Kim Gentes

Live worship albums have been a strange mixture of odd results over the years.  From ultra-produced albums that have little semblance to the actual original recording from which they are founded to the "push play" recordings of raw worship with poor production, one always has to take the "live" moniker in an album title with a grain of musical salt.  And this isn't just a recent thing- it is something that has been the way people have viewed "live worship" albums for now well over 15 years.  But few people would disagree that the monumental contribution of Kevin Prosch's "Even So Come" album gave us the landmark for all attempts at live albums that would follow in the 13 or so years since its original release by Vineyard Music (back in 1991).  We are elated to announce that Even So Come has now just be re-released and is available!

What is even more astounding about it is that while many have come after, attempting to mimic or even be inspired on to a better results- none, absolutely none, have surpassed Even So Come.  On the musical side, this album has a supreme combination of more vibe, great musicianship, and wonderfully balanced production than any live album ever recorded in the worship genre, and most Christian music for that matter.  Even if you aren't stylistically inclined towards Kevin Prosch's musical tastes, you simply can't ignore the great listening and engaging experience of this album.  On the "worship" side of things, this album epitomizes the spiritual journey of the "dream" spontaneous worship set- a time when the obvious anointing of the Holy Spirit was so present that it was captured on the recording of this evening of worship.

This album starts off right, as a live offering-- inviting the listener to humble their hearts by joining in with the opening prayer led by Kevin Prosch. Walking through the songs on this album is a list of classics that now stand as some of the most unique and powerful lyrical and musical pieces played in churches in the last 20 years.  The scripture-inspired prayer of "Show Your Power" catapults you into the experience from the first downbeat, as it has for thousands of churches around the globe. The great song, "Shout to the Lord" is a refreshing upbeat declaration of prayer and obedience to the direction of scripture to sing and even shout to the Lord. The next song is the title track- an ethereal, prayer song called "So Come" which invites Jesus to return to His bride the church in the manner of Revelations ("come Lord Jesus").  My favorite on the album, this song is as soothing to the soul as it is haunting to our sensibilities.    This is one of the few songs I have ever used in a church service, that also has the strength and depth of content to be equally comforting at a funeral of a loved one (I have used it in both).  The album truly moves on with the recording track of a spontaneous song, they titled "Great is the Lord", which highlights the amazing gifting of not only the musicians, but Prosch as truly an inspiring musical and lyrical gift to the whole church.  This is followed by three more Prosch classics (His Banner Over Me, Thanks Lord, Save Us Oh God) which have also found their place across the worldwide church.  Then comes another amazing spontaneous song, and finally the project concludes the way it began- with ministry and prayer.

What is even more amazing than the songs and this tremendous CD is the far-reaching effect of Kevin's ministry as an igniting force in the lives of innumerable worship leaders, from the local unknown worship leaders to now well-known ones such as Matt Redman, Darrell Evans and many more.

The re-release of this great album is welcomed back to where it belongs- a true gift to the world wide church!  Absolutely no one should miss having this CD in their collection, whether the worshipping Christian, or the aspiring worship leader.  It is such an important album on every level, we have to give it our Editor's Choice Award.  The number one live worship album ever!

Product Link Even So Come : A Live Night of Worship at the Anaheim Vineyard

Review by Kim Gentes

Sometimes listening to CDs means we miss the whole point of a worship recording project.  The idea that we are supposed to just "listen" to a music experience was not part of the heart or intention of most pastors, worship leaders or ministers. In fact, most of them would say that if all you did was listen to some nice songs, that they aren't interested in writing songs, making music and producing CDs. 

Such is the case with Vertical Music newcomer, Dave Lubben. His freshman release is a completely live and personal journey into what is really worship.  This does not involve the temporal items such as instruments, music and CDs, but the eternal action of laying down one's life, as a surrendering act of obedience, into the powerful peace of God's will.  You could have learned this was on Dave Lubben's heart, and in God's heart for him (and us!), simply by reading the incredible story in the CD liner notes. I will leave you to do that, but even without the amazing story of life and death that surrounds the recording of this album, all one needs to do is simply participate in what is sung and spoken on this wonderful musical journal to catch the real "story".  Aptly named, A Place Called Surrender is about the real message of Jesus.  The message he gave to all who would come after him- that they should take up their cross and follow him.

Each song on this project weaves a tapestry of humility and praise that any follower of Christ can echo, in words and heart. From songs of building joy ("Lord Most High" and "King Of Nations") to plaintiff prayers like ("We Need You", "Save Us" and "Speak To Us") to songs of abandon and devotion ("Surrender" and "Lay It Down"), this engaging night of worship is not just a CD, but a beautiful collection of modern psalms.  Initially, I was captivated by the energy and intensity of the opening cut "Lord Most High" and the heartfelt prayers included in the recording.  As I continued on, I went from praise to prayer and finally to bowing on my bedroom floor in worship to Christ, tears running down my eyes as I found myself reflecting on the call of the lyrics on my favorite new song- track seven, "Speak To Me".  Repentance is the response of our lives coming in contact with the Holy One, and as I echoed the words on that song, I found myself weighing sadly short of the scriptural themes being sung to God. As the CD continued on, the next track, "Lay It Down" has Dave Lubben reading from the text in Psalm 116 (verses 2, 3, 5, 7).  As the lyrics of the song and the Scripture reading wash over you, the essence of this project will become pristinely clear- it is about expressing the true heart of worship (submission to God's will, brokenness, offering our lives to Christ, and repentance).

And while the experience is clearly out front on this new project from the re-launched Vertical Music (the youth label from Integrity Music), this CD is also purveyor of both excellent musical presentation and powerful songs for the church.  In fact, the more you listen to this CD, the more the great work done by producer Nathan Nockels (from OneDay/Passion CDs, Philips, Craig & Dean "Let Your Glory Fall", Watermark and others) begins to shine.  The presentation is aptly framed with accessible musical and vocal parts. Along with great song writing by Lubben, this album is absolutely full of usable, excellent songs for the church.  Nockel's arrangement skills not only make strong presentation of the material for church use, but also give a wonderful diversity to the flow of the album.  So the album is top notch stuff in the production department.  But as I said before, that is clearly not the focus here- worship is.

If you are a worship leader looking for a cache of excellent new songs, you must give this project a serious listen.   I will be listening to this CD for a long time... you simply will not get tired of it.  I believe that songs from tracks 1 through 4, and tracks 7 through 10 provide the best set of songs on a single album that I have heard in a very long time.  In fact, I have never recommended 8 songs from any single album ever!  If you are like me, you would be skeptical of anyone claiming there was eight (yes 8!) strong, usable songs on an original album.  So don't believe me, but make sure you check out the songs yourself by listening to the samples provided online.  And thankfully, Vertical Music backs up this excellent CD by providing us with an entire suite of resources to get these songs to use in church (songbook, stereo tracks, and CD-ROM digital songbook).

This CD is easy to select as an Editor's Choice Award winner for me, for all the reasons I have given in this review.  But again, don't take my word for it, check out the songs above for yourself. And remember, once you buy the CD for yourself, be sure to read the liner notes!

Product Link A Place Called Surrender - Dave Lubben

Review by Kim Gentes

Rising, lifting, resting, flourishing the ebb and flow of the sounds from the new Vineyard album from New Zealand, One Glimpse, has placed some excellent songs on a skillfully crafted sonic palette for all to listen to. When you think of new music for the church, most people think of live worship projects, anthemic choruses and congregational sounds echoing in the recording. Vineyard delivers a whole different offering to the Body of Christ with One Glimpse. While the songs remain very accessible, the recording quality, arrangement styling, and track selection bring one of the first mainstream worship labels to the table with radio playable (CHR or alternative) songs. The last 3-4 years has seen regular CCM labels bringing their pop-artists to bear on classic worship tunes, giving great visibility and access to many great songs of the church. But where the CCM industry has reached into the worship realm with their offerings, the worship music labels havent done as well in adding a polished production to their projects, allowing them to gain access to the larger CCM audience.

Vineyards One Glimpse is an amazing leap from the tired sound of 90s praise and worship albums to true alternative and pop rock sounds native to the music, not opted and arranged on top of yesterdays songs. Its not surprising, then, to find that the project has strong production and recording from producer Nic Manders (of NZ band, Solace), and even guest contributions from Mark Millard (from the NZ group, the Lads). But what muses and audiophiles will note on listening to this project is the almost complete absence of the acoustic guitar, the staple of every Vineyard Music recording since its short 20+ years as the recording arm of the Vineyard church movement. Except for track seven (I Will Sing) and parts of track 11 (Risen One), even the contemplative songs in this project are highlighted with keyboards or soft electric rhythm. What remains is the occasional acoustic strum as a rhythm highlight on some musical transitions throughout a couple other songs.

Musically, the feel of this album resembles much more the ethereal patch and play keyboards, brit/pop guitars and driving rock drums of Delirious?, hard rock/alternative shots (track 4, Surround Me) at Creed, CCM radio sounds similar to Audio Adrenaline (track 2, One Glimpse) with little samplings of American soft rock and power ballad thrown in. That might seem like a heady mixture, but somehow this sonic meal is textured true (and is not cliché-ridden) with the distinctive Kiwi flavor added in. Suffice to say that this is easily the best radio playable worship album I have ever heard from non-artist driven worship sources (Vineyard recordings, Maranatha, Integrity Hosanna, Hillsongs, et al.).

But for all the polish, does this album have something of value to the church in a congregational worship setting? Yes, and a resounding yes! With the first spin of the CD, (track one, Sacrifice) will let you hear the prime suspect for Sunday mornings in many churches. My favorite on the project, this song is very strong with a devotional declarative verse and a glorious chorus announcing the holiness of the Lord, saying:

Holy, holy, holy are You Lord
Im set apart for the One that I adore
Holy, holy, holy are You Lord
You paid the price that I could not afford

This song should make its way into many contemporary services with great lyrics and a moving musical and melodic chorus.

Delivering the tribute to Delirious? is track five, with To The King, which is almost shameless in stealing lines from I Could Sing of Your Love, but in the style of Lord You Have My Heart or Find Me In The River. This song is a great option for worship leaders looking for a pensive song that builds into another glorious chorus, this time with effectual Hallelujahs ringing the song through. The project completely mellows out with track 6, drawing you in with warm guitar swells and a solo voice of brokenness calling out for God to Sing Over Me. This is a beautiful contribution, ripe for Sunday mornings, especially times of prayer, intercession or ministry. Track seven I Will Sing starts the rebuilding of the tempo and volume that holds out through Song from the Heart and Close To You (whose chorus brought me back to the 80s with a Journey-esque stadium rendering). My Soul and Risen One wrap up the project nicely with beautiful contemplative songs, and again, amazing lyrics. I especially love the simplicity and focus of Risen One, which should not be overlooked by any worship leader.

Overall the project breathes nicely as a selection pallet for new material, with a good variety of songs. It shines as a listening contribution, not only in a personal time of praise (driving in the car), but as a serious offering for Christian radio. I was so excited about this CD, that I really want to recommend it to you worship leaders for consideration in your song hunting journeys. And while the CD itself contains a CD-ROM component with chord charts, overheads and some intro parts, the lack of available support resources (such as songbook, tracks, etc) will limit these strong songs from going to churches that cant play from chord charts or arrange from listening to a CD. Then again, churches that will use this material upfront will have younger musicians, who are very used to playing from chord charts in church situations.

I strongly encourage you to consider taking a look at One Glimpse for some great new songs and a fresh and exciting new sound from Vineyard Music. If you are a congregation with a large youth group or college/young adult service, they will definitely want to hear this CD. But dont say I didnt warn you, because you will be going to get the CD back from them for your regular service, once people start asking you hey, can we do that Sacrifice song they are doing in the youth service? So be nice to your youth leaders- get one for them and one for you. You wont regret it! The innovation of the sound, the level of musical presentation and the quality of the songs are strong enough to encourage us to give One Glimpse an Editor's Choice Award.

Product Link One Glimpse

Review by: Kim Gentes

A single voice echoes through the halls of an historic church in Dublin, Ireland. Shortly, the voice of that young chorister joins not just a band on a worship recording, but the choir of human history singing an anthem whose message is as old as Abraham, but as timeless as the long awaited return of Christ.

The LORD had said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.'

Ever since the call of Abram back in Genesis 12, the challenge to all of us has been to turn our attention to the greatness of God, especially in light of the discouragement of the earthly conditions that surround us. As the title track 'You Shine' plays on, the lyrics synthesize this struggle perfectly, saying:

In this world we will have trouble
But You have overcome the world
You shine brighter than the brightest star...
You shine, filling us with courage and strength
To follow You

Welcome to the the first track of the new worship project 'You Shine', from Brian Doerksen and Integrity Hosanna Music.

In keeping with his modus operandi, Doerksen places his most significant new song offering right on the first track, and in that sense, he also sets the tone for the album. For this album is not just about singing joyful answers (though it certainly does that)- it is about the struggle, the questions, and, yes, the joy of living in the resting place of God's love and strength. For those not familiar with him, Brian Doerksen is a worship leader from the Vineyard tradition, having written dozens of tremendous songs (including Refiner's Fire, Light the Fire Again, and many others) and recorded on over a dozen albums.

This spectacular new album, 'You Shine', palettes a wonderful song spectrum, adding seven newly-written Doerksen songs, four modern classics from his Vineyard repetiore, and a redone version of the church hymn 'It Is Well'.

Certainly the title track is the song which will gain huge acceptance in the global church, through this recording. But I would strongly encourage you to set aside an afternoon or evening and take the journey archived for us on this recording. As the power of the chorus drives home the hopeful message of 'You Shine', the listener is left perfectly at the doorstep of praise for the second song, 'Hallelujah (Your Love is Amazing)'. This popped-up version of the already classic UK Vineyard birthed song will carry your heart through the lyrics with musical bliss running through a path of crisp, exciting electric guitar, celtic bridges with violins, flutes and whistles, and a drum-framed acepella chorus. For the audiophiles, hearing these first two songs will make it clear that there is a level of excellence in this album that places the production on a whole other strata for Brian and his creative crew (who are the some of the same amazing musicians he has been recording with for years).

It is hard to deny the amazing timeliness of these songs. The third song, 'I Am Convinced', speaks succinctly to God's response to the deep sense of fear that has been imbedding North America around this one year anniversary of 9/11. It says

Violence or danger
Hunger or shame
Won't separate us
From the love of God

The song answers wonderfully drawing from the Corinthian text:

So high so wide so measureless, filling eternity
So strong so deep so intimate
Encircling mystery
That nothing can take Your love from me

The next few songs walk through Gaelic prayers with 'You Surround Me', the Vineyard classics with 'Faithful One', and the deeply personal struggles of life with 'Your Faithfulness'. I won't talk through all the great songs on this album, but would very strongly encourage you to spend time listening and praise and worshipping along with this album. You should especially highlight the following songs when searching for materials usable in your local church, and with your music and worship teams: 'You Shine', 'Hallelujah', 'I Am Convinced', 'Faithful One', 'Hope of the Nations', 'I Lift My Eyes Up', 'With All My Affection' and a lyrically updated version of 'Come Now is the Time to Worship' (includes new second chorus).

You will love this new recording from Brian Doerksen, and will find it an ample archive of excellent new songs for your local church. Thankfully, Integrity's Hosanna music brand has made this a useful church resource, by making available accompanying songbook and split tracks products as well. From the album liner notes and song stories, the only complaint I would have is a question as to why this project didn't also produce an accompanying VHS/DVD video of the live night of worship. Some of the moments and prayers were so poignant, I am sure it would have been a wonderful experience to share.

And while you will think deeply about the pains and struggles of life as you hear some of the lyrics of these songs, the overwhelming theme of God's powerful hope and love will surge into the forefront of your thoughts as you sing and bless the Lord with the album 'You Shine'. In many ways, Brian Doerksen is relaunching the Hosanna brand for Integrity with this new album, bringing to it sounds and raw passion that echo the heartbeats of so much of the worldwide church.

Don't pass by this new project, or by the great songs it gathers for us. You won't be dissappointed. In keeping with my lauds for this project, I am very happy to give this project our Editor's Choice Award. The great thing is, you don't have to take my word for it, you can check out the RealAudio sound clips for yourself.

Product Link You Shine - Brian Doerksen

Blessings in the Hope of Israel,
Review by Kim Gentes

P.S. Musicians and worship leaders, don't forget to check out the songbook and/or split track resources so you can put these songs to use in your local church

Seth Parks isn't a person I have met before. But I know something about him. It's likely he enjoys music, but isn't enamored by it. It's likely he is well versed in life's pain and struggle, yet remains satisfied at the place of quiet confidence in Christ. And, oh ya, it's likely he knows how to put the dialog of his journey with Christ down onto paper in the form of good music, and devotional praise. How do I know this? I have been listening to his new worship CD. This new worship project is a diary of sorts telling the beauty and ashes, pains and joys struggle that declares 'Here is Life'.

From pensive steps in easy listening ballads to driving acoustic rock, Seth Parks highlights the journey of life with what real life is made of-- from the mundane to the brilliant! Whether intentional or simply the fruit of his life, everything on this new CD is connected with that premise. His declaration is that if the story of life with Jesus is worth telling at all, it is worth telling in honesty, and expressing through exceptional lyrics and genuinely innovative rhythms and melodies.

The songs found on this CD are superb. Creating continuity across lyric and music, Parks has made songs like 'Be Still' and 'Great And Marvelous' say and sound one message when the music actually follows with ardent purpose the content of the lyrics- very well done! The lyric-writing captures an crispness that can only present in a heart that has actually touched Christ's heart as Seth Parks says 'Jesus, where life in You is my reality' in title track 'Here Is Life' or when he sings these lines from the 'Great And Marvelous' track : 'So let heaven sound with Christ's reward/ And let earth exalt this Champion Lord/ Who triumphs over all His courses run/ Whose glory far outshines the sun/ Sing blessing to this Blessed King/ When, with justice, fear and love He brings/ I will bow and kiss the Son'.

And while the lyrics are well worth the listening, they are equaled by a consist ant strength and depth in both melodic support and musical creativity. In fact, after listening to the first 3 or 4 songs you may be tempted to think that Seth Parks wouldn't have much more new to say, but you would be wrong. This CD finishes as strong as it starts (which is saying a lot, considering the first two songs are so exceptional) with a great medley of 'Crucified' and 'Psalm 113' (a spontaneous song).

If you are looking for content for your local church, this CD has 6 songs I believe are especially strong in this regard (though musical tastes might find you selecting completely different songs at this point). The songs 'Here is Life', 'Be Still', 'Great And Marvelous', 'Strong Tower', 'Crucified' and 'Psalm 113' would all have application. All the songs on this CD are worthy of listening, but to get a good taste of the songs, be sure to go online and listen to the track samples and judge for yourself.

Because of the tremendous giftedness expressed in these songs, the wonderful music accompanying them, and the foresight to provide the church with the printed chord charts on the enhanced CD portion of this new project, I am happy to award 'Here Is Life' with the Editor's Choice Award.

Product Link Here Is Life - Seth Parks

Blessings,
Kim Gentes

p.s. a complete chord songbook for this album is INCLUDED on this CD!! Yes, this is an enhanced CD. Almost unheard of for an independent release, Seth Parks obviously cares about resourcing the church. Very rarely will independent projects include songbooks, but never do they actually include that content right on the CD! Kudos to Seth for having the foresight and putting in the work to see these songs are available for the Body of Christ to use in worship. So don't worry about buying something separate to get the chord charts for these great songs, just buy it here.