Ever since I first heard them, I've loved the rootsy folk tones of Caedmon's Call - their clear melodic vibes resonate with genuine spirituality despite the non-religious nature of their music style and original lyrics. The group hardly need an introduction, having achieved several Christian radio hits, and their last three acclaimed, national releases (one of which got top Dove Award honours) amassing sales of over 750,000 units. Yet despite such renown the band has never forsaken it's simple roots, viz. leading worship in a local church setting.

  It is to such roots the band return with this specific 'call to worship'. Company of Angels comprises a diverse spread of worship hymns and anthems, some newly composed by band members, some borrowed from friends, (such as Kemper Krabb and Aaron Senseman, each a solo artist in his own right) and three old and beautiful, lesser known hymns given tuneful reinterpretation by singer / songwriter Sandra McCracken. These lyrical tomes of old ably reveal how God deserves worship with our minds as well as our emotions, and I particularly like the self-abasing verses of Isaac Watts' 'I boast no more'. Other standouts? - well all tracks hold favour, but the simple 'Warrior' chorus is most likeable (and join in-able!), so too Kemper's Celtic hymnal 'The danse', as well as the genuine impact of 'Oh Lord Your love' 's contemplative tones. Vocalist Cliff Young having been a personal friend of Rich Mullins, the band were one of a select group of artists given access to some of his unrecorded material after his death; 'Oh Lord..' was the one they chose and sensitively adapted.

  Most tracks were studio recorded, a couple being live takes from concerts in Texas earlier this year. Apart from the seven band members, several others musicians contribute to the effort; these include Derri Daugherty, the Nashville String Machine, and co-producer / musician Ed Cash. All sounds combine to produce this most varied organic volume, which you're bound to love from start to finish. For, while the musicianship is ever smart and strong, it in no way deters from the simple, focused adoration effected. This is genuine, accessible worship from a team who have their eyes fixed on Him. It's a beauty!

Review by tom lennie

  Step Into The Sun is a bi-monthly evening of prayer and worship held at Edmonds' Sunrise Christian Fellowship, WA, where 'the volume (is) turned up a smidge and the lights turned down'. While the contemporary sounds there performed include songs from Delirious?, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, and some of worship leader Aaron Spiro's own material, it's 12 of the latter's self-penned compositions that have been chosen for this impressive studio debut.

  The band everywhere have it together, but it's Aaron's deep, unforgettable voice that is most convincing. That, and the strength of each one of these diverse, non-cliched songs. Though they've probably never heard of each other, Spiro's creative worship is similar in style and sound to that of Irishman Johnny Parks, especially on those vibrant, edgy tunes near the front of the album. Any one of these dozen tracks could be highlighted. 'Step into the sun' is an infectious slice of pop-rock, while the charming 'Raise your voice' carries a slight country flavour. On the more moderately-paced songs I find Aaron's vocals comparable to the mature, husky voice of Californian Terry Clark. The meditative 'Thank you for the cross' has a tender blues feel, 'Abba father' is as intimate as anyone could want, and 'Hallelujahs' is a gently uplifting praise-shuffle! Oh, and I've got to mention the yearning supplication of the closing 'Rain', which is as soulful as it is sumptuous!

  With a total playing time of 1 hour, each song averages 5 minutes in length; Aaron drawing out each song into a moving experience. This is intense, moody music for those serious about their worship. As you may have gathered, the alternative worship sounds of Step Into the Sun certainly appeal to this listener!

Review by tom lennie

  'The (musical) fruit of intimacy is songs that are created not by effort or works, but born out of intimate times with Jesus' . The Savior's Community Church in Visalia, CA. has been greatly blessed in musical gifting, and here the congregation seeks to share in love with the wider Church the very best songs given to it's songwriters over the past 10 years or so.

  Six writers share their compositions - Donna Belt's are the most varied, ranging from the hand-clapping 'Sovereign Lord' and 'Rivers of joy' to the theatrical 'Spirit of God' (with striking choral arrangement), to the delicacy of 'Breath of God' with it's intricate harmony vocals, a recurrent feature on this disc. The gently ascending title-track includes a time of spontaneous praise and extends to 10 minutes - who would want to stop such poignant prayer/praise as this! Most other tracks too have a worship flow that simply lifts the worshipper and carries him/her along in a beautiful atmosphere of adoration. Worship leader Shon Baldwin intimately shares his own 'Nothing compares' - a most gorgeous moment, while Kathleen Condle continues the heavenly flow with three further, piano-based, gems (inc. fine string arrangement on 'My portion' ).

  These songs come from obvious hearts of worship - carrying authentic anointing throughout. With a genuine desire to bless, The Savior's Community freely offers these dozen songs for church groups to use in any worship setting. They've been created to bless. So come, enjoy - 69 minutes of unadulterated blessing!

Review by tom lennie

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