"Sound Of Rain - Live"

  'What is the sound of rain? It is the sound of heaven released in earth. It is the sound of musical instruments in the hands of gifted musicians whose hearts are inflamed with passion for the lover of their souls. It is the song that springs forth from the heart of the lovesick psalmist whose soul is desperate for more of God'
  Such is the Sound of Rain as presented on this 74-minute platter; an intense spiritual experience and a rich musical expression. The project sees the coming together of ardent young Christian musicians from Atlantic Beach, Florida and Belo Horizonte, Brazil for a unique international time of worship. It could so easily not have gelled, perhaps instead sounding contrived. But thankfully it works well - a collection of songs mainly written or co-written by keyboardist Jeremy Bowser, who leads English vocals on all songs - competently too. Most songs also have a (sometimes extended) Portuguese component - these are sung by guitarist David M. Quintan; the bi-lingual flavours blending together well so that the music doesn't sound disjointed. Rachel Meisburg's beautiful co-lead vocals appear on 'You're so precious Lord', which she in fact co-wrote with Bowser, and her backing vocals are evident throughout. All these songs have simple
lyrics, expressing, as do all musicians through the entire set, a real passion for God. This unrelenting zeal is in fact perhaps the most distinguishable feature of the recording, though the quality of musicianship (check out James Duke's lead guitar work and some stunning percussion) is also strong.
  The two exceptions to Bowser's compositions come at the start - the opening 'Come and fill me up' is a stirring Brian Doerkson delight, and Kevin Prosch's 'His banner over me' is given the works on an energetic 10-minute re-do. Indeed, the influence of Prosch is apparent elsewhere too, as is perhaps a hint of that powerful MorningStar sound (on, for example,
'Something new').
  Overall this is a moving and inspiring period of worship. This is the sound of 'the lovers of God, when the arms of their God enfold them and their joy finds articulation'. This is the Sound of Rain.

Review by tom lennie