Back in the mid-90's Kim began writing impromptu reviews of church music CDs (worship music) so that people who were looking for CDs would have an opinion from someone who is also a worship leader and is garnering music for local church use. Up to this point, this was rarely something that was done, because church music was revered as sacred and it was thought that any offering of that sacred worship shouldn't be criticised or evaluated. In fact, Kim wasn't as much a critic as he was an evaluator, helping people find what fit their church. He began posting his reviews on line in a email discussion forum, called the Worship List (website). After a while, when he helped launch Worshipmusic.com, he continued that same concept of trying to help other local church worship leaders and musicians find music that might be applicable to their situations. The reviews continued to be a part of that. Worshipmusic.com went on to grow a staff of writers that would add many more reviews to the collection they have, but Kim continued to participate as a key reviewer. This journal logs all the reviews Kim has written on worship music CDs and projects.
Kim's reviews of CD projects of worship music includes independents, label and main stream recordings, but all having to do with worship music.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 8:49PM 
[stop for a moment. quiet the noise. rest your mind. read this.]
Welcome to the place of level ground
Welcome to the place where grace abounds
We all need mercy
We all need mercy
This is the first verse of the title track from Brian Doerksen's newest music experience, entitled "Level Ground". Like most of Brian's projects, this one is a woven, purposeful story. In this episode of his sharing with the broader church, the overarching theme is grace. The liner notes intro this CD well, where Doerksen says:
"This project began as a simple idea... a picture of grace."
The songs and arrangements of this album reflect this vision well. Having watched some of the video tracks from the DVD, it also keeps the poignancy of the grace-filled intention. In fact, even the website of the project (on braindoerksen.com) has several powerful video clips of individuals who share stories of their lives that express the struggle of our humanity and the grace of God- be sure to watch those stories, they are amazing. That is the core of this project- seeing grace through another's eyes. Being kind enough to hear and enter into the narrative of another person's story. If you miss this, you may hear some great music, but avoid the reality of theme it is built upon- God's grace, changing lives.
That said, let's talk about the music! As I mentioned, this album starts off with the title track "Level Ground". The keystone in both theme and musical presentation of this project, Level Ground is a very singable and inviting song. Medium tempo feel and, though it is presented with layers of Celtic/soft rock fusion here, could fit nicely into virtually any modern styled service.
I really enjoyed the second song "The Jesus Way", which builds intensity as the arrangement lifts you into guitar-driven vamp that allows you stand and declare your allegiance to the "Jesus Way".
I also enjoyed the dynamic rendition of Tim Hughes's powerful "Everything" (a lyrical tribute that nods to St. Patrick's Breastplate prayer). Staring pensive and stripped down with just piano and light touches for effect, it launches into power chord driven chorus. But after the explosion of heart in the chorus, the return to the simple verse is understated and perfect, ending with a beautiful piano instrumental to guide the worshiper into a space of humble offering to God.
"Will You Love Me In the Winter" is a beautiful and heart wrenching musical inquiry, from the human heart to what can seem like a distant God, when our bodies and lives are broken and cold. Speaking of the dark night of the soul, languishing in the struggle of discouragement and pain of the body, Doerksen gives voice to our question- will God be there when I am most in need of him? Thank you, Brian, for writing a thoughtful lament for the church. Much needed. Well done.
A couple of other favorite tracks on the album are "Altar of Love" and "Whatever Comes", both songs are well done. My favorite track on the album is the anthem "Thank You for the Cross". Excellent lyrics, great presentation, and a powerful song!
This project is recorded live, and with the musicians in the midst of a congregation joining in the worship. Visually and audibly it is an engaging and grace-filled experience. I encourage you to take a listen to this album! I love it!
Product Link at Amazon: Level Ground [+digital booklet]
The entire album is also already included in the WorshipTeam.com worship planning system.
Bring us to the place of level ground, o Lord!
In Him,
Kim Gentes
album, brian doerksen, canada, cd, level ground, music, project, worship in CD Review, Music Review Friday, August 17, 2007 at 6:11PM 
The Canadian cultural motif is the mosaic, a concept that highlights combining differences into a collage of united strengths, much like a patchwork quilt. If you wanted a musical mosaic of the heritage and anointing that has been the Canadian legacy to the worldwide Christian church, you could go straight to the latest project from Vineyard Music Canada -- 'All I Need'. Actually, this is the third project from the northern nation, which deliberately looks for a diverse musical pallet. But where previous efforts ('Shake Off the Dust' and 'Believe') left off, 'All I Need' continues on, and takes up its place as a great worship project.
Let's get right into it. As the CD starts, the gentle swell of rhythm from a shaker, djembe, congas, bongos and darabuka fill up the air. Softly touched piano chords enter and a lone voice calls out with these beckoning lyrics: Who is moving on the waters? Who is holding up the moon? Who is peeling back the darkness With the burning light of noon? The questions are answered by the refrain, 'He is Yahweh'. Combining vocals in English, Zulu, and Lingala with great arranging and genuine passion this opening song will move you into solid assurance of God's sovereignty, through the scripture-woven chorus. After listening to this barrage of blissful truth, one can hardly go away without a powerful sense of our Creator God. What many preachers attempt to convey in a well-spoken sermon, worship leader/songwriter Dean Salyn does in 5 minutes of praise. This is great lyric writing, and producers Brian Doerksen, Daphne Rademaker, and Philip Janz take full advantage of this incredible song by placing it on the first track of this great CD.
Thankfully, the worshiper is clear that this is no ordinary cookie-cutter CD as the tracks roll on. But instead of being 'different' for 'difference' sake, the songs used on 'All I Need' are truly useable, accessible songs meant for the nations. The second song, 'Amen Hallelujah', uses country music to bring the 136th Psalm to life. And while I won't take the time to talk in depth about this and track 3, 'Be My Guide', both deserve their spot on this project with continued diversity and strong musical and lyrical contributions.
Arriving at 'Into Your Presence', written and sung by Kim McMechan, you will be arrested. With McMechan's incredible vocals, you may be tempted to consider this a 'performance' song, but continued listening will draw you into the very singable and melodic chorus. Such is the journey of this entire album. When the title track starts up, you will need to find a chair or simply kneel down in worship.
'All I Need' carries the cry of longing people to the ears of a ready and listening God. First person, and in the manner of David's Psalms, this song is clearly from the Vineyard tradition (can we call 20 years 'tradition'?) of great songs like 'Come And Fill Me Up', 'Draw Me Close' and 'I Want To Know You'. With this and most tracks on this project, Doerksen's mastery of spatial distribution in music gives us crisp, fresh sounds that evoke but don't attack. Frankly, it would take several pages to describe the texture, diversity and excellence that has been put into each of these songs. From the passionate 'Long To Know You', the bluesy 'You're So Wonderful', the anthemic 'The Lighthouse', to the radio playable 'Desire Of The Nations'. My passing over these so quickly is in deference to brevity- I strongly encourage you to sit yourself down and soak these incredible songs into your heart and soul.
What are left are 4 spectacular songs. First, there is 'Dance On It', a dance song that implements an unbelievable collection of sounds and instruments from mandolin and electric guitar to techno, drum loops and electronica. A great rhythmic collage that actually works for explosive, vibrant worship!
Second comes Psalm 113, which is a simple, yet stunning scripture song. There is something wonderful about singing Scripture. Soaking you in God's Word, encouraging each other with His wisdom, and releasing an unquestionable song from our heart to His. Reminiscent of the song 'Blessed Be The Name of The Lord' (Daniels/Prosch), Psalm 113 is presented through a wonderful spectrum of tempo and tenderness- making it accessible to every worshiper, small group, and large congregation on the planet.
Then comes the haunting rhetorical question 'Could I'. With just Kim McMechan and a piano, this worship leader questions and answers how waiting on God is the only place of rest and strength.
The final new song is what may be the most usable song on the album, 'Multiply Your Love'. Veteran songwriter Andy Park pens a call for God to multiply His love, expand the kingdom and grow His church. Every church should sing this song. Even better, ever church should open their hearts to living this song out, through God's love. This is truly an anthem that we, the consumer-centric church of North America, need to get deep into our souls.
The project is concluded with all the various worship leaders on this project combining to sing out a reprise of the title track, 'All I Need'. This album is a spectacular collage of songs, styles, worship leaders and production. Even better, this CD includes a CD-ROM component that has song stories, producer notes, and (thank you VERY much) chord charts and lyric masters!
In my mind, this is one of the best Vineyard project since Winds of Worship 12 (Come, Now Is The Time To Worship) and Hungry. While it doesn't need accolades to get noticed, I would be crazy to not give the Editor's Choice Award to this great project. 'All I Need' will stand out for its great songs, and great worship, for many years to come! If you have one CD in the budget for this entire year- this is the CD! And be sure to let your local church/music leader hear it too- you'll be singing these songs on Sunday morning very soon!
Product Link All I Need
Review by Kim Gentes
Note: This project was awarded 2001 Album of the Year from WorshipMusic.com.
