“Shine On Me”
Nikki Berry
Reviving Dreams Enterprises (release date: October 1, 2023)
By Robert M. Marovich
Nikki Berry’s “Shine on Me,” a vocal solo with organ accompaniment, is the kind of gospel performance designed to enliven a church congregation.
The Houston, Texas, resident delivers Dr. James Abbington’s arrangement of the congregational favorite, written by George N. Allen, with closed-eyed confidence. She eases blue notes into the crevices between expansive melodic lines. Towards the end, when she declares, “I need you to shine on my children, God; shine on my family, God,” Berry has set the church elders on their feet in anticipation of a praise break moment. Tagging the Church of God in Christ “Yes Lord” chant at the end all but seals the deal.
Though the longer version of the single clocks in at nearly five minutes, Berry sounds as if she is just getting started.