Members of the Mobile-based band Seraph say their main goal is ministry, but to accomplish that end, they have done more than simply write songs.
Since forming in 2004, the six-member Seraph — comprised mainly of University of Mobile alumni or former employees — has worked to define itself as a band focused on ministry through music and with music. Whether performing at DiscipleNow weekends or Super Summer camps, the purpose is "to follow God and what He has in store for us," according to lead singer and acoustic guitarist Brad Hill.
And with the release of its second album, "Shout It Out," in April, Seraph has continued in its mission, performing benefit concerts for women’s resource centers in Alabama and Mississippi.
The cost of admittance to the band’s CD release concert at First Baptist Church, North Mobile, in Saraland was a package of baby diapers or wipes, which were donated to Save-A-Life in Saraland. Following that concert, Seraph performed a pre-game concert at a Mobile BayBears baseball game, with proceeds going toward five Mobile-area women’s resource centers and three Mississippi centers.
The event coordinator for the BayBears concert, Kimberly Tatham, described Seraph as "extremely talented and engaging."
"The band Seraph was wonderful; their hearts and minds were set on the Lord, giving Him all the glory and … inviting all of us to join them in singing God’s praises," Tatham said of the band’s performance.
She added, "Seraph’s music added an excitement and joy to our praises and built up our anticipation, setting the stage for the Word of God and His gospel to be proclaimed."
According to the band, its style of music is hard to define, because it touches on several different genres, including rock, delta blues and jazz.
And band members are calling the 10 songs on the new CD "a gumbo."
"It’s a little bit of everything thrown into the pot," Hill said.
The goal of Seraph’s second album, which Hill said takes its title from songs "that have a message worth shouting about," is to provide hope and encouragement.
"We don’t compare notes when we write," said band member Joe Langley, who plays harmonica and mandolin and provides vocals.
He noted on this CD, "the songs all have the hope theme. Hope was just really resonating with the band."
Hill pointed to the song "Don’t Give Up" as being about God using people in our lives to encourage us to keep going. "We really wanted to bring to light the fact that God is rooting for us. Don’t give up; don’t give in."
The CD is available at www.burningcoalministries.com. (UM)
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