If you're looking for a stonkin' good time of gospel praise, then look no further! Clint Brown and the formidable FaithWorld Choir deliver a live set of praise songs that virtually rocks you out of your seat from the opening worship-call 'rouser'. And if Mr Brown sounds like an old hat at this type of thing - it's cos he is! With a string of releases behind him, this one was recorded live in Orlando, Florida, where Clint and wife Angie pastor the FaithWorld Church (now merged with Benny Hinn's World Outreach Church and numbering over 4,000 people).

  Many of the tunes were penned by Clint over the last few years, or were written in conjunction with others, such as Martha Munizzi, who also leads on her own spicy Latino 'Blessed be the Lord' (and who's husband Don acts as keyboardist and album producer). I must say though - and in marked contrast to these praise-shooters - I like even more the smooth worship ballads towards the close of the disc - songs such as 'No word but holy', 'I love to worship You' and 'Say the name', as well as the earlier 'I worship You'. These are simple in melody, but always delightfully sensitive and worshipful. Lyrics are not provided (you can get them from Clint's web-site), but are hardly necessary as they consist mainly of one-or-two-line choruses, repeated over and again. That's how this style of gospel operates - some will find it totally appropriate, others will have difficulty not seeing a couple of tracks (such as the lengthy 'I win') a tad over-repetitive and lacking in creativity.

  Released on CB's own Tribe Records label (he also has his own 32-track studio), this is an exciting album with a buzzingly live sound. If you're not familiar with this type of music, be prepared for a surprise! If you already know and love the style, then 'put your hands together like you know you can' ! Get ready folks. It's time to dance!

Review by tom lennie

  We're all aware of the Parachute Band, but did you know that fellow New Zealand team the lads are one of the few other acts to be signed to the Parachute Music label? Indeed Marvel is the band's fourth recording since the indie debut of '93, between which times they've been nominated for Best Gospel Album of the Year ('96) and had a top ten single in the US Christian Rock charts.

  Accessible, energetic, radio-friendly pop-rock is what these guys do best - and how! - virtually every track being an instant ear-grabbing turn-on. Main influences may be the likes of Delirious? and U2, but in sound and style the lads are more in line with other Brit pop/rock purveyors such as Blur or Christian band Kato, or at times US attraction All Star United. All tunes are self-composed and convey clear spiritual messages, often - as in 'International mystery man' and 'Supersonic' - relating the wonders of Christian life with sci-fi imagery (well, how else does one express the staggering truth of Pentecost!). With added trumpet/trombone sounds, some songs (most notably 'Creator' - now a single - and 'Mikey trousers') carry hints of vibrant ska rhythm. On slower tracks come the moody yet intimate 'Island' and vulnerability before God expressed on the honest 'Open' - thoughts I, for one, can easily relate to;

'Open up the door... / welcome to the place that I call home / I've been scared to show / let anybody know / what's been going on inside for oh so long'

  Given the final touch of NZ Producer of the Year (1998) Malcolm Welsford (plus lads), these well-crafted tunes come over with all the more aplomb. I especially love the passion and readiness with which the five-some musically share their spiritual joys and ideas. Sounds like they've got something well worth singing about! Share with them as they Marvel at the One who puts this whole life together.

Review by tom lennie

  It's increasingly common these days for worship events to play host to musicians from overseas. Thus it was that this occasion in Waterloo, Ontario - the first of three Worship Together conferences held in Canada in 2001 - included no less than 5 worship leaders / bands from England and Ireland, as well as 3 groups from the host nation itself.

  With true Canadian hospitality, it's the Brit's who get to kick off (!); Stuart Townend leading on the flowing 'How good it is' and Phatfish's Louise Fellingham on that striking new hymn 'In Christ alone'. Some rootsy Irish worship follows care of Brain Houston's methodical 7.5 min 'Miracle in my heart' - with irresistible audience participation! - and his thoughtful 'Could You' ; sandwiched by fellow-N.I. muso Robin Mark's wonderful, anthemic 'Days of Elijah'. Noel Richards completes the UK picture with two of his own worship-ballad gems.

  You probably know the popular self-compositions that David Ruis and Robert Critchley present ('Lily of the valley', 'Faithful God'), but you're unlikely to have heard them as sensitive and anointed as the 7-minute renditions each receive here. But standout track for me is saved 'til last - pop-worship team Capstone deliver a version of Prosch's 'Banner over me' that is simply knock-out; with kicking guitar, rolling piano and Joel Auge's passion-soaked, give-it-all vocals!

  Add to all this the mixing / production touch of veteran David Zaffiro, and you've got one fine set of tunes. These are also great songs for congregational use, as this 2,000-strong congregation ably proved! At the end of the day it's all about focusing our hearts aright. It's all about seeing Jesus Lifted High.

Review by tom lennie

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