Do not let the word, SACRED, scare you off, sinners!
I wish famed session singer, Sherlie Matthews, had stepped out front more often during her lengthy career. When the likes of Niecy, Minnie, Syreeta, Susaye, Clydie, Merry and Venetta came to the forefront of pop music, Sherlie was content staying in the background…singing as well as writing and producing. Sherlie, alongside those ladies, was featured on recordings so highbrow and far too numerous to mention. She certainly could have flaunted and strutted her stuff along with the very best of them. I have a feeling Sherlie’s ego is in check, which makes her the real deal in my humble observation.
This review is for Sherlie’s solo work, not all of the songs she’s graced. Long story short…I am so glad Sherlie stepped out front for this collection of sacred songs, "We Come As One."
A musician well known in her field of expertise for the sweetening ear candy and classic vocal samples she provides, Sherlie gets to show off her harmonies and vocal range in wild abandon on this recent release of homemade treasures. Check out track #9, “I’m Gonna Praise His Holy Name.” Sherlie's rendition is reminiscent of the Chicago group, The Gems, in her girl group gospel delivery. One minute or so into this track, I was hooked on the refrains and overall feeling coming thru my speakers. I replayed that track several times repeatedly after the first listen. All of the soaring high notes do not leave our Sherlie in the least bit winded on this constantly building track…the spirit is pushing her on ….so evident in this track.
Also catchy, is the song, “I Could Have Made You A Puppet.” I wasn’t real clear on the message but think her vocal was inspired. She later explained that the song represented God talking about endowing his created beings with free will.
Her obvious heart, soul and charisma come through loud and clear on this CD in its entirety. Although the production leaves a little to be desired, Sherlie is totally out front announcing the audio shortcomings of this recording. The basic home spun feeling is refreshing and sincere and never over mixed, muddled or saccharine and the songs are hardly similar in style or delivery, yet sometimes uneven in production as Sherlie stresses. No matter, the CD is a real potpourri.
What Sherlie’s voice provides, is a perfect compliment to intricate harmonies while keeping them seemingly simple and pure. Ms Matthews’ efforts were not wasted on my ears. An aficionado of the fabulous diva, I was thrilled to see what she had to offer and how she fit into the harmonies I’ve heard her featured on. Top 40 radio has included the adventurous Sherlie for so many years now. Her versatility and moods display well on this recording collection.
Do not let the word SACRED scare you off sinners! Sherlie is above all else, ‘fun to listen to.’ An unsung sangin’ hero who will be treasured after only two listens to these tracks by the awesome diva that is Sherlie Matthews. Developing her compositions further with more glossy production values would indeed be a win-win situation for record buying fans and distributors alike.
On track #1, Sherlie is found in basso territory. An unusual rendition of the standard “Amazing Grace”…I kind of wished it was acappella, since it really is all about the vocals after all. On track #3, “Touch Me Jesus,” I discovered some static, which wasn’t a James Brown sample but a touch of down home reality.
Track #4, “Whom In Heaven,” finds Ms Sherlie delivering an awesome acappella…ethereal and trippy. I enjoyed this first on MYSPACE where I discovered the elusive Sherlie Matthews. I recognized her name instantly and immediately started seeking out her product. Track #8, “Wiser Than Wise,” has more of the wondrous ethereal vocals and a strong hook to the original lyric, I thought.
Blessed with an impressive vocal range, Sherlie is obviously content in the background. But now that we get to familiarize ourselves with the subliminal vocals that have been programmed into the ear candy of a generation, so evident on music by the likes of Ronstadt, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Elton, etc….check this gal out…singer to the stars! Ms Sherlie is something very special!
Mark Reilly