Cephas
History:
Cephas was a christian folk group based in western Pennsylvania, most likely in Pittsburgh. The group was led by Jeff Cogswell, a blind singer and guitarist who performed gospel songs. Cephas was essentially a collection of local young christian musicians tasked with promoting christianity through song. Cephas had a close association to, and was basically the de facto church band, for the christian organization Teen Challenge.
Cephas first started playing together in 1970 and eventually recorded their first album “Teen Challenge Presents: Cephas With Jeff Cogswell” in 1973. The group, at this point, consisted of a six man band and a choir of six women. The album features covers and three original tracks. One original tune is a rip-off of “Let It Be” and the other two were written by Andre LeWay with some assistance from Cogswell. The album is mainly acoustic folk rock with one or two edgier cuts. The album is known for its nine minute version of “Jesus Is Just Alright” with multiple instrumental breaks.
Cephas then recorded and released their second album “3 & 1/2 Years” in 1974. This album is much rarer than their previous affair. This album was not included in The Acid Archives but their first was. The album features a few new members in the band but the sound is similar. The songs are notably shorter in length, only one original composition is performed, and the overall sound is more polished.
By 1975, Cephas apparently dissolved as Cogswell continued as a solo performer. He recorded and released one album “Pressin’ On” that has been erroneously credited to Cephas in the past. Cogswell continued to perform at churches, charities, and retirement homes in and around western Pennsylvania until he passed away in 2019.
Members Of Cephas:
Band:
Lead Vocals, 6-String Acoustic Guitar - Jeff Cogswell
Vocals, Bass Guitar, 6-String Acoustic Guitar - Andrew LeWay
Vocals, Piano, Organ, Electric Piano - David Dexter
Vocals, 12-String Acoustic and Classical Guitar - Gary Simpson
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar - Rene Tremblay (only on first album)
Vocals - Frank Thompson (only on second album)
Choir:
Roberta Smith
Reneé Sofaly
Cathy Mercer
Deborah LeWay
Alice Urice
Kathy Ford (only on first album)
Reviews:
Teen Challenge Presents: Cephas With Jeff Cogswell (1973, Not On Label)
Rating: 3/10
Good ideas, poor execution. Straight gospel folk and acoustic folk rock with the presence of a female choir on backing vocals. Cogswell isn’t the most polished lead singer, but his work on the first few tracks is fine. Inconsistent affair all around.
“Jesus Has Changed My World” is a clear rip-off of The Beatles’ “Let It Be” albeit with different words. It even has the same guitar solo! “Till Another Soul Goes Free” is a good country folk track that is the most accessible (and quite CSN-esque), and “Show Me The Way” is a fine folk track. “Jesus Is Just Alright” would've been amazing had it been just Cogswell singing instead of the choir but it still has a great vibe and an excellent three minute instrumental break with heavy farfisa organ and good lead guitar. “Meander” is the only real "standout". A mediocre psychedelic folk tune with good organ work and a garagey vibe. This could’ve been a killer album within the genre but I guess it wasn’t meant to be. More consistent than their second album.
3 1/2 Years (1974, Not On Label)
Rating: 2/10
In a similar vein to their first, albeit way more inconsistent and with rawer production. Features more electric piano than organ (very high in the mix), more choir spots, and more subdued guitars. “3 And 1/2 Years”, the only original on the album, starts off great with a groovy bass line, farfisa organ, and haunting vocals but the choir kills the song in the second half. The group’s stab at “Two Hands” is well done with good keyboard and vocal work. The jammer “Talkin’ About Jesus” is a out of place rocker but is quite corny. Too much choir, not enough creativity.