"Mezzamorphis"

  You've heard the great 2 x cd "Cutting Edge"? You've thoroughly enjoyed the worship intimacy of ballads like 'What a Friend I've Found'? You've heard others raving about their new album "Mezzamorphis"? Well, beware! This volume is a blaster! Though yes indeed, it is the album that has given this small town (Littlehampton) English band universal acclaim within the music industry, an acclaim almost unparalleled for a Christian rock group.
"Mezzamorphis" takes the band to a new place musically, though they're intent on going yet further. Hence the opening track 'Mezzanine Floor' (floor between two floors), which expresses the album's theme. This is presented in a different way in 'Metamorphis', exploring the notion of change from one form to another. Indeed these two song-titles part-combined make up the overall project title.
  The album was many months in the making, but the result is a rich accomplished sound, revealing a band in top form. All the more impressive, when you note that these guys did the production and engineering work themselves. The album is highly explorative musically (and thematically), as it winds it's way through many creative styles, insisting on your full
attention throughout.
  Surprises appear in abundance, with a constant musical twisting and turning. Driving crunch guitars ('Bliss' etc); swirling synths, brooding atmospheric sounds (on 'Blindfold'); wonderful catchy choruses (eg. 'See the Star'); the inclusion of a brass band on the moving love song 'It's OK' (recently released in the UK as a single); it's all here. But above it all rises the strong yet warm vocals of Martin Smith, as he swoops and soars around the diverse material, backed by the effective voices of other band members.
  Spiritual themes are evident everywhere, from the obvious 'Heaven', to the shuffling 'Follow'. And to top it all, there's a couple of gentle and inspiring worship songs; 'Beautiful Son' and 'Kiss Your Feet' both delicately express this team's love for it's Saviour.
  Delirious? are a band in the process of change. They're not afraid to ask questions, yet they know they're grounded in truth. "Mezzamorphis" provides a wonderful opportunity to stop and reflect; a snapshot of where they're at. But they're already moving on. Can't wait to see the result of their continuing metamorphis.

Review by tom lennie

"Draw Me Up"

  The now familiar black/gold logo and border of this album advertises another output from South Carolina's MorningStar team. Though many musicians contribute, "Draw Me Up" is largely the work of Leonard Jones - he wrote all the songs, provides lead vocals and helped with the mixing and production work (we should probably also mention that he also plays guitar, violin, mandolin, sitar, uilleann pipes, penny whistle, keyboards throughout, as well as doing a few leg slaps for added effect!). And while Matthew Donovan is nowhere to be heard on this venture (unusual), we are treated to the guest appearance of guitar-maestro Lincoln Brewster.
  The opening track, 'Yahweh', is a powerful proclamation of the Lord's reign and a cry for Him to be seen as King throughout the world, while passion and intensity also rule on the demanding 'Teach Me How'. 'The Lord is our Defense' is a reflection of our security in God, unusual (to MS) in it's tenderness, as indeed is 'I want to get closer', with it's violin,
viola and cello accompaniment. Despite the controversy whipped up by the inclusion of the Beatles' 'I wanna hold your hand' on the 1997 "Glory" album, Mr. Jones, totally undaunted, uses the Lennon/McCartney music from 'Come Together' as a base for declaring the glory of Christ on track five. Not sure it works any better than it did first time round however. In fact a note of familiarity is apparent on this recording - the musicianship is both excellent and compelling and a sense of passion is very evident, but I don't find the songs as strong as on previous MS output, and there's little that's in any way new and innovative. Maybe it's because I've listened to so much MorningStar material and am always looking for something exciting or intriguing, but I would definitely recommend the 1999 "Generations" double CD project in preference to this, or one of the '96/97 'Heart of David' albums. These were revolutionary in the field of worship music. As for "Draw Me Up", well, it's just not my favourite I'm afraid.

Review by tom lennie

GENERATIONS
with Don Potter, Leonard Jones,
Matthew Donovan, and others
EagleStar Productions

This is the previous album (live double CD) released by MorningStar Music from North Carolina.  The songs are taken from the Heart of David Conferences.
Generations is without a doubt one of the best albums this worship ministry has put out.
The CD is composed of a variety of songs, from the MorningStar Kid’s music to the next generation, and on to the slightly older generation of praisers - thus the title for the CD Generations.  The majority of the songs are in the praise category, with many songs continuing on for a while as the Spirit led.  The first CD was our favorite.  It starts out with a great song titled A child has been born to us, then follows with another good one titled kyr-i-e, leading into song #3 Jesus Christ is Truth - what an uplifting magnificent song this is, and the current #3 song at this website - written by Don Potter.  Another Don Potter song (#4 Holy as I am - my overall favorite) on the second CD is also the #3 song - both of these songs will set you free as you listen.  Other favorites are:  Smashing Idols, Jeremiah 33, If the people, Are you ready, and je t’aime.

2 CD Set

$18.95
Counts as 1 CD for postage

Add to cart

Generations songs CD 1:
1. A child has been born to us(11:42)
2. Kyr-i-e (8:33)
3. Jesus Christ is Truth (15:00)
4. This town (6:48)
5. Smashing idols (8:17)
6. Jeremiah 33 (8:21)
7. If the people (8:17)

MorningStar website

Generations songs CD 2:
1. Lift Him higher (5:34)
2. Are you ready (5:33)
3. Jesus loves me/improv (8:06)
4. Holy as I am (7:35)
5. Je t’aime (7:52)
6. Jump (medley)
7. I gotta get closer (time 38:23)

"Generations”

  This double-album should carry a Government Health Warning; "Beware of high-voltage energy!". Indeed only those with experience of previous MorningStar output will have any idea of the power and intensity which emerge from this 'live' recording. It truly is worship as you've never heard it before. 'Wonderful', 'intriguing', 'outrageous', are all terms which interchangeably, and sometimes simultaneously, come to mind.
  MorningStar is a large charismatic Church and Ministry based in Charlotte, North Carolina, It is pastored by Rick Joyner, conference-speaker and author of numerous books on prophesy and the end-times. The church's music reflects it's teaching; radical, prophetic and challenging.
  "Generations" is the team's first double-album and features material from their "Worship and Warfare" Conferences 2 through to 5. It contains several 'generations' of praise music and shows an astonishing variety of musical styles. Included is a song from the children's ministry; an 8-min spontaneous instrumental featuring flute, percussion and harmonica; and 'Jeremiah 33', a stunning 'gospel' anthem from Suzy Wills and The MorningStar Fire Choir. Elsewhere, Leanord Jones performs a more intimate and reflective piece in his 'Je t'aime' love-song.
  Perhaps the most memorable tracks, and those most likely to be used in local-church worship are the Don Potter compositions; with simple but strong melodies, Don expresses powerful biblical truths in his own inimitable style.
  Most songs last much longer than the conventional 3-4 minutes, as the extremely proficient worship team continue in spontaneous and moving worship for some time. Overall the album contains 2 hrs and 20 mins of original music!
  This is a stunning recording, full of surprises and abounding in energy.

Review by tom lennie

''Surrender''

  A new millennium and a fresh release from Vineyard UK, their third in as many years. The innovation and energy of the first two resulted in high acclaim, and two of the most powerful worship albums I'd heard in a long while, so it was with eager anticipation that I tossed ''Surrender'' into the CD-drive, began listening to the opening track and browsed through the sleeve-notes.
  ''Surrender'' has several notable differences to it's predecessors. First, this is a studio album, so it loses that raw atmosphere and sense of immediacy so evident on the other two ventures, which were of course live outputs; while in their place is accorded more room for musical manoeuvre. Second, several worship musicians from ''Come Now...'' and ''Hungry'' have gone (Wendy O Connell, Michael Frye etc), while newer ones such as Nigel Briggs and Marc James are given prominence. Of course worship leader/producer Brian Doerksen doesn't appear on this project either, having returned to his homeland after two years as worship co-ordinator for Vineyard in the UK. His legacy lives on however; he helped train many of the young musicians who appear here, and he co-wrote two of the 11 songs included, all of which are spanking new save 'You are my King', a Doerksen oldie and Vineyard classic from 1991.
  The third and perhaps the most notably differentiating feature of ''Surrender'' is that it is essentially a worship album - driving praise anthems like 'Lord reign in me' and the title-track from ''Come Now'', and 'Your Name is Holy' and 'The Rhythm of Heaven' are nowhere to be found here, though a couple of tracks are fairly upbeat. The tone instead is
deliberately more gentle, more devotional, expressing a note of 'surrender'. Thus song-titles like 'With You', 'Devotion' and 'What a Child is Meant to be'.
  It does become clear that ''Surrender'' does not have the impact of either of it's fore-runners (though, unfortunately it's cover-design is equally unimpressive!). Nevertheless, the songs are all well-sung (about half led by female vocalists Sharon Heap or Kathryn Scott), the lyrics are thoughtful and the overall feel of the album is truly worshipful. Personally, I very much enjoyed listening and hope to see a Top Ten position.

Review by tom lennie

Hungry is the follow-up to the very successful first CD Come Now is the Time.  14 tracks of new songs from the UK.  Like the previous CD, this opens with two great songs, with the second song Your Name is Holy currently the #2 song on the Best Songs page.  Other favorites on this album are Hungry, Only You, Refuge in You, You are a holy God, and Breathe.  In stock at $15.95.  Songbook available for $15 postage paid.

"Come Now Is The Time" and "Hungry"

  These are the first two albums to be released by Vineyard UK, both being produced or co-produced by well-known Canadian worship leader Brian Doerksen. These offerings alone justify Brians' two-year stint in the UK. They are truly landmark recordings, bringing a fresh new sound to British worship.
  I simply couldn't believe the passion, the power, the raw emotion that oozed out of the speakers as these discs were played. In fact when jotting down these notes I literally had to turn the sound right down; these songs compellingly draw you right into the place of worship, and all else has to be laid aside!
  Worship leaders from Vineyard churches all around the UK and Ireland were brought together to take part in these times of live worship, including Michael Frye, Sharon Heap, Nigel Hemming and Kathryn Scott. Nearly all songs are new, utilizing a variety of styles from rip-roaring rock'n'praise numbers to deeply sensitive worship ballads.

  "Come Now Is The Time" opens with the title track, a 5-min 'introit', which calls the listener into the place of worship with a sense of urgency that remains throughout this one hour set. Next follows the equally compelling 'Lord Reign In Me', which, as performed here, is a truly stunning anthem. I love the passion, the openness, the vibrancy; again, all qualities that are evident everywhere on the album. 'A Place In the Hills' is a most unusual and atmospheric five verse Celtic hymn inspired by a walk in an Edinburgh park by the song's Scots-born writer. 'Holy Fire' is a deeply moving piece of spiritual yearning complete with flute accompaniment and a wonderful spontaneous interlude. Uniqueness and passion continue in 'The Lord is Gracious and Compassionate', an astonishing Psalms-based proclamation of God's goodness, most sensitively performed here by Wendy Whitehead. The great songs just keep flowing with the funky 'Beautiful God', the tender 'All Who are Thirsty', and the stilling 'God of Glory'. A softer Celtic mood is apparent in the closing 'O Jesus Mine',
providing a fitting finish to a totally excellent musical and spiritual journey..

  'Hungry' flows on with the same sense of immediacy as found on it's predecessor, rocking into action with the potent 'Hungry (Falling on my Knees)' and the blistering 'Your Name is Holy', songs that are likely to either cause you to kneel/lie forward in humble surrender, or knock you backwards with their sheer power! The third track 'Humble King' is not only my favourite on the album, but also one of the most beautiful songs I've ever encountered, composed and competently sung here by Brenton Brown, worship leader at Oxford Vineyard. I've been playing this track over and over again, never (so far!) tiring of it. The air of tender devotion found here is taken up again on 'Make Your Home in Me', 'Child of God' and 'Be the Centre'; a flow of three simple yet deeply poignant expressions of commitment to the Father.
  Brian Doerksen then swings in with his lively 'All Creation', followed by the equally infectious 'The Rhythm of Heaven'. 'You are a Holy God' is another stunning worship anthem, lifting high the Lord's name, while 'Breathe' is sensitive and quiet, and showing that the passion on this project exists to the very end.
  My only quirk with the two offerings (esp "Hungry") is the totally inartistic cover designs. Surely these creative pieces deserve better graphics! I solved this simply with "Hungry" by turning the CD booklet back to front, thus greatly enhancing the image.

  All in all, these are two outstanding contributions to the church, breathing new life also into Vineyard worship. How Vineyard UK intend to follow up these masterful works I simply cannot imagine.

Reviews by tom lennie

"Father's Song"

  It was said of his fourth studio album "Intimacy", but it can surely now be said afresh - this is Matt Redman's strongest solo album to date. Mind you, considering the wealth of names that appear on this venture, the term 'solo' is as much a misnomer here as it was in relation to it's predecessor! A couple of Delirious? members add their influence; Stuart Garrard on guitars and backing vocals on 1 or 2 tracks; Martin Smith doing some of the mixing work. SonicFlood features on 'Holy Moment', with it's stirring atmosphere and swirling synths. The London Community Gospel Choir and a ten-piece Vocal Group add zeal and the warmth of their vocal prowess to several songs, most notably 'You must increase' and 'Nothing is too much', the latter also being graced with a touch of flamenco guitar. And percussion-maestro Terl Bryant provides a share of the drum backing.
  "The Father's Song" has been one of the most awaited albums in worship music since Matt's "Intimacy" two years ago. With 13 tracks and one bonus, and a play-time of over an hour, this creative project will not disappoint. Nearly all songs are brand new (we did have a foretaste of the beautiful 'O Sacred King' and the infectious 'Thank You for the blood' on "Soul Survivor '99" and "The People's Album 2" respectively), and Scripture references for most lyrics are provided in the sleeve notes. As you'd expect, and with a musical style similar to "Intimacy", good musicianship and spiritual depth
permeate the recording. Matt is on top form as he leads us in real worship. He is not satisfied with merely singing songs, but in expressing his heart honestly to the Father, and offering Him his whole life. So whether it's gutsy upbeat tunes like the opening 'Take the world but give me Jesus' (deeply poignant title-line, based on a Fanny Crosby hymn) and the
guitar-driven 'Light of the world'; or whether it's intimate Redman classics like 'The Father's song', destined to become hugely popular (and perhaps, like 'The heart of worship', rather over-recorded) and the closing 'Let my words be few' (co-written with wife Beth Redman), this humble worshipper constantly seeks to point his listeners to the Lord. In the latter song and with beautiful simplicity, Matt shares;

  'You are God in heaven, And here I am on earth,
  So I'll let my words be few,
  Jesus, I am so in love with You, And I'll stand in awe of You,
  Yes, I'll stand in awe of You'

  Beautifully simple, simply beautiful. "The Father's Song" is another musical and worshipful triumph.

"Intimacy"

  This man has become a bit of an institution in British worship, being undoubtedly one of the UK's most popular worship musicians. The release of "Intimacy" (re-packaged as "The Heart Of Worship" in the US) shortly before his marriage to fellow musician Beth Vickers, marked Matt's fourth solo recording, having already led worship on several Soul Survivor recordings, as well as appearing on various other projects. And all this well before his 25th birthday!
  This is surely his most accomplished album to date, revealing a sound that is at times delicate, often daring, and always deep. Delicate, by way of his tender voice and laid-back style, especially apparent on songs like 'What I Have Vowed', 'Intimacy', and 'The Heart Of Worship'.
  The artist's great daring is a natural outcome of his expanding creativity, very evident throughout the album. Catch the atmospheric effect of Teryl Bryant's 8-man 'Psalm Drummers' on 'Let Everything...' and on the stunning 'Hallelujah Song'. Note the inclusion of a South African Zulu Choir and the warm sounds of a 7-piece Gospel Choir at various times. Or check out the added influence of Chris Eaton, members of Beehive and Phatfish, and the striking harmony vocals of Delirious?' Martin Smith on a number of tracks. If all that isn't adventurous enough, hear the 8-minute 'Prayers of The
Saints'; this was in fact captured spontaneously, as Matt and the Psalm Drummers gathered around for a time of evening worship. Nothing was added to the recording, and the result is both moving and original.
  As mentioned, spiritual depth permeates the entire venture. Matt's real desire is to encourage others to draw closer to God in intimacy. This focus is reflected most of all on the beautiful new recording of the popular 'The Heart Of Worship';
                    'I'm coming back to the heart of worship
                    And it's all about You
                    All about You Jesus'
  That indeed is the essence of "Intimacy". The result is a musical and inspirational triumph.

Reviews by tom lennie

''MarsHillWorship''

  This is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing worship projects I've ever encountered, having generated much discussion since it's original release. Created and recorded by the Worship Team at Mars Hill Fellowship in Seattle, WA, it defies any simplistic categorizing or description, containing as it does many varied musical influences and sounding totally non-religious. Indeed, although rooted in a truly orthodox evangelical statement of faith, MH Fellowship seeks to express it's love to God, and to the post-modern community in which it lives, in a contemporary and highly artistic, non-'churchy' fashion. On this their first recording, therefore, the team sought musical and graphic excellence.
  Mars Hill Worship Team consists of seven members, including multi-instrumentalist Paul Mossbarger, who wrote all songs bar two; these two being composed or arranged by Brad Currah, who is also the group's lead vocalist. Numerous other 'additional' musicians (18 in fact) feature on the recording, not least Toby Stone, who gives excellent sax vibes to the funky 'Trust The Vine', Aaron Sprinkle, who provides drum and synth programming to several tracks, and background vocalist Sherri Youngward, an accomplished singer/songwriter in her own right.
  For want of better terminology, I'd describe the music as essentially 'alternative rock'; brooding, atmospheric sounds with strong guitar and percussion backing - as immediately apparent on the opening 'Prayer' and the following 'Romans 12; 1-2'. Other influences in evidence are the obvious techno-beat of 'Psalm 46', the gentler soft-pop sound of 'Mercy Stands' (female lead vocalist not specifically credited) and the infectious reggae-styled 'Hope Song'. Currah's adaptation of 'Be Thou My Vision' is pleasant though none-too-spectacular, while his 'Prayer of St. Francis' is kinda the opposite - an unusual piece of evocative musical drama.
  The lyrics throughout are poetic and non-cliched, constantly expressing spiritual truths in meaningful form. Indeed, as seen from several track-titles, some songs are based directly on Bible passages, even using that original source word-for-word. One slight handicap, ironic considering the effort and expense spent on getting everything just right, is that the faintly-printed lyrics are very difficult to make out - pity. Interesting photography though. Note also that this disc contains a CD ROM interface showing short clips to two songs as well as some collateral material and a link to the church's web-site.
  Is the album pretentious? - well maybe it is in places. But this an original work from a group determined to break out of traditional boundaries, yet still offer a meaningful worship album. In that they truly succeed and this album is sure to be an inspiration to many other Christian musicians longing to express their 'art form' in original ways. Recommended.

Review by tom lennie

''King of Grace''

  This is the seventh in PDI's ''Come and Worship'' series, begun in 1997, and follows on the heels of the radical '99 venture ''Everlasting'', which was truly a departure from the PDI norm. Thankfully ''King of Grace'' continues on that gutsy, totally 'with it' path, while never sounding pretentious or overblown. A great achievement, credit largely to songwriter/producer Steve Cook, 'mastermind' of this new sound.
  A wonderful collection of songs are on offer, all brand new apart from Isaac Watt's old hymn 'Join all the Glorious Names', here suitably adapted by 'project consultant' - song-writer/worship leader Bob Kauflin. Bob also wrote the tender and reflective 'The Glory of the Cross' as well as providing string and brass arrangements to Mark Altrogge's 'Behold the
Lamb', here most sensitively sung by PDI newcomer Chris McCrea.
  There really isn't one duff track on the whole album - it flows along in vibey and passionate praise from start to finish, with great musicianship throughout. The title-track is a solid chunk of rootsy praise, sung by Phil Kim; Abby Cannon gives her all on the infectious and upbeat 'Your praise will never cease' (co-written by Cook and Kauflin); Rochelle Calvetti sings the simple but beautiful Celtic-sounding 'Redeeming Love'; while Steve's wife Vikki Cook provides lead vocals to three tracks, including the gentle closing offering of surrender 'You have captured me'. Elsewhere, Christopher Wright, himself a song-writer and solo recording artist, provides lead vocals to two tracks.
  All in all a musical delight, oozing in energy yet always retaining a truly worshipful atmosphere. Along with ''Everlasting'', ''King of Grace'' is surely one of PDI's top recordings of all time.

"Love Beyond Degree"

  The extent of PDI's ministry remains relatively unknown to many Christians. As well as print-publishing and a teaching-tape outreach, PDI has, since 1981, been privileged to establish churches both in the USA and further afield. But it is for it's writing and sharing of worship songs that this team is best-known, with over 10,000 congregations in America alone using it's music in their services.
  This live recording exhibits a collection of diverse songs, written mainly by Mark Altrogge (composer of many well-known PDI songs), and Steve And Vikki Cook. These tunes can correctly be classed as modern hymns, with each containing both verse and chorus. Martin Bass is the worship leader throughout, though lead vocals are shared by various team members (male and female), and backed by a proficient Choir.
  Following several catchy upbeat numbers, the listener is treated to pure reflective beauty in 'A Sinner Who Loves Grace', and 'Only You For Me', both sung with genuine passion. Yet perhaps the most outstanding track is the 8-minute hymn 'Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed', a relatively unknown anthem written by English hymn-writer Isaac Watts (of 'When I Survey' and 'O God Our Help In Ages Past' renown). What's new here is that pastor and musician Bob Kauflin (formerly of GLAD), added chorus-lyrics and provided music to the arrangement, creating a stunningly poignant effect.
  This set closes with an offering of praise appropriately giving honour to The King of Kings, He from whom alone flows 'Love Beyond Degree'.

Reviews by tom lennie

Open Sky - an incredible musical experience! Words that could describe this recording are: stunning, breathtaking, compelling. From start to finish this CD will capture your listening ear and draw you in, and as each song concludes you are hoping that that was not the last track on the CD. This new recording (a studio album) contains all new material except for the first track which appeared on “Woven Cord”. Joanne Hogg is at her best as lead vocalist and the music put out by this band is like nothing else you have heard. Put this CD on and prepare to enjoy over 71 minutes of pure delight.
See reviews below.

Woven Cord - Iona joined forces with the All Souls Orchestra for a unique collaboration to celebrate the band’s 10th anniversary. About half of the album is instrumental with vocals by Joanne Hogg. The music style could best be described as celtic symphonic. It is an excellent listening CD and well worth purchasing. It starts slow, but by the time it concludes, you will be wishing it wasn’t over.

"Open Sky"

  Celtic supergroup Iona have certainly not been idle since the return from their much-earned 'sabbatical' in 1999. A unique concert in conjunction with The All Souls Orchestra in London in May '99 and presented in disc form as "Woven Cord"; presently the release of a new studio offering "Open Sky" with all new tunes bar one; and a simultaneous promotional tour in the UK and mainland Europe. These guys are kept on their toes!
  It is not so much an open sky but a hazy blue yet peaceful skyscape overshadowing the historic Scottish island of Iona which opens up this much anticipated project. Recorded in three locations in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and N.Ireland, "Open Sky" immediately ensures that the band's masterful touch is fully retained as it launches into a dramatic nine-and-a-half min. exploration of 'Woven Cord'. Superlative Iona from the start! The band continue in the tradition of mixing evocative instrumentals with lyrical pieces written and sung by Irish Joanne Hogg, exposing her unique, tender
yet powerful voice.

  'When mercy comes to me, as soft as the sky
  And faith like a strong arm around me lies
  And life is beginning, like springtime in flower
  My soul is awakened, with truth to astound me'

Such is the beautiful poetic statement offered on the three-part 'Song of Ascents', based partly on a 6th Century poem, partly on a traditional Gaelic melody. Such poetic imagery permeates the album lyrically, as it observes in the beauty, the vastness, the mystery of the created order a reflection, however veiled, of the great Creator Himself. Thus we have song-titles like 'Wave after wave', 'A million stars' and 'Hinda', (the atmospheric isle where the Holy Spirit is said to have been poured upon Columba for three days and nights, with a brilliant light shining all around). As you'd expect, the instrumentation is superb throughout, with Troy Donockley's uilleann pipes featuring prominently and most evocatively, and relative newcomer (to Iona) Frank Van Essen making skillful employment of violin on the reels of 'Castlerigg'.
  This is Celtic music that stirs and inspires, music that conjures images of creation and thoughts of Creator. This is music that truly blesses. Let it bless you too.

"Woven Cord"

  If you were to judge this volume by it's cover (generally not recommended!), then you might suggest that it was a blazing portrait of Celtic craftsmanship and intrigue. OK, so you might not! But if you did, then - in this case - you'd be absolutely right! After a sabbatical period of rest and reassessment, this magnificent team are back, and their first concert is to be a 'live' recording at the Royal Festival Hall, London. Not only so, but it's the new drummer's debut gig with the band, and they're to be performing alongside a professional orchestra! What a challenge! But it works, and here is a whole 1 hour and 18 minutes worth of proof!
  The refined musical resonance’s of The All Souls Orchestra weave their elegant way around the stunning atmospherics conjured by this totally unique Celtic combo, creating a rich and intelligent overall sound. Thankfully the orchestral elements are not overblown, and Iona's creative and moody sound is always at the forefront, with Joanne Hogg's superfluous vocals admirably leading on around half the set. The other half consists of evocative instrumentals, including an Overture and the 9-min title track, both brand new pieces with orchestral arrangements by Dave Bainbridge. Unfortunately, most of the material here has already appeared on previous Iona output, making "Woven Cord" more suitable for first-time Iona listeners or hard-core enthusiasts. Nevertheless, this is a wonderful collection drawn from a truly unique event.

Reviews by tom lennie

"United Live - Everyday"

  It's like an ever-flowing stream. There seems to be no end to the fresh new flow of talented young worship artists emerging within the world-wide Church. Here is an enthusiastic outpouring of worship energy care of the Youth team from the Hills Christian Life Centre, Sydney, Australia. This is ofcourse home-church to the inexhaustible and prolific Darlene Zschech; indeed she acts as co-producer on this venture, being credited by her younger contemporaries here 'for pushing us forward and bringing out our best to glorify our awesome Lord'. But this is no typical Hillsong offering, no Darlene Zschech style sound-a-like. Rather, what is voiced here is Hills Youth's own original style and sound. And what a sound that is!
  Featuring worship leaders Marty Sampson and Reuben Morgan, the show kicks into action with a couple of great pop-praise numbers, and you quickly realize that this team means business. There follows three more gently-paced worship songs, each composed by accomplished song-writer Reuben Morgan, well-known for his worthy contributions to many other Hillsong recordings. Consider for example the ambient 'On the Lord's Day' or the appropriately ethereal 'Heaven'. Both these tunes in fact feature proudly in Gold USA's 'best songs' elite, though my vote would probably be directed towards the delightfully infectious 'You Take Me Higher'. I can't get the tune out of my mind! Even my neighbours are humming it! Infectious? I tell you it's downright contagious!
  On that track, and elsewhere, the style of music is comparable to that of Delirious? in worship mode, or to US praise-rockers Sonic Flood. 'Hear Our Prayer' is a yearning heart-cry which brings Holly Dawson up to lead vocals, and reveals, as does the entire album, this group's commitment to their Lord. This is also apparent, and confirmed with great gusto, on the final two tracks, both Marty Sampson-penned, where the worship band cry out to God for revival.
  This is a gutsy, passionate performance, with a tight and professional overall sound. The Hills Youth Pastors declare that the hope which has been stirring in their church's youth for many years is now being released. May it indeed bring hope and freedom to a needy world, and great joy within the kingdom of God.

Review by tom lennie

IT’S TIME  -  THE COLOURS OF JESUS  -  HEAVENS BEST
by SurfCity Christian Church
from Australia’s Gold Coast

Senior Pastors:  Richard & Erica Nugent
Music Directors:  Andrew & Petrina Tuppen; Worship Pastors:  Garry & Kasey McDonald

Pastor Nugent writes in the insert of The Colours of Jesus:
It is our hope that the praise & worship of SurfCity Christian Church will brighten your day and lead you into the glory of His presence.
Well this CD certainly does that for me.  It starts out with four lively songs (with anointed horns), then moves into some slower worship songs. All songs are originals of SurfCity CC. The title track #4 is another one of those songs you can make the comment “worth the price of the CD”. A CD that is a real joy to listen to, with an exceptional group of musicians and singers showing their talents on this 14 song project. After listening to this CD, it would be hard to have a bad day.  Heaven’s Best and Destiny are earlier CDs which were released under the church name of “Surfers Paradise AOG”.  We liked Heaven’s Best as much as The Colours of Jesus.

"The Colours of Jesus"

   "My skies were grey now they're shining with the colours of Jesus
    My rainy days have been flooded by the colours of Jesus
    Now I'm free now I know what it means to have liberty 'cause
    My price was paid now I'm covered by the colours of Jesus"

  These chorus lines taken from the lyric sheet give the album it's title and overall theme. The product of Surfcity Christian Church on Australia's Gold Coast, this is a highly professional performance, making it quite obvious that these worshippers are truly serious about using music as a vehicle of worship to the living God. Most tracks were written either by Andrew Tuppen, Music Director of the church, or Garry McDonald, Worship Pastor along with wife Kasey, who also penned one tune. The album is a combination of some punchy and highly celebratory praise songs with several more gentle pieces. The former variety packs the first part of the set, which explodes into life with the aptly-named 'This is Life'. Life indeed, which, giving no time to catch your breath, is swiftly followed with the swinging 'You're the One', enhanced by bold trumpet sounds. It's singer, Diana Holt, in fact leads vocals on approximately half of this 14-song set. Some funk is
introduced on 'I just want to thank You Lord', while the celebration and joy continues on the delightfully carefree title-track.
  Proceedings finally slow down when Patrick Ormsby steps in with the smooth and reassuring 'Love your way', one of his two vocal contributions; the other being 'In my place' who's lyrics fully focus on the Cross. Perhaps the most profound track is saved till last. 'All for You' is a deeply passionate expression of dedication, written and sung by one Spencer Shakespeare.
  Musical excellence pervades this project, which only clocks out after a full 70 minutes. The instrumentation, for example, adds delightful hues of musical 'colour' everywhere - the violin introduction to 'I will worship You', the funky sax and keyboard overtones of 'Miracle Worker', delicate piano accompaniment to 'I just want to thank You'. But adding even more 'colour' are the rich sounds of the FM backing choir, who feature fairly prominently on most tracks, adding a full, warm sound throughout.
  This is an fervent Jesus-exalting offering, combining musical style with spiritual passion and heart-felt emotion.

Review by tom lennie

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