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It's All Good
Knowing that Christian City Church
Atlanta was born out of CCC Oxford Falls, Sydney, it becomes less of a surprise to find an Australian connection also running through this church's worship ministry! For, along with pastors Dean and Jill Sweetman,
worship director's Steve Deal and Jacky Brigstock both originate from that land down under (Jacky also having sung on some Hillsong works / Steve holding a Spirit of Australia cd - plus a further solo
project - to his name), and it is these two who, along with able music team and choir, make prominent contribution to this fine, extended-play recording, Steve writing 11 out of the 12 songs, the other being composed by Jacky, who
also supplies main lead vocals.
This is the church's third recording, being more accessible than the previous Walk by Faith (which includes the testing 15 minute 'All honour', yet also the guitar and
vocal gifting of Chris Falson). While opening with a couple of methodical gospel-praise types, you'll also find several pleasant upbeat pop-worship songs, such as the Deal-led 'You are here' and the memorable
'I can't stay silent', sung by pianist Steve Burkholder. Many songs, though, come in gentler, more soulful style, admirably and sensitively sung by Ms Brigstock - her mature, powerful voice being comparable to that of pop-diva
Cher! Certainly, tender ballads like 'More in love with You', 'All I need' and the three closing beauties - the middle one featuring fine vocal charm from guitarist Choppy Volpe - are most pleasant to the ears and
soothing/enriching to the soul.
The message of this album is deeper intimacy ('a touchable relationship') with God through Jesus; an intimacy these worshippers obviously share - though they long for even more -
with every one of these songs being expressions of prayer and praise, ie being sung to
God, not just about Him. Allow yourself to fall in love with Him more, as you spend time in His presence with these worthy sounds of encouragement. I can assure you - It's All Good!
Review by tom lennie |
