"Thy Kingdom Come"

  Here, for once, is a professional Christian 'musical' that can truly be classed as Christian. Not only is it of high musical quality, but it's theme, lyrics and expression are thoroughly God-focused. Indeed, it is very evident that these artful pieces were written by one who knows the Lord personally, the 'feel' of the recording being ever one of passion and genuineness. The composer in question is ofcourse Steve Fry, and the powerful music delivered comes care of The Natl. Philharmonic Orchestra of London, conducted by Ross DeRoche, and assisted by others on piano, guitar, synth and bass.
  The listener is taken on a journey of musical variety and constant delight, based on rediscovering God's dream for His people. From triumphant proclamations such as the opening 'The Kingdom of This World' and 'Know The Kingdom', you pass through deep honest prayer-cries such as 'How Long Lord'; along the flowing 'As in Heaven, So on Earth' and the graceful 'Oh Rend the Skies'; to the stirring seven-minute 'War in the Heavenlies' and the ensuing title track 'Thy Kingdom Come' which acts as a moving finale.
  This is a delightful set, twisting and turning with creative majesty, but always glowing with the rounded finesse of Steve Fry's emotive and passionate vocals. His voice is ably assisted by the rich, warm sounds of The Cathedral Choir of The First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, CA, conducted by Fred Bock. The overall effect of these talented and diverse
streams is both stunning and compelling.
  You believe you have varied musical tastes? Why not then incline your attentive ear to this 44-min slice of magisterial excellence. You won't be disappointed.

"We Are Called"

  Subtitled 'An experience in worship', this is surely praise and worship as you've never heard it before! Masterminded by Steve Fry, and produced, arranged and orchestrated by Phil Perkins, this unusual recording also features contributions from Steve Green, Barry McGuire, John Michael Talbot and Betty Hernandez - an impressive line-up indeed! Performed in the style of a 'musical', the show opens with the God-exalting 'Unto the Lord be glory', majestic leading coming from The National Symphony Orchestra of London, who indeed provide atmospheric support throughout. With stirring periodic vocal narration, Steve leads us into a profound experience of praise and humble adoration. The 'Lord I want to know You more' is a passionate expression of spiritual yearning, being followed by reassurance of utter peace and contentment in the blissful 'Abba Father'. On a lighter note comes the delightful 'He dances o'er us' and the joyful feel of 'Praise ye the Lord', while 'We clap our hands' offers us victory in spiritual warfare. The 3-song medley of 'Praise Him in the sanctuary' is deep and sensitive, while proceedings are brought to a fitting and deeply moving climax in the 'Finale', another 3-part medley. Though we're informed that the (powerful) choral vocal support throughout comes care of The Amen Choir of the First Baptist Church of Van Nuys, CA, I am nevertheless rather disappointed at the general lack of 'background' information given in the sleeve-notes - and at the absence of printed song lyrics. This aside, "We Are Called" is an intriguing gem of an album - a worship venture that induces the listener to think, and so leads him/her to focus clearly and scripturally on the One who has called him/her. For this alone it is valuable - the album's musical excellence makes it even more so.

Reviews by tom lennie

"Jesus - Christmas Worship Down Under"

  What's surprising about the latest fare from 'down under' is not that Hillsong has released a Christmas offering, but that it's taken them so long to do so! Thankfully this isn't a mere re-hash of well-worn carols, but a tasty blending of songs old and new, with vocal fronting by various musicians/composers within the Hillsong fold.
  Simply entitled "Jesus", this celebration indeed gives focus to the glory of Christ - avoiding the slushiness of many Christmas ventures. You'll find sentimental moments for sure, but start to finish this is an album of worship - the tone throughout being one of genuine thanksgiving for the unfathomable gift of Christ as Redeemer and Lord. Thus the calculated pace of 'Silent night' as Darlene Zschech breathes emotion into every line; thus the irresistible adoration of Katia Bowley's 'Saviour of the world' and Zschech's own 'Hallelujah'; thus also the richly poetic 'O Holy night', where full choir join in on last verse in ardent attempt to proclaim the awe of His reign.
  Musical arrangements are unpretentious - basic drum programming, keyboards and guitars - so placing emphasis on truth of the message. Especially intriguing are 'Star of Bethlehem', a gliding guitar-led instrumental giving plenty of space for meditation on the wonders of the incarnation (truths that words, after all, cannot express); and the closing 'Glory to God', with it's tribal vibes leading to a full-bodied ring of acclamation. Diversity is seen too in the pop-stomp of Donia Makedonez' 'Rejoice' and in the light funk of 'Away in a manger', Tulele Faletolu's smooth, soulful voice swooping and soaring in appropriate places!
  This is clearly a quality production. Given it's worshipful focus it won't be an album that gets stuck away after Christmas Day - the joys of this hour-long feast can be shared any day, week or month!

Review by tom lennie

These four talented guys got started by playing during ministry times in their church. Most of their music is instrumental, but a few have vocals. Their first CD was produced in 1998 and was unique in it’s style and music. Now their latest recording is available titled Breathe and continues on in the same style, only we were even more impressed with this album. It is one of the best instrumental CDs you will find. We highly recommend this marvelous CD!

"Prayerworks"

  This album came about almost by accident. The 4-man band explain. 'During times of ministry at our church (The Christian City Church, Oxford Falls, Australia) and our church conference, we started playing a kind of improvised music that seemed more like the sound track of what was happening amongst the people'. Eventually they decided to make a recording of the music and "Prayerworks" is the result. This is inspirational music that many will find suitable to pray to, but it carries much more significance than just background sounds. Some would in fact refer to it as prophetic worship.
  The 8 pieces included here were all composed by various members of the band. Some are purely instrumental, others contain soft vocals, as in the deeply comforting 'My Secret Place', and the Psalms based 'Headlands'. Most are gentle and indeed soothing; one or two build up into an intense and emotional climax (check the stunning 'Peace and Fire' for evidence of this). But always the effect is interesting and atmospheric, as guitars, keyboards, percussion and voices work together in delectable harmony. Track lengths vary from 5 to 14 minutes, with a generous overall recording time of 1 hour
12 mins.
  This is a most unusual yet highly worthwhile contribution to the Church. As the team relates in the sleeve-notes, 'this music is about you and God together - a meeting if you will'. What a meaningful and rewarding meeting it can prove to be.

Review by tom lennie

"Hopes & Dreams"

  This musical work is very much the brainchild of UK producer/musician Paul Field, who, as well as composing, arranging and producing most of the pieces, also provides keyboard, guitar and programming arrangements. He is part of the four-piece vocal group too, this multi-talent perhaps not surprising considering his significant involvement in Christian music in Britain from the 1970's, when he fronted the harmony group Nutshell. He is best known for writing 'Thief in the night', and more recently for his arrangement of The Lord's Prayer, both for Sir Cliff Richard.
  This 52-minute audio, based on the 80-min musical script of the same name, is a strong production, featuring a string section from The All Souls Orchestra, some classy sax and woodwind sounds (c/o Mike Haughton), The Easter People Choir and a taste of Scottish bagpipes! Essentially a set of soft-pop melodies, there are definite touches of jazz ('Step by step') country ('Glorious sight') and blues ('One more nail in the Cross'). Based on The Lord's Prayer, individual songs deal with the need for absolute forgiveness ('70 x 7'), the reality of suffering in the world (poignantly stated in 'One more nail' and 'Breaking point'), and the equal reality of our hope in heaven. Graham Kendrick contributes three modern 'hymns' to the project, though the album's most 'famous' track is Cliff's original take of 'The Lord's Prayer' ('the millennium prayer'). This was later released as a single and, to the great surprise of the music industry, rose to No1 in the UK's record charts at the turn of the Millennium (many radio stations had in fact originally banned the song from their airwaves).
  This is an unusual and risky venture, but given Field's musical and lyrical diversity, it has proven to be a worthwhile one. Be encouraged and inspired by the message and music of "Hopes & Dreams".

Review by tom lennie

"Renaciendo"

  La Semilla (The Seed) is a four-piece group from Peru, who are presently based in Southern California. Committed Christians all, they minister both in churches and in secular venues, sharing with others their unique and mystical sounds. "Renaciendo" meaning 'renaissance or 're-birth', is a project that "encourages us to re-encounter ourselves with the One who creates everything, and from Whom we receive consistent inspiration" say the artists in the sleeve notes. The instruments they employ include the guitar, Quenas and Quenachos Andean flutes, charango (a 10-string instrument), bombo, rain stick, seeds, chacchas, and Zamponas Andean panpipes! Does that lot sound interesting! Indeed it does, and indeed it is! The band seek to weave these traditional instruments "into a fine pattern fused with contemporary technology, while keeping the essence and pre-eminence of the beat and mystic of Andean culture".
  Nine tracks are on offer, all written by group members Cesar Gervasi or Ivan Gonzales. Most are upbeat and quirky, such as 'Descendencia' (Heritage), and the celebratory title cut (which, along with 'Time and Truth' are the only tracks that contain vocals). 'Rumi' (The Rock) is more peaceful and meditative. Nearly all tunes feature the distinct tones of the Andean panpipes, with their atmospheric resonances, and all are highly creative pieces, with the occasional twist and turn, as on 'Cordillera' (White Mountain).
  This music of “Renaciendo” is inspiring and relaxing, and contains a spiritual feel. Certainly of interest to those who refuse to be restricted by a narrow musical outlook.

Review by tom lennie

Islands of Peace Vol. 1 "Navigando"

  Finding info on Luca Genta is no easy task. His page on Ecovata Record's web-site is unobtainable, he doesn't answer e-mails (at least not my one!), and he gives away practically nothing about himself in his sleeve-notes. I do know though that Mr. Genta has toured with that Celtic combo Iona as a bass player, and that he has also made able contributions to other artists' inspirational works. Other than that, we will have to judge by the music alone, and thankfully there's plenty to go by here.
  Luca Genta is a musician par excellence. Not only did he compose all the music for this set, as well as co-produce the venture (along with fellow musician Henk Pool), we also find him playing an astonishing variety of instruments on it. Keyboards, cello, recorder, tin whistle, nylon string guitar, bass, drum and percussion programming; these are all within his talented grasp, and these sounds are enhanced on several tracks by the rich textures of alto or soprano sax c/o Mike Haughton (formerly of Iona).
  The overall result is gentle but not boring, moody but never weird or eerie. Try to imagine the atmospheric soundscapes evoked by such tunes as 'Grooving Waves', 'Over the Cliffs' or the Celtic-flavoured 'Ireland'. Be moved by the rich mental images conjured by 'Smoking Mountain', 'Autumn Song' and 'Asian Sky'. These are Luca Genta's islands of peace.
  "Navigando" is a piece of creative genius. Check it out if your taste is towards music that is instrumental and truly artistic. Oh, and try e-mailing the artist - you never know, you might even get a reply!

Review by tom lennie

" Lux Aeterna"

  David Fitzgerald is a saxophonist and flutist best known as one of the founder members of the superb Celtic team Iona. He launched a solo career with the release of the enigmatic "Comulcille", followed by the highly acclaimed "Lux Aeterna" ( 'light eternal').
  Here is a musician full of innovation. His intelligent music simply oozes with creativity. Stirring, encouraging, spiritual, evocative; his soundscapes touch the heart, mind and spirit, leaving a lasting impact.
  Recorded partly in the studio, and partly in St Edmundsbury Cathedral, England, "Lux Aeterna" covers a number of themes, including the Crucifiction in the chilling 'Golgotha'; the Resurrection, and ofcourse, the meaning of 'Light'.
  The album contains numerous instrumentals, but several tracks include vocals, with guest appearances from Adrian Snell, Joanne Hogg (lead singer of Iona) and St Edmundsbury Cathedral Choir.

Review by tom lennie

"The Covenant"

  Paul Heyman is a trained classical violinist with Jewish Maltese roots. As a Messianic believer, he now specializes in Jewish and gospel music, having toured with the likes of Sal Solo and Helen Shapiro, playing mainly electric violin. His 1996 ICC instrumental release "Israel's Passion" received high acclaim and is still a popular favourite. "The Covenant" continues with that contemporary Jewish influence, most notable being the title track itself, co-written by Paul and his wife Jan. Based on numerous biblical passages, this oozes a distinct Jewish flavour, but also has an infectious modern
dance beat. Quite delightful. It's a pity Paul hadn't written more tunes for this venture - his only other composition included here - the unusual tongue-in-cheek 'Praise Him blues', is also a winner. Elsewhere this violin maestro delights his audience with what sounds like a Russian polka in the gliding and highly infectious 'May all who live'. Also on offer are Mr. Heyman's interpretations of a couple of Sal Solo and other Jewish tunes, plus Graham Kendrick and Kevin Prosch worship songs (the latter I feel, doesn't particularly work as an instrumental). Full song lyrics are provided in the sleeve notes despite no vocals being included on the recording (with songs you don't know it's quite a fun 'test' trying to fit lyrics to melodies!). Obviously Paul's dexterous violin-playing is ever at the forefront, but additional sounds come from electric and bass guitars, light percussion and an assortment of wind instruments from ex-Iona musician Mike Haughton.
  An intriguing recording encapsulating diverse musical styles. With a sound as impressive as the stunning cover design this is an album worth taking note of.

Review by tom lennie

ABOVE THE STORM  -  PIANO PEACE  -  THE FOURTH WATCH OF THE NIGHT
by John G. Elliott

Above the Storm is a masterpiece, if you like instrumental piano music, then you will want this CD.
Piano Peace has full orchestration and is excellent.