"Much"

  The musical trio that comprises the wonderfully-named Ten Shekel Shirt is part of the worldwide YWAM ministries and is based in New Haven, Connecticut. Under auspices of same organization, the band previously led worship on the beautiful acoustic-based "Dreams of God" album, where the strong, clear vocals of lead singer/songwriter Lamont Hiebert made a deep impression. Now signed up to Vertical, the group's music is likely to be heard far and wide - and, as with other artists on this label (Darrell Evans, Lincoln Brewster, Jami Smith) some of the tunes come with a smart pop/rock punch - being similar in style to other youth worship bands such as MercyMe and Capstone. Thus the melodic, upbeat stance of the first 3 tracks and the chunky guitar-driven 'Come away'. Other songs, though, have a gentle and totally acoustic feel, as with the ambient shuffle 'Healer', the decidedly worshipful 'Unashamed love' and the poignant title track, where the emphasis is on the immensity of God's love and forgiveness:

'I come to Your feet and weep / Remembering how you changed me

I kneel at Your feet humbly / I pour out my love and my thanks'

  Many of these tunes are guided by delicate string arrangements, and tight harmonies appear throughout. If you like the acoustic folk/rock tones of big timers Caedmon's Call or Jars of Clay, but prefer a more definite worship focus - then the vibrant/sensitive sounds of "Much" will offer 'much' to please.

Review by tom lennie

"Personal Worship 3"

          'This is my Eden / My garden of delight / Here I will walk with You'

  Sue Rinaldi knows that she is enwrapped in the arms of God. From a place of deep peace she revels in His wondrous love - weaving her reflective way through this beautiful 12-song collection. Almost entirely acoustic - these tender psalms of praise are guided mainly by sweet cello and the piano/light percussion touch of close friend Caroline Bonnet, who also co-wrote many of the pieces. These include the simple and adorational 'You are the One', the unusual 'Radiance' and the charmingly serene 'Sacred' (how come no-one wrote this song before!). Other definite standouts are Sue's wonderfully sensitive rendition of the traditional 'Praise my soul' and the equally chilled-out 'Jesus, Name above all names' (previously featured on TACF's "Catch the Fire 7"). The former is, in fact, one of only two tunes more than a year old - the other being the uncluttered 'Time and again', first recorded for the successful "Promised Land" album.
  This is an admirable performance, and reveals a surprising diversity given the limits of a stripped-down setting like this. Ms Rinaldi sounds totally at home in these 'moments' of vulnerability, making this surely her finest work to date. Sublime.

Review by tom lennie

"Redemption"

  This is the second in Soul Survivor's 'Emerge' series, designed to introduce anointed young worship artists. "Redemption" is a half-hour midi-album, showcasing the talents of one David Gate - not the ex-Bread frontman(!) but a young writer/singer from North London. Some may recall his composition of two songs on each of Soul Survivor's "People's Album" compilations - most notable perhaps that stunning exaltation 'Praises (at the foot of the cross)" featuring Delirious' Martin Smith on lead vocals.
  David gives his own melodic version of that worshipful song on this set, along with six other originals - one co-written by Matt Redman (also the album's co-producer). Indeed, Matt's influence extends further - both Dave's musical style and his vocal sound are uncannily similar to Mr. Redman's - but then who's complaining?! The rock-guitar thrust of 'Draw me
near' and 'King of glory' make compelling contrast to the soft fluidity of David's vocals. These in turn contrast with the acoustic shuffle of 'Be still' (a meditation on the instruction of Ps 46) and the closing 'Redemption hymn', which, at only 2 minutes, is rather on the short side.
  All in all, this is a fine debut from Harrow's emerging worship leader, and a fine successor to Heat's "Can I see heaven". With a sound as good as David's, it can only be a matter of time before we hear more from him!

Review by tom lennie

  Worship is rising up on new wings. All over the land, artists are breaking through 'church music' barriers and creating forms of worship that are innovative yet unpretentious, stylish yet spiritually real. While their debut may have passed relatively unnoticed, this sophomore release from Barry & Michelle Patterson is already finding recognition nationwide.

  In essentially acoustic, rootsy style, these ten songs, written by the Texan duo over a 7-year period, are edgy, artful, thoughtful and exalting. In compelling manner, the couple breeze through the airy, simply-written and uncluttered arrangements. But it's Michelle's strong and soaring lead vocals that grab attention most. Her beautifully haunting voice lilts and swoops, sings and dances, as she fastens her vision purely on her Lord. Sounding charmingly reminiscent of fellow-Christian folk artist Jan Krist, Michelle's style is not disimilar also to that of Mary Chapin Carpenter.

  All tracks work compellingly well, many leading towards a hooky chorus which is both eminently singable and deeply worshipful. The gentle tones of 'There is no one', for example, is quite irresistible, so too the upbeat delight of songs like 'Your faithfulness' and 'We will never forget'.

  It took me a couple of plays to fully appreciate this album, but now I can't get enough! I love the adorational attitude evident throughout. We're going to be hearing more from these guys - just wait and see. On the other hand, why wait for something you can enjoy now!

Review by tom lennie

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