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This dynamic disc is so hot
off the press that it comes as the first into my hands with a 2002 copyright date, promoting an artist web-site that isn't yet in operation! Artist in question is one Johnny Parks, a radical worship
musician from Northern Ireland who previously fronted a band called The Maroons and who recorded an edgy, raw solo output in 2000 entitled Nomads Welcome.
Parks leads worship at a
monthly Youth For Christ event in Belfast's Ulster Hall known as Mannafest, attracting upwards of 1,500 young folk, and it is from such live setting that this vibrant sound was captured. Like it's
predecessor, from which three songs are taken, this set of self-composed tunes delivers a creative, intense and compelling sound, ever in expression of passionate commitment to God. From the infectious
rootsy rhythms of the opening title cut, thru' the praise anthems 'Glory' and 'God of great things', to the relentless 8-minute yearning of 'Breathe', one's attention is held and the
effect is gripping. Even more restrained tunes like 'God is still for you' and 'I call on you' build in atmosphere to an emotional high, the latter inducing Johnny to cry out desperately to God
with all his vocal strength and stamina.
Parks' musical style is his very own - his earthy, accented vocals comparable only to the occasional folk musician from the same troubled land (thinking
of Belfast-man Brian Houston, who in fact co-leads worship at same Fellowship as John, as does indeed a certain Robin Mark!). It's true there are only seven tracks to this budget-priced disc (41.5 minutes
play-time), but the intensity of emotion released shows this to be just right (carrying a full 12 songs, Nomads Welcome proved too potent to absorb at one listening). If you hold a continued interest
in exciting worship sounds from the British Isles, then you'll want to step right in to this one; as they say in Northern Ireland - it's a real cracker so it is!
Review by tom lennie |
