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Ok, so the sleeve design (design?) is totally naff, proving you can't always judge an album by its cover. For the 64 minutes
music on this disc certainly make high impression! The musical product, in fact, of the 8th annual Catch the Fire conference held in perhaps the world's most renowned charismatic church,
Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship, which, even after all these years, is still holding nightly meetings. TACF worship leaders Jeremy Sinnott and Robert Critchley once again play host to these proceedings, joined
this time round by lesser-known team member Owen Hurter and UK guest musician Noel Richards (and bands).
The wonderful thing about this recording is that, unlike much live 'conference'
output - including past CtF albums - the great majority of these songs are brand spanking new! A terrific and varied selection they comprise too. Critchley's rousing 'God of the breakthrough' is likely to
find high favour as a congregational anthem, while his attractive 'My troubled soul' finds melodious tandem with the 'Leaning on the everlasting arms' hymn chorus. Noel Richards leads us into an
enthralling, carefree dance celebration with 'Do you love to praise the Lord?' - this one's just gotta be heard! - whereas Owen Hunter provides not only the infectious 'What I believe'
, but also a worthy cover of a Third Day tune!
Some fine songs flow in gentler form too - including a new Noel Richards smoothie, a rendition of a Vineyard UK tune and two excellent meditations from Robert
Critchley (one composed by bass player Mike Hughes). Lengthiest track is Jeremy's 8-minute 'There is a song' romance, which, like several other numbers here, receives a 'celtic'
woodwind touch and admirable support vocals.
Indeed, backing musicianship throughout is as high in quality as both the lead vocals from these four musicians and the indubitable strength of songs.
Praise the Mighty Name of Jesus makes for a memorable and
consistently worshipful occasion - perhaps the very best in this longstanding series - so far!
Review by tom lennie |