''Inside Me''

  Jeff Searles is a Vineyard worship leader and song-writer who, in tandem with Scott Ezzy, made a significant contribution to the two 1998 Dayspring Music Australia recordings ''Nothing Else Matters'' and ''Higher and Higher''. Jeff's solo release ''Inside Me'', however, goes back three years further, to 1995, and stands as an innovative contemporary worship output of high quality. The style throughout most of the album is very similar to that of Kevin Prosch, that original 'alternative worship' pioneer of amazing talent - indeed both musicians come from the Vineyard stream, and KP is
credited by Jeff as being 'friend, mentor, plower, watch dog'. Even Searle's voice sounds uncannily Prosch-like, though never does it come over as a cheap imitation, but one of originality and inspiration. Jeff's personal and deeply inspiring lyrics are very impressive too, the artist baring his soul before his God and audience.
  The musical tone changes dramatically on track six however to one of guitar-driven rock, bold and stirring - reminiscent of Christian rockster Steve Taylor. A temporary 'high-energy' interlude as it turns out. Percussion throughout comes care of none other than Teryl Bryant, highly regarded for his work with Iona; Vanessa Freeman's strong emotive backing vocals are especially appreciated on tracks like 'Inside Me' and are indispensable on 'Gloria'; and - wait for it - all members of Delirious? (Stewart Smith, Stuart Garrard, Tim Jupp and Martin Smith) provide their multi-talented musicianship to many songs! Indeed, the entire album was recorded in Delirious?'s home town Littlehampton, England, and receives Smithy's own production touch. Great work Martin!
  Good voice(s), good songs, adventurous music - can't ask for anything more.

Review by tom lennie

Through My Emotions is our favorite album in this group. Freedom by Norm Strauss is very good.  Then there are the two GodRock albums, sure to be a favorite for those who prefer Christian Rock.

"You Will Have Your Army"

  Tom Davies is an accomplished musician who was greatly involved with the Vineyard Music Group in it's earlier days, and has since released several acclaimed solo recordings, perhaps the best known being "The Secret Place". "You Will Have Your Army" appears as part of the 'In My Father's House' series on Amber Rose Music, which features various worship leaders throughout the United States.
  Produced by Tom and comprising songs written mainly by the artist, the set nevertheless begins and concludes with Mr Davies' arrangements of two classic hymns; the popular 'Joyful, Joyful' (melody taken from Beethoven's 9th Symphony), and 'Holy Holy, Holy', enriched by the sounds of the Tabernacle Choir of Fullerton College. The title track is a stirring
ten-minute proclamation of triumph. While relevant to this anthem, many other tracks also feature quite prominent percussion (a bit too heavy for my liking). However, a more mellow tempo and tone is presented on songs such as
'Blessed Be Your Holy Name', 'Lord I Worship You', and 'Lord I Love You'. These are slightly early Vineyard-esque in style, and include those familiar female support-vocals. Another highlight is Tom's rendition of Dennis Jernigan's 'Come Let Us Bow Down', expressing humility before an omnipotent God, and revealing a true tenderness in this worship leader.
  With most proficient instrumentation throughout, this is a rich offering, designed to stir passion for the Son of God deep within your heart.

Review by tom lennie

CELTIC PRAISE Volume 2, 3 & 4
Sammy Horner

"Worship - The Acoustic Set"

  'Worship Together' is an annual worship conference held in England, drawing together a host of Christian musicians from the UK and abroad, as well as thousands of worshippers. the 1997 Eastbourne event was the largest such conference ever staged in Europe and on the last evening some of the worship leaders gathered into a small theatre to perform some of their most popular songs in an intimate, acoustic setting. The show was captured on tape and released here as a high quality CD - a collection of 12 songs, many very well known, and generally sung by the song's writer.
  So we have two tunes from Bryn Haworth, including that absolute classic 'What kind of Love is this' which has the audience in rapt attention. Graham Kendrick gives his 'Thorns in the straw' poignant expression.Focused on the Incarnation this is a deeply moving piece from 1994 which I must confess, I'd never heard before. Carol Owens contribution is an intense worship anthem, which though deeply moving, is, along with Dave Bilbrough's rather corny 'Lift Him high', perhaps slightly at odds with the more gentle feel of most of the album. Two lesser known names, Andy Piercy and Jon Birch, each make excellent offerings, the former being a delightful interpretation of Psalm 139. Two very popular songs appear by way of Noel Richard's 'By Your side' and 'Abba Father', written by Dave Bilbrough and enthusiastically sung here by everyone in the auditorium! A charming chorus.
  You may already have a number of these songs on albums in your own collection, but if not, then you are bound to find this a real worship treat.

Review by tom lennie