The Perrys “Into His Presence” Album Review

Prime Cuts: I Can Trust Him, Reminders, I Owe Him Everything

The release of "Into His Presence" on April 8th is certainly a selcouth event.  This day almost did not come. And this album almost did not happen.  Fans may recall that in January of last year, Tracy Stuffle suffered a massive stroke.  Through an ensuing roller coaster struggle between life and death, many of us were kept at the edges of our seats' praying fearing that the worse might not happen.  But through God's magnanimous grace and through the ardent intercessions of family, friends and fans, Tracy Stuffle has been restored back to health.  With this new lease of life, instead of retreading into hibernation, Tracy Stuffle is back.  Albeit a more restrained capacity, Tracy Stuffle does sings and can be heard singing lead on the song "Three Men on a Mountain."   

In further ways, "Into His Presence" also marks a new beginning for the Perrys.  This is also their debut album for StowTown Records, a corporate venture pioneered by Wayne Haun and Ernie Haase.  Moreover, making their ways to the microphone for the first time on a Perrys' record are new vocalists David Ragan and Jared Stuffle (son of Tracy and Libbi Perry Stuffle).  Given the shakeup of Tracy Stuffle's health that were coterminous with this album's recording, it is understandable that "Into His Presence" is more reflective and contemplative.  Gone are the high hitting belters such as "Did I Mention" or the rowdy burners such as "I Wish I Could've Been There," but there's a larger representation of ballads and mid-tempoes.  

The title cut "Into His Presence" is pretty indicative of the album's sonic direction.  Ushered by lush sounding strings and the gorgeous layered harmonies of the quintet, the Perrys on this Cathedrals' classic remind us that God's presence is still the best oasis to find shelter in the desert moments of our lives.  "I Can Trust Him," the current single, which affirms the reliability of our Savior, gives further incentives for the fleet-footed to sprinter towards Jesus.  And the way song writers Wayne Haun and Joel Lindsey  build up the rhetoric of the song towards a crescendo before bursting forth into the tag line of the hymn "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" is just a touch of brilliance in itself.  Continuing on with the theme of God's reliability is the Kyla Rowland and Melissa Dawn Kennedy's heartfelt ballad "Reminders."  Remember to have your Kleenex nearby as Libbi Perry Stuffle delivers one of her most moving performances captured on disc.

Never ones to take God's grace for granted, "Lord I'm Thankful" is an infectious toe-tapper that finds the Perrys standing together with a slew of Biblical characters (from Daniel to Lazarus) to give thanks to God for His grace. While the Haun co-wrIte "When He Comes Walking on the Water" is a piece of uptempo re-telling of Peter meeting Jesus on the Sea of Galilee.  Handpicked by Tracy Stuffle and singing lead on it,"Three Men on a Mountain" speaks of Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the Cross.  Wisdom is indeed manifested in Tracy's choice; instead of wallowing in his own illness, Tracy knew that our ultimate healer is the Savior on the Cross.  

In many ways suffering can make us softer and more malleable towards God and others.  But when you go through suffering armed with the arsenal of the Cross, the Scriptures and prayer, you will come out formidable in your faith and testimony.  This is what has happened to the Perrys and "Into His Presence" is a glimpse of such faith and testimony.

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