"Selah"

  Given this band's unusual but catchy name, the non-standard album title and the intriguing cover pic, it will be of little surprise that this is no run-of-the-mill recording! Hikkup are a team of young Christian artists from Canada with a longing to express biblical truths in a contemporary and relevant fashion. This they do by 'praying the Psalms'; they choose a Psalm, pray it the day before, and then go out to the streets and birth the music there and then, immediately sharing their musical creations with those passing by. A novel idea for sure, and lead singer and song-writer Heather Clark makes it sound too easy by half!. It certainly works though, and these 12 songs are the proof of that. Taken directly from the New King James version of the Bible (I love the way the song-words are displayed in the liner-notes), spiritually timeless words written 3,500 years ago are sensitively turned into modern worship songs. A short but revealing note is also written about each composition. The highly unusual but atmospheric title cut 'Selah' was in fact a totally spontaneous piece, played in a key chosen at random!
  The music is almost totally acoustic, probably sounding much like it would in front of a live street audience; guitar, harmonica keyboards, light percussion, and beautifully harmonizing vocals which add poignancy to the already deep lyrics.
  This is a wonderful collection, similar in style to the 100Portraits/Waterdeep concept "Enter the Worship Circle". A true acoustic delight.

Review by tom lennie

"Gospel Singer"

  Perhaps more in the category of singer/songwriter than praise and worship, but GoldUSA likes to cater for a wide range of tastes! Garth Hewitt has recorded an astonishing 25+ albums since his first vinyl venture back in 1973. His musical career has seen him team up with the likes of Cliff Richard (1979), Mark Heard (1991), Ben Okafor (1993) and on this output, Paul Field. As a genuine troubadour, he spends much time traveling, visiting developing countries and out-of-the-way places. Word Music has in fact just issued a 4-vol. box-set of his 'Journeys' recordings, gathered from his travels across the Holy Land, Africa, Asia and Latin America over more than 25 years. As a man deeply concerned about social issues, he seeks to bring these to the church's attention through the medium of his music. Indeed, Sir Cliff Richard issues a word of warning that, with....."his cutting edge lyrics more effective than many a sermon or leaflet....the
message may get to you"!
  "Gospel Singer" is a collection of brand new, self-penned songs expressing a highly eclectic range of themes. One is inspired by a tablecloth in Jaffa! (beautiful track), another is dedicated to a 'community of love' in Honduras; yet another is about the 'Open House' centre of reconciliation in Israel. Acoustic in nature (mainly Garth's vocals, guitar and his fluid
harmonica sounds), the music is folk/country in style, with simple yet catchy melodies rooted in the gospel.
  If you haven't heard this man's music before, then you may want to give him a try. "Gospel Singer" is a good place to begin.

Review by tom lennie

"Winds of Worship 14 - Live from South Africa"

  Following numerous bland releases in the early and mid-nineties, Vineyard Music has undoubtedly become more innovative and interesting over the past couple of years. Offerings like the creative TtFH 38 'It's all about Jesus' and the bold and edgy TtFH 37 'Your Love reaches Me' pointedly reflect this new trend, as do the two quite stunning Vineyard UK releases 'Come Now..' and 'Hungry'. WoW14 continues on that path with a blending of fresh Vineyard sounds and traditional African choruses that probably shouldn't work, but certainly does!
  Four worship leaders participate; US's Brent Helming and Rita Springer, along with South Africans Silulama Maphongwane from Soweto and Simon Van Niekerk from Cape Town. The live set commences with an infectious
traditional Zulu chorus 'Thula Sizwe (Be Still Nation)', a most delightful piece that is bound to appeal to listeners of all tastes. Two other trad. African songs are rendered, each being led by Silulama in both the Zulu and Sotho languages. Adding further to the multi-ethnicity of this output, the chorus of Simon Van Niekerk's 'Let the River Flow' is performed in the Xhosa language (main part in English). Indeed this is essentially and African experience, with nearly all songs being written, and/or sung, by a native of that country. The two exceptions are tracks 3 and 9, where Brent Helming and Rita Springer each perform one of their own compositions, both competently delivered and with great gusto. A couple of spontaneous songs add to the atmosphere of this live recording as does a short (and rather quiet) spoken prayer. This is extended play indeed, with most tracks lasting at least 6 minutes, and a total play length of 74 mins.
  A unique event, and not a dull track to be found. With sounds as African as the picture on the front cover, this volume will certainly add diversity to any existing worship collection.

Review by tom lennie