Worship should be done in spirit and in truth, and Minister Earnest Pugh has accomplished just that on his new CD, A Worshipper's Perspective. Perspective, Pugh's sophomore effort, boasts a colorful roster of guest singers including the uber-talented Nikki Ross, D'Atra Hicks and Denise Stuart, with a number of songs written by Pugh and the immensely gifted Byron Cage.

Pugh, a Memphis native and country to the core with a thick southern drawl to prove it, still recalls his first encounter with his anointing and willingly offers insight into his spiritual journey, his love of music and his love of God.

UK: When did you first know that this (music) was to be your ministry?

EP: Actually around seven years old. My great grand mom used to say "sing me a song," on her death bed. So I would sit on the foot of the bed and sing to her. She would say I have "Saul's refreshing spirit, (your singing) it makes me feels better." And that was the first burden. Around twelve, I actively started participating but that was my foundation.

UK: Did you ever struggle with gospel versus secular music?

EP: Not really. I always knew I would do gospel. Besides my parents would beat me!

UK: What is the most difficult thing you've been through?

EP: Probably the death of my father five years ago. He was a deacon and I talked to him Christmas Eve and on Christmas day the paramedics were there. I was relocating my family to the East coast so I didn't really have time to grieve. (Once he passed) that support was gone, but God said go and get thee out into your Canaan.

UK: Who are your greatest musical influences?

EP: Daryl Coley, John P. Kee, Vanessa Bell broke me down and made me cry, and O'Landa Draper & The Associates.

UK: Is there a particular group or demographic that you think your music ministers to?

EP: I think it's for the seasoned. It's not just for entertainment, but for those hungry for the presence of the Lord - worship. Next dimension worship. It's an experience and it's for those who can listen with their hearts and not with itching ears.

UK: What are you afraid of?

EP: Not measuring up. These folk out here can sing! Not being good enough. Not enough range or power, or lacking the ability to move a crowd. But I have come to a place where I've realized I can't get caught up in the hype. I'm not re-inventing the will of God. I am just echoing the Word of God and when you do that, all of Heaven will back you up. Once I realized that, I came into a whole other level of confidence.

Holy Spirit, the first song after the instrumental intro, starts out like a mournful cry in the midnight hour that ushers in the spirit of the Lord through stirring vocal turns and awesome production, complete with modulations and praise. Some highlights include He's There, Prophetic Flow and I Need Thee. Going full circle, Pugh has managed to fit in the exaltation of God saved for the upper room - foot-stomping, tambourine-playing shout music and blatant unapologetic adoration that draws the listener in with his first utterance.

For more information on Minister Earnest Pugh, check out the official website www.earnestpugh.com.