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Unless you've encountered the totally innovative world worship of the first disc in this series, you're likely to be
quite amazed by the blending of musical cultures that make up this 71-minute acoustic worship expression. And yet there are several changes here from the original recording. The Waterdeep team, so integral to EtWC1, is
absent this time round; in their place steps Ben Kennedy and Jared Hornsy of 'acoustic fusion group' Calling Cedar; also percussionist and programmer Will Hunt, and vocalist Sarah Stewart, now part of
The Blue Renaissance Creative Group, on who's Colorado label this output appears.
A further difference is the focus on specifically Indian rhythms and sounds, inspired by visits to that land by Ben and
Robin Pasley of 100 Portraits - such influence being most noticeable on the ethereal 'Lost art of living'. Indeed, a stunning array of - mainly percussive - Eastern musical aids is employed throughout; including
the dholak, dumbek, djembe, udu, bombo goat skin, kanjira and Rhiki swarsangam (15-string sitar)! And in case you think these names have been made up - you'll find photos of many of these tools in the cd-inserts -
doubter, you! Textures from these instruments are interwoven with more Western sounds like indispensable guitar, vocals, green chair (sounds much better than a blue one!), and cup and saucer (honest)! All songs were
written by Kennedy and/or the Pasley's, and it's they too, along with Mary Luker and Ms Stewart who provide the striking lead and harmony vocals. The tunes are basic in structure, carrying Psalm-like expressions of
praise amidst the reality of trials, weakness and low esteem.
Got to say, I find the melodies of the first Circle more diverse and memorable than this second set, and while such raw, rootsy sounds
are a welcome world away from the over-produced tones of many modern worship ventures, I did find the constant tribal beats throughout most of the recording a bit wearisome after a while - hence the welcome relief of
less emphatic rhythms such as 'Praise awaits You' and the totally drum-less 'First love'
as the album proceeds. Still, the sense of honest, stripped-down praise, along with the overall unique and timeless qualities of Circle 2 make for an album that will be prized in any Christian collection.
Encouraged by the $1 donation from each album sale to some of the poorest groups in India, perhaps you too would like to come within the fold of the Worship Circle - it's a wonderfully refreshing / enriching
place to be!
Review by tom lennie - Jan 2002 |
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