SHIPWRECKS & ISLANDS
Produced by Gold Records, England
Featuring Mal Pope and Julie Costello
Poems by Adrian Plass  -  Words and music by Phil Baggaley, Dave Clifton,  Ian Blythe

We stand on the shore of our own lives, calling out to God that we can go nowhere unless he provides a way...

When City of Gold was released in 1997 - the word that best described it was BRILLIANT, breaking new ground in Christian music.  Now the follow up to that CD titled Shipwrecks & Islands is here and my response to it is the same BRILLIANT (only more so).  The same format as the first one is used:  poems and music intermixed.  The poems are very moving especially It is Finished which really had an impact on my heart.  The music is once again wonderful with songs like Light of All Lights and What Jesus Would Have Done.  This CD is what Christianity is all about.  If you feel as though your heart has grown hard over the years in living the Christian life, this CD will show you that that soft spot still exists.

"City of Gold"

  This is surely a first - a contemporary 'musical' built around impressions of heaven. A novel, yet wonderful, idea, especially considering the paramountcy placed on such a theme by the Scriptures. Indeed, heaven has been described as 'the full reality of God'. In contrast, C.S. Lewis speaks of our earthly life as the 'shadowlands'.
  "City of Gold" consists of pleasant folksy songs and soft pop sounds, all interspersed with short readings from poet and author Adrian Plass, with his distinctive English pronunciations. I can in fact think of no finer voices to embrace the musical pieces here than Julie Costello and Mal Pope, who give their all throughout - both have the most beautifully tender vocals, totally in fitting with this concept. Adrian's pithy verses are sometimes deliberately humorous (as on 'Heavenly Playground'), other times deeply poignant. Some pieces were self-crafted, others selected from works such as
John Bunyan's classic 'Pilgrim's Progress', from which the albums title is also taken. Two standout music-tracks for me are the sensitively sung 'No Song on Earth' and the equally touching and reflective 'This is Your Land'.
  One slight drawback is that, unlike "Shipwrecks and Islands", the all-important poetry and song words are not included in the sleeve-notes. For these you need to acquire the accompanying coffee-table book which also includes further prose and poetry as well as 21 colour plates of specially commissioned artwork by designer Steve Rigley.
  Though I personally prefer the follow-up "S & I" release, these meditations certainly led me again and again to contemplate the mind-boggling entity called heaven, much as real impressions can never be fully grasped while we remain on earth (heaven's dress rehearsal!). To focus more on 'The Golden City' though, is surely the overall motive behind this fine expression of creativity.

"Shipwrecks & Islands"

  The thought of following up the magisterial "City Of Gold" must have been a daunting one, with that 'heaven-inspired' venture receiving huge critical acclaim and quickly becoming a best-seller in the UK, America, and elsewhere. But this same team reach their goal once again with another concept album "Shipwrecks & Islands". The theme here is 'touching the heart of a broken world'. The two-fold desire is to bring healing to those who are hurt, and to challenge us all to share comfort and love with those around us. This aim is achieved sensitively yet strikingly by evoking a beautifully soothing and inspiring atmosphere which cannot fail to melt the anxious and hardened heart.
  The overall product is a beautiful work-of-art, lyrically, musically and visually. Lyrical, because both the gently-flowing songs and the short narratives composed and read by Adrian Plass are steeped in rich, meaningful poetry. Musical, because the tender voices of Mal Pope and Julie Costello, along with quality instrumentation and strong production work, all gel together perfectly. Visual, because the CD-booklet becomes a mini modern art-gallery, built around the theme of the album's title.
  The combined result is a rich tapestry of rare inspirational beauty. This is a gem.

Reviews by tom lennie

"Calling All Nations"

  Noel Richards is very well known in UK churches, having composed or popularised many of our favourite choruses and hymns. With a string of recordings to his name he also has a busy touring itinerary both in Britain and, increasingly, on an international level. Here we have Noel's first studio album in over two years, based on his long-standing vision and
practical commitment to see stadiums across the world filled with people worshipping the Lord. This vision, which saw its initial realisation at the Wembley 1997 event, is now being extended to the next stage: Berlin 2001. Hence Noel is 'Calling All Nations'.
  The album sees Noel with a more rounded and mature sound than is perhaps apparent on previous output, partly thanks to the excellent production of Les Moir and Neil Costello. Evident also is the inclusion of a full string section, arranged and conducted by Caroline Bonnett - this is an unusual first for Mr Richards, yet it certainly enhances the overall sound.
Thankfully though, Noel (with guitar) is kept at the forefront, never being overtaken by the 'orchestration'.
  The album kicks of with the rousing title-track, showing this artist in typical anthemic poise. Following this, Noel cuts the edge of Brian Doerksen's 'Come Now Is the Time' (as contained on the stunning first Vineyard UK release), adding in its place a steady groove, and giving it a gentler sing-a-long quality (very appropriate with Berlin 2001 in sight!). Northern Ireland's Brian Houston composed 'Passion for Jesus', the fitting third track and another stadium rouser, while 'I Believe' is sure to be this disc's most popular and memorable song, and is certain to get the crowds joining in. Noel is joined on this track by fellow worship-leader Matt Redman, while elsewhere Wayne Drain adds vocals to 'I'm Crying Out'.
  There are of course those more intimate and personal songs too, as much a hallmark of Noel Richards as his praise-anthems and expressing Noel's real heart as a worshipper. Check out the simple beauty of 'All I Want Is You', for example, or the soothing touch of 'When I Worship You' - both co-written by Noel's wife Trisha. Or hear the yearning passion voiced in 'How I Long For You' and 'How Can I Live'. Sheer beauty every one!
  This is an album you're likely to return to again and again, as you share Noel's desire to deeply impact the peoples of the world by 'Calling All Nations'.

Review by tom lennie

Olympic Stadium, Berlin, Germany
Sat 25th June 2005

The Event

  To summon the youth of the world and young at heart to worship Jesus Christ, the Champion of the World, at the Olympic Stadium, Berlin, Germany.
  Many people have said that ‘Champion of the World’ at Wembley Stadium, England in June 1997 was the beginning of a journey, not the end.  On that day, almost 45,000 people gathered for the biggest worship event ever held in the UK.  The majority of the crowd came from the UK but there were also many other nations represented.  The ‘Calling All Nations’ event in Berlin in the summer of 2005 takes everything to a new level and will be an incredible occasion, when thousands gather from all over the world, filling the stadium and spilling out into the area surrounding it.  They will make a sound of worship in that place that will have repercussions around the planet!

"Keep Coming Holy Spirit"

  The striking album cover and the project's title reflect the theme of this most recent output from The Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship, one of the world's most visited churches in recent years. 6 years on, and with pilgrims still arriving, the worship reflected here is both fresh and dedicated. The accomplished Robert Critchley again leads in praise, also playing keyboards, and co-producing the venture.
  The 7-min opening title-track is sure to become a modern anthem amongst congregations having experienced the recent 'renewal'. Indeed, the first 4 songs all have obvious connotations with the vastly influential Toronto Blessing; 'Open Up Your Mouth', for example, carrying a tongue-in-cheek (no pun intended), and a loose biblical reference, to the recent and
controversial gold-filling outbreak. The mood changes on track 5 and onwards, from upbeat, rolling (but never overblown) praise, to more intimate worship. These gorgeous songs truly help draw you into the presence of God, encouraging you to lift your spirit in adoration. I particularly like 'Bless The Lord Oh My Soul', and the deeply personal 'I Am Yours'.
  The album concludes with the intriguing Wayne Drain composition Waterfall', leaving the worshipper with his/her heart stilled and truly inspired.

Review by tom lennie

Deeper & Deeper  -  The 2 CD set of the new songs written by our favorite song writer - Geoff Bullock of Australia.  Some of the tracks are backed by the award winning Prague Philamonic Orchestra arranged & conducted by Paul Terracini.  The opening track Beautiful Saviour is a good sample of what the rest of the album is like - a beautiful flowing song performed by Anne Barbour.  The songs are sung by various artists - many done by John & Anne Barbour.  What I like about Geoff’s songs is the beauty and flowing style to them that lift up the name of Jesus and bring you into the presence of the Lord.  The first CD contains some outstanding songs that are destined to become Geoff Bullock classics that will be sung in churches around the world.  The 2nd CD contains additional new songs, but many of them have been released on an album by one of Geoff’s artist friends.  The last song on CD 2 Oh God of My Comfort - half instrumental half singing is outstanding.  If you like beautiful uplifting spirit anointed music, then this CD is for you.
The music book for this album is available for $25 postage paid.

"Deeper & Deeper"

  If you were expecting this to be a male solo output, then you're going to get a real surprise! The cool looking character on the front cover never opens his mouth throughout! Instead a whole host of most accomplished singers wrap their beautifully tender voices around an assortment of Geoff Bullock compositions. A most prolific writer - most of these songs are less than three years old - this artist here presents a 2 hour 20 minute 2 x CD feast of rare talent and diversity.
  Disc 1 features the backing of the Emmy Award winning Prague Philharmonic Orchestra on several tracks, and a 10-piece Choir on others. The songs are rich lyrically, always pointing to an awesome yet loving God. The style varies from tender ballads to soft pop to gospel. Anne Barbour lends her sublime vocals to lead on two or three songs; other silky sounds come care of Rick Riso, John Barbour, Leonard Tucker, Linda McCrary and others.
  Disc 2 contains a dozen tracks chosen mainly from existing (mainly female solo) recordings, such as Michelle Kay's "Refuge", Sharon Sopher's "Anchor Me", and the "Gift of Love" charity album featuring Geoff and Friends. A delicate remix from Geoff's classical "A Symphony of Hope" release is also included.
  This is a most interesting and inspiring collection. If intelligent, easy (not boring) listening is your style, then you're going to love this!

Review by tom lennie

"The Best of Stoneleigh: Highlights From The International Bible Weeks"

  The story of Stoneleigh goes back to the 1970's, when the charismatic movement was gathering steam across the UK. The Dales Bible Week was birthed in Yorkshire, and in 1979 a new event, The Downs Bible Week, was added further to the south of the country. From this emerged 'Stoneleigh' in a more central English location in 1990. The first live album was released four years later in '94, and ever since, this annual release has been a main worship source for local churches throughout the nation and beyond.
  Here are some of the top cuts taken from each of these influential recordings, each song oozing with enthusiasm and passion. Check the vibrancy of 'Sound the Trumpet', 'The King of Love' and 'From the Sleep of Ages' for example, or the rousing heart-cry of 'O God of Burning, Cleansing Flame (Send the Fire)' an all-round Stoneleigh favourite, penned in fact by William Booth (1829-1912), founder of the Salvation Army.
  Or you may, like me, prefer the smoother and gentler sounds of 'Great is He', 'Holy Holy' or the sensitive hymn 'Breathe on Me'. While an interesting array of song-smiths are featured, it's Stuart Townend who leads vocals on all but two tracks. There are in fact 16 tracks altogether, lasting a full 74 minutes in total. Nevertheless, I still prefer the fresher '99 "Covenant
of Grace" release (see separate review) to this compilation, partly because, being used to Stoneleigh output and to Mr. Townend's first solo album, I am already familiar with many of these songs.
  But for those not so familiar, this will be an intriguing and enjoyable discovery, a voyage into the essence of Britain's most popular worship event.

Review by tom lennie

"My Heart Your Heart 2....The Passion"

  Recorded live at the Tree of Life Church, this is the follow-up to the lovely "Presence" album.  It is largely the work of Kim Wilcox and husband Mick, worship and assistant pastors at the church. Nearly all the songs were written by Kim who also performs vocals throughout the 70 minute set. She has a tender and passionate voice, most songs being gentle-flowing and deeply inspirational. (Not all are in this stream though; check out 'Miracles Are Only Natural' and 'Let My People Go' for punchy upbeat numbers). All songs are biblically-based, with several scripture verses cited for each song.
  This is truly church in action; expressing not only powerful praise and intimate worship, but also times of spontaneous intercession, a prayer of deliverance and prophetic song. These occasions are moving and poignant.
  The production is good and the overall result is a pleasant sound.  An unusual but uplifting album, full of special moments.

Review by tom lennie

"Reward"

  Still in their early/mid 20's, these two fresh units of energy are already beginning to make a pronounced mark on British worship. This welcomed product of their combined talents adequately showcases the reasons why!
  Comparisons with 'veteran' Matt Redman are justified and indeed unavoidable. Both these artists have led worship at the Redman-led Soul Survivor festival for several years (this album in fact being released on the now-acclaimed Soul Survivor label), and both utilize a similar style. Some would perhaps even suggest that Hughes and Layzells's sound is slightly
more accessible than that of their touch-older contemporary. Matt also co-wrote one song here and acts as executive producer on the venture.
  The album is bulging with talent and devotion; Tim and Martyns' works blending wonderfully together as a unified whole. The duo weave their artistic way through a variety of musical forms, eliciting quirky pop tunes like 'Jesus You alone' and 'Joy', both already popular amongst many young Christians, and also more ambient, and deeply sensitive love-ballads such as 'When words are not enough' and the closing 'Devoted'. Both are very moving songs of abandonment to God.
  The lyrics are Jesus-focused throughout, and the album is rounded with excellent production. The overall result is an offering of beauty and charm.

Review by tom lennie