Title: Unmerited Favor
Artist: Mercer, Rob & Friends
Label: CD Baby
Product Type: COMPACT DISCS
UPC: 643157085621
Genre: Gospel

Armed with a passion for the Lord, and blessed with a four-octave range, Rob Mercer is an accomplished vocalist in the field of Contemporary Christian and Gospel music. From the tender age of four, Rob was singing and performing at recitals and concerts in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. The son of an ordained minister, he became a regular opening act for many gospel greats including the late Rev. James Cleveland and Edwin Hawkins. After entering Hampton University, Rob frequently performed at area talent showcases. His popularity grew and he was soon a requested favorite of the student body and the surrounding communities--at one point writing, arranging and performing the theme song for the 1992 Miss Hampton Coronation. Rob has toured extensively, including Johannesburg, South Africa, to teach Gospel music to performing arts students. He has performed throughout the U.S. and Canada, and has sung background vocals for Diana Ross. Most recently, Rob was a lead soloist with Carlton Burgess and Complete Praise. Rob's creative pursuits has taken him into the realm of acting where he has performed in numerous stage plays, including TORN, LOCK IN and 12 Angry Men. He is slated to continue his development in the dramatic arts by starring as the lead character in Rosie Roger's Dangerous Lies and Subtle Deceit. Summer 2002 heralded the release of Rob's debut album, Rob Mercer with Friends, Unmerited Favor, on his own K.A.M.G. (Kingdom Access Music Group) label. In describing his musical heritage, Rob explains, 'My father would never play anything but Christian music so that's all I heard. I lived with music by the Winans family, Vanessa Bell-Armstrong, Richard Smallwood and the Clark Sisters every day. And then, in 1988, I was exposed to Crystal Lewis, igniting my love for Christian Contemporary music. I hope people will hear all of these influences on this project.' This recording showcases Rob's lyrical and musical writing abilities and demonstrates his love for others in the Christian community whom he features prominently in this collaborative effort. Of his signature emphasis on supporting and encouraging other artists, Rob says, 'One of the gifts with which God has entrusted me, is music administration. I have always loved working with others in ministry. There is so much we can do when we truly operate as the body of Christ. The Bible teaches us in Matthew 18: 18-20 that there is power in agreement. And with everything going on in the world, there is room for each of us to do our part and bring about change.' The album's first track, 'Light,' is an energetic exhortation to believers to be examples of Christ in a world that is looking for answers. Recalling his inspiration for the song, Rob explains, 'I wrote that one straight out of Matthew 5: 13-16. I guess I really love that book, but there was a time when I found myself being pulled at by both worlds. But mercifully, during that same time, I began to feel God saying to me, 'I have called you to be an example so that others see Me through you.'' The project's title track 'Unmerited Favor' is a re-telling of Rob's personal testimony. Anyone who has seen this brother minister knows there was a period in his life when he was ready to throw in the towel. Of these dark days, Rob remembers, 'My sin was ever before me and it didn't look like God was hearing my cry. It was just in that moment when He spoke the words that inspired this song and said 'my Grace is still sufficient.'' Another spiritual high point of this album is the emotive and heart-rending 'Hannah's Song,' featuring the arresting vocals of Margo Goggins. This exquisite recording recounts Hannah's desperate but determined story of hope and praise in the face of grievous personal circumstances, and will certainly become an enduring source of solace and encouragement to many who struggle with the pain of unfulfilled dreams. 'Lamb of God,' the album's first single release, is a poignant poem celebrating God's redemptive love and Christ's ultimate triumph. Rob interprets Kenneth Reese's masterpiece with aching honesty and raw emotion. In contemplating the gravity of this song's subject, Rob says, 'I am so grateful for Calvary. When I think about my life, I understand that if Christ had never taken my sins upon Himself, I would have been utterly without hope. When you really sit down and meditate on what He did, it blows your mind. God loved us so much that He was willing to let His Son be humiliated, beat down, spit on, whipped, and broken so that we would have a right to eternal life---Amazing.' Though aware that the road ahead may yet be long, Rob is grateful to the Father for the traveling mercies he has already received. 'The Lord knew there would be a time when I could have easily been overcome by all kinds of sin. Now I have salvation because He took care of those faults and failures some 2000 years early. Thank You Jesus!' Rob Mercer is a gifted and passionate soldier of Christ, eager to share his joy and testimony with all who will hear.

Tracks:
1.1 Light
1.2 Unmerited Favor
1.3 Hannah's Song
1.4 Hannah's Song (Reprise)
1.5 80S Medley (Feat. Running Back 2 U/Everything U Touch/Endow Me)
1.6 Where Has the Love Gone
1.7 Praising You (Part 1)
1.8 Praising You (Part 2)
1.9 Lord We Praise You
1.10 Mighty God
1.11 How
1.12 Lamb of God
1.13 Morning Light