FAMU alumnus. While this group’s lyrical content focuses on the message of Christ, their sound incorporates various styles of music from smooth R&B melodies to the instrumental sounds of jazz.
With the upbeat vibes of “Give Him Praise,” the melodious sounds of “Saved,” and the jazzy feel of “My Worship Is For Real,” the range and diversity of this group is evident in every performance.
Some said the group is an example of the best of what gospel music has to offer.
“They are going places,” said Apryl Gaines, a 21-year-old junior elementary education student from Jacksonville.
While the group has performed in front of many audiences, they have two very notable performances.
The first was in August of 2003, when Deliverence performed its first live recording during a concert at the City of Refuge Church of God in Christ in Lakeland. The other happened in November of 2003, when they were one of the opening acts for the 2nd annual Gospel Extravaganza during the FAMU and Bethune-Cookman College Classic weekend.
Deliverence was founded in January 2003. Brown said he started the group with the purpose of rebuilding and revitalizing the spirit of people through songs of worship and praise to God.
“God started giving me words to songs and I needed a way to get them out,” Brown said.
Other founding members are Tonya Coppin, Keisha Gaines, Bianca J. Lewis and Jeffery P. Williams, Jr.
In addition to these members are: Shawndreal Smith, Celora Jackson, Deanna Bryant, Derick Bryant, Nikki Fortune and Jerfson Delphonse.
Members of the group said their music is part of who they are and what they believe in.
“Deliverence is a group of individuals from different walks of life, upbringings, and denominations that have come together because they love to sing and love to praise the Lord,” Brown said.
Coppin added that they are essentially a group of saved, anointed young people that love to praise God through the talents that he has afforded them.
Many members of the group said they share a bond of friendship and love.
“We have fun and are like family,” Williams said.
“Everyone is sincere and really enjoys what they are doing,” said Jackson, a saxophone player for the group.
Deliverence will be performing at the Gospel Café on Friday, Jan. 14. The affair is being held in the Heavenly Catering Banquet Hall at 915-2 Railroad Avenue in the All Saints’ District at 6:30 p.m. The price of this event will be $10 for the general public, $7 for senior citizens and $5 for students with valid ID cards. This price also includes dinner during the performance. Deliverence will also be selling their CD at this event
“They are a perfect example of what the Café is all about,” said minister D. R. Wyche manager of the Gospel Café.
“They come from different backgrounds and have decided to come together. They aren’t just singing to be entertaining or to sell CDs, but they are in this group because they truly love God,” she said.
Wyche said that she started the Café to provide a platform for people who have all types of gifts and talents that can be exercised. These talents range from music to dance to business ventures.
“In church, you have the choir and a couple of musicians, but many gifts can not be used.”
Wyche said The Gospel Café is an alternative source of entertainment outside of clubs and the movies for both Christians and non-Christians.
Members of Deliverence said they are confident that their music will become widespread.
“I feel the group has the energy and potential to make it in this industry and in the ministry,” Dryson said.
“With the anointing of God, he will allow us to do big things amongst his children.”
Contact Lora Mitchell at taz_aph_0828@yahoo.com