I have always wondered what constitutes a reviewer of music or anything else for that matter. Just like asking people about the sound if it is too loud, or too soft or just right. Just as sound is a personal preference so is judging groups, A PERSONAL PREFERENCE. Down deep every group knows what they sound like. If they don't, they need to do something else in life. When my group started we did some bad singing and have albums to prove it. No one had to tell us or couched their words carefully. Instead we worked diligently hour after hour to improve. Even after 52 years we know that we are not the greatets group that ever ate a microphone. If we were, the entire gospel world would be clamoring for our music and promoters would be knocking down our doors and we would be richer than Bill Gates err!! Bill Gaither. The fact that the great wonderful Bill Gaither does not use us should tell us something. Does it deter us? No way. We are on a mission with God and he has alway provided a venue for our music as we continue to lift him up instead of looking for someone to put us on the charts, review our music or be headliners at the famous Quartet Convention. A couple years ago, through the prodding of a close friend, inquired about a slot singing at the National Quartet Convention which we had sung at from Memphis to the closing days in Nashville. So we called. The answer was a resounding no, but we could set up a product table for a small fortune. I laughed out loud when the word came back. We were good enough to pad the powers that be pockets by purchasing a slot for our product but not good enough to be on the mains program. Was I discouraged? Not a bit, just amused and really relieved. So we booked elsewhere, and will be in Western Canada and Montana where we are appreciated and have great results both spiritually and financially. If you can't beat em do something else more satifying anyway.

Well I have rambled enough so keep on keeping on groups, Disregard the critic, be your own best critics and tell the old old story of Jesus.

A Maverick

Duane Nicholson

Duane, I agree with you 100%...all these reviews are just subjective opinions of the reviewer and open to the taste of the listener.

Cliff Cerce asked that I review their new recording and I was delighted to do because I regard Cliff Cerce with the highest respect and I applaud the Cerce's efforts. They are a wonderful ministry, and this review is not a review of their ministry or the call that is upon their lives. Only eternity will prove the impact they have made on the Kingdom. My review is solely based on the CD itself...the good AND the bad. Nothing more, nothing less. Only God is qualified to review their ministry, I just review the music.

Duane is the legendary tenor of the original Couriers, now in his 52nd year of singing. A full feature article on him and his singing partners is in this month's Christian Voice Magazine.

Duane was not questioning James'integrity. I know Duane like I would know a brother. As one of our mentors with the rest of the original Couriers, they have always advised us to not get puffed up by good reviews and compliments, and not be discouraged by criticism and lesser reviews - but just stay focused on our calling.

That is what they did - and that is what we will do. Reviews of this CD by different reviewers have gone from high to low - but those that have found Jesus in our concerts couldn't care less.

I asked James to review this CD for us because I have known him to be fair and honest, and I do not feel we have been treated unfairly. James has offered his honest opinion, and that's what I asked him to do.

Duane importantly points out, to us and all others that get reviews, that we all must still follow the callings on our lives, not being swayed by the positive or negative comments.

Thank you James for your honest opinion, and thank you Duane for that very important reminder to us.

Cliff Cerce
The Cerces, PO Box 8525, Springfield, MO 65801
417-863-8440
http://www.thecerces.com

Dear Duane :
My long known friend and great tenor
of The Couriers Quartet.You guys with
out the Gaither influence had the
biggest and the blessings of the largest singing crowds in gospel music
history in Eastern PA.I know that for a fact,because you used the Cathedral Trio
and Quartet in many of them.

Forget Mr.Hale,who does not sing like most critics,and any others who have not
payed their dues as you guys did back in
late 50's like we did eating peanut butter crackers and washing them down with RC Cola.

Thank you Duane,Neil,Don who is with
eternity,and Dave for helping another
struggling quartet(Cathedral)enjoy
the fellowship and the blessings of God
while singing gospel messages of hope.

Have a nice day ........

Bobby Clark

Also - I should note that this DVD is a fantastic representation of who the Cerces are and what a concert experience would be like with them - entertaining yet chock full of ministry.

Well done Cerces!