KALEIDOSCOPE
continually changing
the music of
Christian City Church Westside
Brisbane, Australia
www.cccwestside.org.au

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord.”    2 Cor 3:18

  7.  Do It Again
  8.  War
  9.  You Set Me Free
10.  By Grace
11.  We’ve Come
12.  Shadows

Songs:
  1.  Hold of Me
  2.  Illuminate
  3.  Lord I Draw Near
  4.  My Son
  5.  Father’s Heart
  6.  Fresh Oil

All songs are originals of CCC Westside, written by Grant Windle, Jenni Bell, Andrew Roubin, and Rosemary Oxenford.
All vocals on all tracks by Grant Windle and Rosemary Oxenford with the following additions:
Viktoria Roubin - lead vocalist on “You Set Me Free” and backing vocals on “War”.
Lauren Pratt - lead vocals on “Lord I Draw Near”, backing vocals on “Fresh Oil”, “Set Free”, and verse vocal on “Illuminate”.

$14.50

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"Kaleidoscope - Continually Changing"

  We've come to expect recordings from Australian churches, and certainly 'Christian City' churches, to be vibrant, 'live' and full-sounding. Nice change then, to find this output from CCC Westside, Brisbane, contains only one of those three ingredients - that of vibrancy - and even then it is sensitively contained! For "Kaleidoscope" is a studio album - more precisely it was recorded / programmed in the home of co-lead vocalist and main songwriter Grant Windle, and features the sound of a small-but-comfortably-sized worship group

  Just as a kaleidoscope reflects coloured objects in continually changing patterns, so the music here 'reflects' subtly changing forms - with the overall encased in a pop / inspirational showcase. So we find a shift in musical mood from the punchy pop of 'Illuminate' and 'My Son' to the tender shuffle of 'Father's heart', to the light jazz tones of 'You set me free' and 'We've come to lift'. Even Grant's call to spiritual 'War' carries a warm, melodic flow! From everywhere though, you find a unifying attitude of grace, holy longing and adoration. Perhaps Rosemary Oxenford sums it up when she delicately shares that it's

'By grace, for I do no deserve Your love / So great I can't repay / I cannot earn this gift/ Br grace I come / By grace I stay'

  The kaleidoscope image however, also represents our own transformation 'from glory to glory' into the likeness of the Lord. By the grace of God may our lives become brighter and more beautiful as we draw ever closer to Him who called us - continually changing.

Review by tom lennie

“Come Heal This Land”

  On a cold and wintry night, in December 2000, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh, Northern Ireland, 600 enthusiastic worshipers enjoyed the recording of Robin Mark’s follow up to “Revival in Belfast,” which is still selling over 1,000 copies a week across the States!  A tall order to follow for Robin!   Would he be able to manage it? But I found myself smiling immediately as the opening traditional Irish jig launched into an emotion charged up tempo version of “Take us to the river!” I was hooked!

  This CD is filled with emotional songs and spiritual highs.  The acoustics in the echoing Cathedral were difficult for a live record. Plus there were strange things happening to some of the people associated with the project in the weeks that they prepared for the recording.  But God, making greatness out of our weaknesses has blessed this project.  Robin’s voice has never sounded stronger and his interspersed prayers display his humility at what God has been doing through his music throughout Ireland.

  The six new Mark songs found here are powerful worship tunes.  Some are destined to be sung in worship services, while others are songs to sit back and allow the words and music to wash over you.  I found myself worshiping along with the record at  “Everything Cries Holy,” as the song drifts into an extended ending of free worship that is a window into heaven itself.  The title song “Come Heal This Land,” is magnificent!  “In the Beauty of Holiness” has a free swinging “Caeli” feel to the song. Robin has a way of putting words and music together that reflects the rolling green hills and the wild winds of his native country. “I wish I could love you more, my God and my King.” Is this not the cry of our hearts?  This CD is flowing with love and forgiveness.  “Lord have mercy,” has a high church aura in the chorus yet an accessible appeal in the verses. He blasts through “Forever,” a Chris Tomlin song. Showing these Celts can Rock as well as sing lilting ballads!

  It has all the ingredients of a great worship experience.  Expertly chosen songs, the band and singers sound tight and add all the touches of the modern Celtic sound.  If you can only afford one CD this month or year!  Invest your money on this one, I am sure you will not be disappointed and if you can visit Kingdom Bound at Darien Lake, NY this August, you will be able to see Robin Mark as he will be leading worship a number of times, I will certainly be making the trip!

Review by Bill Mason

"No Fixed Address"

  We have come to expect output from Winnipeg Centre Vineyard to be a little left of centre, kinda avant garde - but this is a most original concept. The North End, part of the Winnipeg's inner city, is also home to WCV, who located there precisely to reach out with love and hope to those in the area from differing social, racial and economic backgrounds. This album, dedicated to those of 'No fixed address', gives literal voice to those who are rarely if ever heard.

  There is something deeply humbling about this truly organic project - it's poems and songs echo the hurt and pain of the real people who share them; yet their dignity, joys and hopes also ring through, as does the artistic talent embedded in each one. So we find the gentle flow of 'Soul' from Colleen Kwade, a mother who writes with her husband Rob. We find poetic charm in the bare chill of Gord Kent's oft-felt 'Cold wind' and in the forest beauty of Diane Tucker's 'Deciduous' . More poignant still is 'street-dweller' Charles Moar's simple exhortation to 'Follow (the ways of Jesus Christ)'; his earthy, untrained voice adding to the sensitive atmosphere. Sadly, Charlie died on the streets of North End just two weeks after recording this song. And yes, we hear from the likes of David Ruis, Andrew Smith and John Janzen - they're part of this community too - and their beautiful contributions are totally in keeping with the overall tone.

  Most of these acoustic-based tunes are guided by Andrew Smith's rootsy multi-instrumentalism, which includes Hammond organ, mandolin and harmonica. Each song / poem will pull on your emotions. But, allow them to and they will do more - they will touch your spirit; convicting of lovelessness and lack of social concern; striking you with the value of every human soul; and blessing you with the love, hope and security that is truly ours, and ours to share.

Review by tom lennie

"Soaking in the Glory"

  The term 'soaking prayer' became popular with the rise of the Toronto Blessing; with it also emerged the concept of 'soaking worship' - to rest back in the atmosphere of God's presence, allowing musical waves of peace and gentleness to wash over you. As such, "Soaking in the Glory" succeeds admirably - producing a wonderfully calming effect on mind and soul.

  Not talking insipid here; variety of material used insures against that, as home-grown songs (and one spontaneous instrumental) are interwoven with tunes composed by likes of Don Moen, Delirious' Martin Smith and Waterdeep. Plus, Toronto Airport's Sarah Colligan, who lends delectable harmony sounds elsewhere, dons guest lead vocals on 'Child of God' - the only Vineyard UK 'cover' I know that sounds as good if not better than the original! Non-vocal musicianship is compelling too, with occasional inclusion of sax and clarinet, and flute tones adding a celtic feel to many tracks.

  All this, along with the sensitive, alternate lead vocals of Paul Blackham and Bill Andrew Fish, ensures a delicate tapestry of beauty and God-assurance. Whether in 'carpet time' or 'armchair time' (have I invented a new phrase?), "Soaking in the Glory" will minister to the deepest parts.

Review by tom lennie