" Freedom"

  Question; How do you follow up an amazingly vibrant yet extremely personal offering of worship such as "Let The River Flow"?  Answer; With an equally knock-out yet equally intimate album such as "Freedom".
  Darrell does it again!  Released on Integrity's Vertical Music, this work shows Mr Evans at his creative best. Gutsy rock songs like 'Trading My Sorrows' and 'So Good To Me' on the one hand, and on the other, deeply personal arrangements such as 'I Know' and 'I Lay Me Down'; intended to draw the worshipper within the veil and into the very presence of the Lord.  Beautiful music, with a truly worshipful feel.

Review by tom lennie

"Purple Through The Fishtank"

  Hailing from Brighton on the south coast of England, Phatfish have been making music for over 5 years, sharing their faith through music in clubs, universities and churches. With a focus on worship, they have also been an integral part of the annual Stoneleigh event for some years. Formerly known as Purple Phatfish where they made much use of jazz-funk sounds, this current venture, their second full-length album, sees them back in worship mode, with a distinct rock/pop edge. The album was recorded largely in America, and released on the US Pamplin label. Consisting of new and self-penned songs (all members of the band were involved in the songwriting), this is certainly an output of high energy and innovation. With a voice somewhat akin to Out of the Grey's Christine Dente, lead vocalist Lou(ise) Fellingham ably encompasses the full range of this album's diverse material. It's a bit of a family affair in fact, as Lou's husband Nathan is the band's drummer and backing vocalist, and his brother Luke Fellingham is the bass guitarist.
  The opener 'Kingdom come', like many cuts on the album, is a quirky piece of alternative pop, while 'Help You' has a rockier edge. 'What would I do' starts off tenderly enough, with suitably reflective lyrics, then thrusts suddenly into a powerful anthemic chorus, much help given care of a massive 45-piece choir, who also add their atmospheric vocal prowess to several other tracks. 'Resolve' shows Lou with a more gentle and decidedly soulful feel, expressing real passion. Lead guitarist Alan Rose reveals his musical muscle throughout, though especially apparent on the instrumental breaks of e.g. 'What Love'. One of my favourite tracks is the band's rendition of Nathan's '95 composition 'Holy Holy', a wonderful stirring anthem of God-exaltation, which I just want to go on and on.
  This is a big sound, which, with lyrics that are truly God-focused, is sure to find much appeal.

Review by tom lennie

"traincomin'through"

  Christian City Church Whitehorse is situated in Box Hill, Victoria, Australia, and is a sister congregation to that musically prodigious church CCC Oxford Falls, Sydney. Here the Whitehorse worship team present a warm and inviting collection of new material penned by song-writers from within their own ranks, and performed here with great fluidity. Two worship groups participate, although some musicians straddle both sets. These groups are known simply as the 'am' and the 'pm' bands, reflecting the times of day the worship sessions were held.
  Guitarist Mark Cullen leads the first set, also writing many of the songs presented. Several funky gospel numbers show right away that this team truly 'have it together'. The mood then slips into smoother but equally flowing worship with Robert Payne's 'My life, my love' having a sound reminiscent of (and just as slick as) their fellow-antipodean The Parachute Band. Equally glowing sounds emanate from the gentle 'Draw near to me' and 'Be exalted', while 'Forever thankful' is an absolute delight, and my favourite from the album.
  The 'pm' set is led by acoustic guitarist Andrew Naylor, with he too composing a good chunk of the material he puts forward. Once again we find good quality tunes with lyrics and atmosphere that are truly God-exalting. 'My heart, my mind, my soul' is a sensitive little gem of a song; 'Touch the sky' has an upbeat Hillsong feel to it. Throughout the recording, the warm vocals from the CCC Choir and 'singers' add much to the overall feel.
  Modestly, the producers assert that 'this is not a perfect album, but it is live'. Indeed, wonderfully live and with a great overall sound. There's a traincomin'through - enjoy the ride and here's hoping God meets you somewhere along the track!

Review by tom lennie

"Enter The Worship Circle"

  Enter the worship circle....what a tempting invitation!  It becomes even more appealing as you begin to listen to this rich mosaic of psalms and sounds, all exquisitely interwoven to create a musical tapestry of vitality and charm.  100 Portraits consists of husband-and-wife Ben and Robin Parsley, full-time music missionaries based in Akron, Ohio, with an emphasis on student outreach.  They have had two previous recordings, both very well-received.  Ben and Robin are joined on this venture by 5-piece roots/rock band Waterdeep from Kansas, also with several albums to their name. (Their "Sink or Swim" cd was voted CCM readers' No 1 unsigned album.)  The 15 songs, lasting a wonderful 72 minutes, were all written by members of the two groups, and were recorded in one take using only acoustic instruments.  These include harmonica and penny whistle, but most of the backing is simply acoustic guitar and a variety of percussion, such as bombo, tabala, kanjira, goat toes, cookie sheet and 'other stuff'!  All ordinary household items really! The lyrics are rooted in Scripture, mainly the Psalms, and are sensitively performed, with gorgeous vocal harmonies and a variety of musical styles.
  A beautiful work of art.  Enter the worship circle?  How could you resist!

Review by tom lennie

"A Dreamer For The Kingdom"

  This former jazz musician has been one of Britain's most deeply respected song-writers and worship leaders for several decades, drawing Christians into worship with his smooth voice and gentle piano-based style. "A Dreamer For the Kingdom" is a compilation of songs written or adapted by Chris between the years of 1976 and 1990. And a varied collection they comprise, though, interestingly, not including some of his most popular tunes such as 'Reign in me' and 'Wholly available'.
  Mr. Bowater has a seriously MOR musical style which is sometimes dismissed as very easy listening. But it needs to be remembered that his is an acquired taste, these songs having grown on me much since I first played the album. Songs like the reflective 'No other Name' or his version of 'The Lord's Prayer', each with light instrumental accompaniment, and all receiving Chris's fine piano touch. 'He who dwells' is a delightfully flowing track with guest harmony vocals from (I think) Trish Morgan. Unfortunately musical credits are nowhere listed - a pity, as these tender
female sounds are also of great appeal on the likes of 'Drop the still dew'. Perhaps my favourite tunes are those beautiful old hymns which Chris rearranges with his own music. 'How sweet the Name' works wonderfully, as does Anna Waring's 'In Heavenly Love (Abiding)'. Chris's own atmospheric 'Make me lord, a dreamer' also stands out.
  This is perhaps not everyone's cup of English brew, but there is a depth of spirituality here which, with a little patience, can really bless the soul. Inspiring worship.

Review by tom lennie

"The Trek of the Bright Hostage"

  Typical amongst Irish song-writing traditionalists, Paul Kyle enjoys story-telling in musical form. The contents of these self-penned rhapsodies show pointedly just where this musical narrator's heart really lies. They are accounts of his journey of faith, his spiritual 'trek', and the gospel truths he has gleaned on the way.
  Paul's gentle yet passionate voice stands out above the simple accompaniment of mainly guitar, keyboards and drums, though there is also occasional inclusion of e.g. uillean pipes, violin, mandolin and whistle, and the addition of delicate harmony vocals throughout.
  'It Is Finished' is a poignant poem centered on Jesus' Passion, as indeed is the agonizingly real 'At The Foot Of The Cross'. One thing is clear; this songsmith certainly knows how to share biblical truths in a powerful manner. 'When All The Sons Of Glory' is a seven minute Paul Kyle epic, with seven 16-line verses and no chorus! A couple of tracks have a distinctive Hebraic sound and theme, e.g. 'Yeshua', and 'Lord Of the Song'.
  But Paul doesn't confine himself to musical expression. Numerous personal testimonies and observations are copiously shared in the 32-page 'sleeve-notes'! The only problem with this collection of 'meditations' is that once you get it out of the CD-case, it's nigh impossible to get it back in! Would fit more comfortably on my bookshelf!
  Along with "The Bright Hostage" Vol. 1 album, this most unique musical voyage is unlikely to give you travel sickness, being sure instead to leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready for the road ahead.

Review by tom lennie