"David Live: Anbetung & Prophetie "

  Very little, if any, of MorningStar's output could be described as conventional, but when Don Potter and the MS band team up with a Swiss worship group for a live Winterthur recording, then the eclectic mix becomes even more intriguing. Released on a Swiss label 'Schleife Verlag', and with truly 'live' atmospherics, this recording begins with a classic Don Potter anthem, containing a powerful hook-line and a flowing melody. Typical of his style, Mr. Potter then flows into a spontaneous 'song of salvation' which also works well. 14 minutes in length, this first track is beautiful and certainly my favourite of the album. 'I have a light' also has a most catchy tune, first appearing on the 'Fly Me Like the Wind' studio release.
  3 songs are sung in German and led by Lilo Keller, each receiving (thankfully!) English translations in the liner-notes. 'Mich verlangt nach Dir' (I long for you my Beloved), based on the Song of Songs, is a delicate and inspiring piece with cello accompaniment. The second German piece (The bruised reed), also appropriately gentle, has a Vineyard familiarity to it and is less appealing, while the sax-influenced 'Wir haben..' has a bit more character, and contains a spiritual warfare theme typical indeed of MorningStar theology 'We'll stand up and conquer, And take the promised land'. The set closes with a simple chorus written and sung, this time in English, by Lilo Keller, who is also the Reithalle-Band's pianist.

Review by tom lennie

"Facing the Wall"

  Those who have listened to any of MorningStar's unique live worship output will know just what a talented singer, song-writer, worship-leader and producer Don Potter truly is. "Facing the Wall" is Don's creative turn at a solo instrumental album, though this is strictly speaking more of a duo-enterprise than a one-man offering, featuring as it does the equally talented Leonard Jones on violin, flute, sitar and mandolin.
  This recording was birthed out of many hours which Don spent alone with God, seeking to discern His presence and conjure music fitting to His honour. He was 'facing the wall' rather than 'entertaining an audience', and Don says 'The pleasure of the Lord was greater than any reward I had ever received'.
  Here is the outcome of those intimate occasions. The results are gorgeous; musically creative and spiritually stimulating. Many of the sounds here are gentle and touching, but this is no music-arcade muzak, nor is it a 'Don plays your favourite tunes' style offering. Rather this is inspirational music that truly inspires, utilizing totally original yet varied compositions from start to finish. There is something wonderfully compelling about these musical pieces, and they cannot but attract your full attention.
  Mr. Potter deftly employs a variety of guitars throughout this 45-min set, and supports this with equal dexterity on percussion. Numerous themes are considered and many atmospheric sounds evoked, from the Eastern resonances of the opening 'String Dance', to the intriguing 'Someone's Coming' ( with brief guest vocals from Suzy Wills); to the blissful subtlety of the title track. Elsewhere, there's the delightful classical guitar and violin sounds of 'Where Do We Go From Here'. Where indeed!
  A superb, though unusual recording, far removed from many other offerings carrying the 'inspirational' label. This is both emotional and spiritual throughout. I love it!

Review by tom lennie

“Warfare”

  This album showcases the unique songwriting of one man, worship-leader and producer Don Potter. With only 4 tracks, yet an hour's worth of play, this recording is extremely unconventional, the songs here being unlikely to be included in the Sunday worship of all but more radical churches! In fact, rather than merely a collection of songs, this concept is a complete worship experience, one track flowing seamlessly into the next, creating a powerful spiritually-charged atmosphere. Don sings biblical pronouncements (e.g. 'Our god is Holy') over a strong rock base. Much use is made of repeating choruses, as the music is meant to deeply impact the worshiper, not merely entertain him/her. The musicianship is strong throughout, with the instrumental 'Ruach' ('accepted') being particularly effective.

Review by tom lennie