Awakening
Gersh
Spring Hill Music Group

Whiteheart founding father Mark Gersmehl (aka Gersh) is not fulfilling a lifetime dream by releasing a solo album, nor is he trying to ride the coat tails of years of success with the former Whiteheart gang. What he is doing, or has done in the matter of "Awakenings," is lay out his heart and most intimate moments in life to song.

"Awakenings" was a huge surprise from the very first note. Prior to hearing it I pulled out some of the old Whiteheart, Petra, and Whitecross. (I was feeling a bit nostalgic to say the least.) Then when it (Awakenings) arrived, I inserted it into the CD player with great anticipation. Unexpectedly, I was drawn in by the tranquil piano, subtle accompaniment, and a soft voice. All very much adult-contemporary and inspirational.

Gersh writes like any other experienced singer/songwriter with years of experience and hard-learned knowledge. The songs on "Awakening" are heart-tuggers. Although they were written out of specific experiences in Girsh's life, they can fit easily into your own personal situation. Case in point is "Breakdown," which was written for a friend who was going through a divorce, but the listener can put themselves into the spirit of the song easily.

Other great tunes include "Shoes," "24 Coins," "Awakenings," and "I Believe". It's really hard to pick just a few because Girsh captures so much spirit in all ten tracks and it's all played out well with an intimate feeling. Additionally, Girsh's wife (Brynn), formerly of Rachael, Rachael, drops in some celestial background vocals that add to the beauty of the songs, most splendidly so on "Only You."

-Ken W.

www.gersh.com (Coming Soon)