Oh, the sweet fruit of a family with musical roots that is grounded in God’s word!

Gold Heart is a traditional bluegrass trio of sisters who have been playing together from a young age. With all three young women displaying bang on timing with their string instruments, and blending their sweet mid-range voices in three-point harmonies, their latest offering My Sisters and Me is a lovely tribute to the bonds of sisterhood, family, and faith.

Annalise Gold plays the mandolin, Jocelyn Gold the guitar, and Shelby Gold the fiddle, while all three switch off in the role of lead vocalist, and various harmony parts ranging through the baritone and tenor ranges. Not only do the siblings display excellent musicianship, and warm, heartfelt singing, but Jocelyn Gold is also a talented songwriter. Most of the songs on the disc flow from her pen – three-quarters to be precise. All of her offerings are solid, but some absolutely shine.

“Never Be Through With Lovin’ You” is a full-bodied love song of unending commitment that comes alive when Analise’ vocals are paired in harmony with Brandon Rickman’s baritone. “Heavenly Home” is the groups’ single acapella offering on the disc, and rings out with sweet, unsullied harmony in supplication to Jesus for guidance through this life. Not only does My Sisters and Me reflect a deep love and appreciation of family ties, but these same familial ties are evidenced in the family management of the group and by father Trent Gold’s performance on the bass in “Miles.”

The remaining quarter consists of covers of songs that contribute to develop the theme of hope for brighter days and sisterly love. Norah Struthers’ “Sister” is a perfect fit for the album, plucking the heartstrings of any woman with a sister, and providing vision for mothers of daughters.

“Chasing Lightning Bugs” by Ashby Frank is an ode to family dependability and of sweet memories of carefree childhood contrasted with the struggles of adult life. The song does sound somewhat more experienced than you’d expect from the youthful trio, with talk of “twenty years ago,” but they perform it well.

From the time Gold Heart’s toe-tapping tunes and all-female vocal harmony first reached my ears, I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist My Sisters and Me. I love hearing new artists entering into traditional musical genres with fresh material that springs from their life in Christ.

As a mother of three young girls, I must admit that I’m also sentimentally drawn to the composition of the group members and the albums theme. Sentimentality aside, there’s no arguing the high-energy, vibrant musical performances and earthy vocals the trio has compiled. I certainly recommend that fans of female, faith-based bluegrass indulge in the infectious rhythms of My Sisters and Me.

Track Listing:

1. Grin & Bear It
2. Sing a Little Louder
3. Amidst Life’s Storm
4. Chasing Lightning Bugs
5. Miles
6. Never Be Through With Lovin’ You
7. Things
8. Heavenly Home
9. Shining Down on Me
10. Sister
11. You Know How
12. Ride of Your Life

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It’s that time of year again; soon radio stations and shopping centers will be broadcasting inane, nonsensical, and at times down-right deceptive tunes as hymns of praise to the holiday season. As a Christian family who dearly loves Jesus and believes in his birth as a baby to a virgin in Bethlehem, this is an awkward time of year for us as believers who don’t celebrate Christmas. I won’t be going into that here – it’s a long convoluted story that’s outside the scope of this review, but keep that fact in mind as you read on.

When Worship and Adore: A Christmas Offering arrived in the mail, I groaned internally. Sadly many Christian compilations of holiday music are little better than secular paeans to the god of consumerism, and I was afraid to see what I might find included in this collection. After scanning down the list of tracks I noted straight-away that this collection of eleven offerings of praise are free of Santa songs, free of Christmas trees, and free of – well, everything except worshiping the Son of God. Being so far reassured, I dug in.

Unlike most holiday-focused albums, Worship and Adore represents not the work of a single artist or group, but is a collaborative effort from the praise and worship musicians represented by Integrity Music. The opening track “Offering (Christmas Version)” pulls together the entire ensemble in a Christmas version of Paul baloche’s well-known “Offering”. Kari Jobe, Glenn Packiam, Christy Johnson, Lincoln Brewseter, Kathryn Scott, Vicky Beeching, Joel Auge, Don Poythress, Paul Baloche, and Jared Anderson combine their talents on the first track, before they each contribute a track where they are prominently featured.

Offering up a collection that mixes reworked traditional songs with fresh, new reflections upon the incarnation, the feel of the album is heavily weighted towards introspective, thoughtful songs of worship. Lincoln Brewster’s “Glory to God” is one of the few exceptions, an upbeat number that captures the exultation of the heavenly host upon Jesus’ birth.

Kari Jobe sings “Adore Him” a re-working of the traditional “Come Let Us Adore Him” that is a subdued, bittersweet, and haunting song that will go with you throughout the day. Glen Packiam’s performance of “The Beautiful Body and Blood” which looks forward from Jesus as a baby to the fulfillment of His purpose on earth made me sit up and take interest. Though I’ve heard Packiam’s work on Counting on God with Ross Parsley and the Desperation Band, this solo offering with its laid-back musical accompaniment really highlight the quality of his voice.

Likewise, Jared Anderson can count me as a new fan of his solo work after being captivated by his “Messiah’s Song” featuring subtle, rich harmonies, and a tender, understated melody that somehow kindles an intense desire for the Savior; this is easily my favorite track on the disc.

The delight of this compilation is the opportunity to discover previously unknown artists. Paul Baloche – though well-known – is a new voice for me. His heart-felt and authentic expressions of praise in the closing “We Adore You” is so warm and straight-forward that it’s impossible not to be moved.

While many Christmas albums are rather shoddy efforts that are quickly tossed together, a great deal of care shines through on this disc. The majority of the music has been newly written this year, helping Worship and Adore delve into fresh new territory while avoiding any appearance of being derivative, or merely repackaged.

It would truly be a shame if Worship and Adore is shelved after the holiday season due to the word ‘Christmas’ in its title and liner art consistently associated with the month of December. Songs that encourage believers to reflect upon Jesus’ birth, to worship Him, to adore Him, are appropriate all year round. It’s into this precious place of thoughtful worship that Integrity’s artists lead us into – one that I hope to revisit frequently.

An accompanying digital songbook on CD is also available for purchase separately from Integrity Music.

Track Listing:

1. Offering (Christmas Version)
2. Adore Him
3. Glory To God
4. He Is Wonderful
5. The Beautiful Body And Blood
6. He Made A Way In A Manger
7. Joseph
8. Messiah’s Song
9. Gloria (Mary’s Song)
10. Holy Is The Child
11. We Adore You

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There are times when the opening refrains of an album promise great things to come. The first time I popped in Canadian worship artist Joel Augé’s debut solo album On the Blue an irrepressible grin took possession of my face. The howling love song composed to Jesus – “So Deep in Love” – captured my heart, and promised a great album – a promise that has largely been fulfilled.

Far from being a newcomer to Christian music, Augé has been performing and recording since 1999 with other bands. His debut album reflects his calling as worship leading, offering up what he calls ‘vertically inspired’ songs – straight from his heart to God’s. With the majority of the offerings on the album flowing from his own pen, the blending of straight-up praise and worship songs is carefully enhanced by the frequently sparse acoustic accompaniment of each work.

Augé terms his style ‘art-rock’ – I’ll admit that I’m not familiar with the label, but I’m impressed with what he does. Strong folk influences are felt throughout with his simple guitar picking and rhythmic cadences. However, punchy, upbeat tunes with electric guitar, bass, keyboards, and percussion are also present making up the backdrop for the rock-inflected songs.

It’s hard to pick favorites from the disc; nearly each song is excellent, though some suffer from awkward or seemingly irrelevant lyrical phrases at times. While listening to the disc my husband even mentioned periods where the lyrics weren’t as strong as they could have been. Hopefully as Augé matures in his song writing these slight glitches will be resolved. The overall strength of the album clearly overwhelms these ‘off’ moments.

Like most worship albums, the first half of the album is geared towards the upbeat, rocking songs of straight-up praise. “So Deep In Love” is a clear winner, while “Even the Rocks” evokes images of irrepressible worship and ties in with scriptural images. “Every Heart” casts a vision for the time when we’ll all surround the fallen and risen Lamb in singing His praises – beautiful.

The second half of the disc is clearly the folk-inspired, acoustic collection of worship songs – it’s much more laid back, subdued, and even bittersweet. “On the Blue” is an atmospheric exploration of being in unexplored waters with only Jesus to cling to and “I Am Here to Praise You” is a softly convicting call to worship God no matter our circumstance. “Singing Hallelujah” was actually one of my least favorite tracks, it seems more of a collection of personal reminiscences that few listeners will be able to connect with, than a universally applicable song as the others tend to be.

Augé’s tenor voice tends to soar into the upper heights of his range, soaring and undulating. His isn’t a husky, hearty vocal performance – more of a plaintive, pleading style. Clearly, I’m a new fan. I could only have wished for a longer disc. Augé’s work sits so well with me that I could enjoyably listen to a double-length album from him.

Track Listing:

1. So Deep in Love
2. Where You Go I Go
3. Every Heart
4. Even the Rocks
5. Miracle Love
6. Glory Glory
7. Stolen it Away
8. Singing Hallelujah
9. On the Blue
10. I Am Here to Praise You
11. Call On Me
12. I Know My Place

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Over the past thirteen years Avalon has become a mainstay in CCM. Their blend of pop, dance, and R&B inflected songs that invariably bring the honor to God are both infective and musically solid. Newcomers to the group can’t go in wrong in starting with The Greatest Hits, a generous sampling of sixteen of their most well known offerings.

Hard-core Avalon fans already in possession of the groups previous hit-filled compendium -Testify to Love: The Very Best of Avalon will find a large amount of overlap between the two discs. As a newcomer to the group myself, each song is fresh and previously unheard, but loner time fans will find only five tracks difference from the previous collection. In fact, the tracks that were recorded specifically for The Very Best of Avalon such as “New Day,” and “Everything to Me” have been taken from that disc directly into this one.

Still, dedicated fans may be able to justify the purchase. A new song, “Still My God,” proves to be a real tearjerker, highlighting God’s unchanging nature through our trials and challenges. The last four tracks on the disc: “All,” “You Were There,” “Orphans of God,” and “In Christ Alone” have been swapped in from previous albums.

“Orphans of God” is a particularly moving inclusion from Stand – a symphonic, tender song of reassurance that celebrates God’s unending grace. “All” is a somewhat more two-dimensional tune, exhibiting a bounty, R&B influence. “You Were There” is an introspective, mellow song with a surprisingly forceful chorus.

“In Christ Alone” draws from the vein that is ever popular amongst CCM artists – covering traditional hymns with their own distinctive arrangements. A beautiful rendition, Avalon’s take on the hymn features heart-plucking harmonies, big, bold vocalizations, and poignant guitar accompaniment in the simpler sections that bursts into an array of strong percussion back up during the chorus.

The classics that were previously included in the last greatest hits collection are clearly appearing again for a reason. “Testify to Love” is an addictive headliner that pops into my head throughout the day and demands to be sung. “Knockin’ On Heavens Door” proves itself as a perennial favourite on account of it’s chorus that depicts the insistent, never-ending prayers of a believer confident in her position as a child of God.

Personally, I could have passed on “Give It Up” from the oldies but goodies section of the disc – somewhere between the heavy reliance on synthesizers and the embellishing “na na na’s” I tune out. Likewise the dance-style rhythms of “Wonder Why” generally leave me cold. “New Day” rounds out the trio of tunes that I wouldn’t have missed if they’d been left out of the compilation.

There are some true Avalon classics included that make the album. “Take You At Your Word” is an insanely catchy, upbeat song that catches me every time and finds me belting out the chorus at full volume. “Can’t Live a Day” makes me cry more often than not as I’m reminded of my complete dependence on Jesus, “The Glory” is a story song that recalls Jesus’ life and sacrifice, and “Adonai” is a slow song with understated accompaniment that nonetheless a heart-rending cry to the creator.

I’ll admit that at first listen, the music struck me as somewhat fluffy, but after repeated listening many of these songs have become woven into my life. I’ve come to appreciate their theologically sound, yet still entertaining perspective (not always present in CCM), the variety of represented moods, and the clear vocal abilities of the group’s performers.

Avalon: The Greatest Hits is indeed a highly pleasing album that provides not only an enjoyable listening experience, but one that leads its audience into an interactive state of worship. I’d be hard pressed to number the times the songs I initially viewed as simple have led me to tears of repentance and rejoicing. This resulting emotional response and turning towards God in a listener should be the highest praise an album can receive.

Track Listing:

1. Testify to Love
2. Give It Up
3. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door
4. Still My God
5. Take You At Your Word
6. Can’t Live a Day
7. The Glory
8. Wonder Why
9. Adonai
10. New Day
11. Everything to Me
12. I Don’t Want to Go
13. All
14. You Were There
15. Orphans of God
16. In Christ Alone

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From the first time I heard the opening slide of slippery steel guitar strings of the title track, I realized that Ten Shekel Shirt serves up something that’s largely outside of typical praise and worship songs.

Introspective, and at times melancholy, Jubilee somehow captures a depth of reflective thought that is largely missing from the Christian music genre. True, there are upbeat tunes, catchy choruses, and personal reflections on the walk of faith – but there are also songs addressing slavery, recovery from abuse, and poverty.

Lamont Hiebert, the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter became radicalized in the late ‘90s after hearing reports of child trafficking and slavery. The founding of a charitable organization (Love146) to provide aftercare for rescued child slaves and to help prevent further child abductions, followed his trip to South East Asia in 2002. That passionate dedication to put feet on his faith flows as a theme throughout the album, with many of the songs dedicated to survivors of abuse, exploitation, and slavery.

However Hiebert’s lyrics are surprisingly understated considering his dedication. Far from repeatedly pounding listeners to get involved, the tracks on the CD are a blend of social action tunes, themes of personal redemption and deliverance, and even love songs. Ranging from punchy to breathy, Hiebert’s versatile tenor tackles the “la da da da da’s” in “Warmtime Lullaby” and plaintive wailings of “Higher Ground” with equal amounts of finesse.

Of the eleven tracks on the disc, “You Rescue” is perhaps the most blatant faith-based song with a chorus including the phrase “’Cause you rescue, you redeem, you save, you intervene.” Hiebert’s faith is certainly found in most of the songs, but it is often blended into the lyrics as part of his life and world view, rather than songs of straightforward praise and worship. This approach is somewhat different than many of my listening choices, but I found that the subtlety offered in many of the tracks led to a deeper appreciation of the message and context of each song.

Several musical styles are often juxtaposed and layered within the songs. “It’s Slavery” features a nearly abrasive, alternative sound with a very faint underlying melody – nearly indistinguishable, that tends towards the symphonic. “Jubilee” alternates between a very pared down, thoughtful guitar and drum accompaniment and an upbeat, hope-filled euro-rock sound.

Very few of the tracks on Jubillee are easy to digest. It’s impossible to gain any appreciation for Hiebert’s work without spending time immersed in the music and reflecting contemplatively upon it.

Don’t leave with the wrong impression; Ten Shekel Shirt doesn’t come off as pretentious. Jubileesimply doesn’t offer up instant appeal, quick up-lift, fast-food pop choruses that are immediately ‘sticky’, the disc invites digging in, settling down, and interacting with the music and message. I for one appreciate the difference and continue to slot in hours of playtime of the group’s music.

Track Listing:

1. Jubilee
2. Surprised
3. Fragile
4. Spark
5. Higher Ground
6. En Garde
7. Wartime Lullaby
8. Love From a Lesser God
9. You Rescue
10. Daylight
11. It’s Slavery

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I’m a latecomer to the Newsboys’ franchise. Though the band has been pumping out tunes for over 20 years, I’ve jumped on the wagon just as long-time lead singer Peter Furler is stepping down from his role as lead singer. After five gold albums, sales exceeding six million units, and the title track “In the Hands of God” becoming the bands 25th No.1 single, In the Hands of God is being hailed by many as a culmination of a lengthy contribution to contemporary Christian music.

This release is also the last album featuring Furler as front man; he will be continuing with the group as a songwriter. Michael Tait – formerly of dc Talk – is taking up the mantle from here on out, and long-time fans who aren’t able to make it to a live concert or festival to hear him singing in the lead can hear his backup vocals on the new disc.

Building upon the groups long-term momentum and loyal existing fan base, their fourteenth album arrived on the scene like a high-speed rocket, shooting to number one ranks on singles charts and Christian music charts, number one on iTunes in the Christian/Gospel category and in the top 30 on Billboard. Hailed as delivering the classic Newsboys sound, new listeners such as myself may find themselves wondering what exactly that sound is.

On my initial listen I was immediately struck by the distinct sound of an Australian-founded band. Like my first exposure to Midnight Oil, it took a while for my Canadian ears to adjust to and decipher Furler’s slightly accented lyrics. By the third of fourth time through I was singing along. The sound itself is largely eclectic, and that in and of itself seems to be a marker for Newsboys albums. Ranging from classic rock through to electronic Brit-pop stylings and soaring symphonic songs of worship, the band serves up a little bit of everything.

Opening with “The Way We Roll” the band rocks its way through the hardest track on the disc, a musical introduction to their history, work and purpose declaring, “that’s the way we roll, ‘cause we’ve been set free”. Pointing to God as the sole progenitor of their music, sustainer, and motivator; this driving tune kicks things off before heading into a diverse range of songs that run the gamut of CCM.

There are a few misses on the disc, “No Grave” while haunting in melody fails to capture the imagination, “This Is Your Life” comes off as a platitude, and “The Upside” falls squarely within Brit-pop, a genre that leaves me cold. Though these tracks weren’t my cup-of, the disc is diverse enough that there’s something here for everyone.

“Glorious” is just that, pointing out our ever-present failings and the need to continue running into God’s arms for His sustenance, for His love. Wreathed with a rich swirl of strings this soaring song will lead listeners into a great and deeper dependence upon recognizing their utter insufficiency. “In The Hands of God” is without doubt the most memorable track, featuring an insanely catchy, take-away pop melody, and rich spiritual message.

Demonstrating a sense of humor that pokes fun at onself, “My Friend Jesus” features punchy lyrics and the unusual premise of God’s sanctifying work through a patience-trying call with a help-line that puts user on hold interminably. It’s a fun, lighter piece with a simple chorus that works and brings a few chuckles each time I listen to it. “Lead Me To The Cross” begins with a simple piano and grows into a rousing Christ-centered apogee – strings included. “Dance” is another of the harder tracks that has Furler leaning towards speaking over singing, the staccato, rhythmic text phasing into chorus that leads into the boundary lands between pop and dance music, while the choppy body of the song is reminiscent of indie-rock.

The bands Australian background goes largely unfelt throughout the album – other than the subtle accent – but it does feature prominently in “RSL 1984”, which feels like a voyeuristic look into a boys ongoing relationship with God. It seems filled with insider only references, and will likely be more appreciated by long-time Newsboys fans.

If you’re new to this bastion of CCM, it’s not too late to discover the widespread appeal of the band. Don’t worry about playing catch-up, just jump in – the listening is fine; In The Hands of Godis diverse enough to provide a few, new favourites for most everyone.

Track Listing:

1. The Way We Roll
2. No Grave
3. This Is Your Life
4. Glorious
5. In The Hands of God
6. The Upside
7. My Friend Jesus
8. Lead Me To The Cross
9. Dance
10. RSL 1984

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With a growing number of aspiring artists releasing debut albums into the praise and worship market each year, it takes something special to make listeners sit up and take notice. Nineteen-year-old Sarah Reeves has that something special in spades. Her debut album Sweet Sweet Sound - an EP consisting of seven relatively short tracks – cuts to the quick with clear vocals replete with longing and musical back-up featuring consistently strong piano parts through a selection of styles.

Born into a musically gifted family, daughter to a man respected in mainstream music, Reeves had determined at a young age to pursue a career in music. It wasn’t until a life-changing encounter with God at the age of fifteen that she shifted her focus to ministry. Immediately joining her church’s youth worship band she began leading young people into worship. As the bands reputation spread, she came to the attention of Sparrow Records who are releasing her first disc; I hope they realize the treasure that she is.

Opening with a heartfelt, lilting prayer in song to Jesus to use her words despite their human limitations, Reeves launches into a small grouping of carefully selected songs chosen from her collaborative song writing and recording sessions with noted writers and producers. What treasures they are. Each track is a sparkling gem lifted to the One who rescues, saves and anoints.

It may sound cliché and repetitive considering the name of the title track, but Reeves truly does deliver a “Sweet Sweet Sound.” Her youthful voice soars through an impressive range, alternately breathy and grounded while remaining polished and controlled.

“Fresh Anointing” and “Let Us Rise” deliver full-bodied tracks replete with solid guitar and rhythm lines. In these selections Reeves delivers straightforward, energetic performances that quickly lead to a rhythmic, heart-pounding eagerness to meet with God. Alternately calling out to Him for a fresh anointing and inspiring Christians to rise up, these songs should soon be making their way into congregational praise across the nation.

“Sweet Sweet Sound” reveals the true heartbeat of Reeves musical ministry, serving as an instrument of the Most High, to praise Him in song, to please Him. A stellar work, it drives deep with simple accompaniment, relying upon Reeves voice to reach deeply into the soul and high into the heavens. Ah, heartbreakingly beautiful – a phrase which applies to the entire EP, but most particularly to this track. After sampling this track online I was hooked, couldn’t wait for my disc to arrive, and Reeves hasn’t disappointed.

Lyrical, longing and filled with symphonic melodies, “Come Save” and “My Saviour” reveal personal cries to Jesus to rescue us from this failing world and our own iniquity. The mingling of pop sensibilities, rich orchestral swells and full-bodied communion with Jesus on these tracks have allowed me to enter into personal worship with Him into the most mundane circumstances. Swept away to the throne, intercession in song, Reeves takes me there while hanging laundry, doing dishes, comforting a child.

I have in past years listened solely to LPs, feeling I received more ‘bang for my buck’. However, I strongly encourage you to pick up Reeves’ EP (it’s also happens to be incredibly affordable.) Her debut is not to be missed, I only wish she’d given us more! It’s my hope and prayer that we’ll be hearing great things from her in years to come. If this is only the beginning, I can only imagine what further he the deepening of her personal experience with the Lord will bring.

Track Listing:

1. These Words of Mine
2. Fresh Anointing
3. Awaken
4. Sweet Sweet Sound
5. Come Save
6. Let Us Rise
7. My Savior

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After winning Oprah Winfrey’s one-and-only “Oprah’s Pop Star Challenge” in 2004, LaShell Griffin has been wowing listeners with her big, beautiful voice, soaring lyrics and emotional delivery. Now releasing a third album Dreams Are Possible, LaShell’s growing and dedicated fan-base will be delighted with the inspirational, vocal acrobatics that helped set this artist apart from 18.000 other contestants and catapult her to public attention.

Blending her strong faith in Jesus with danceable R&B and electro-pop tunes, LaShell had me lifting my hands to heaven as I grooved to her big, sweet sound on “I Almost Blew It.” Smooth, mellow performances are delivered on “I Don’t Judge” and “Because of Your Mercy.” The album’s title track “Dreams are Possible” serves as an ideal showcase for Griffin’s range of vocal abilities – building from a full, rich melody to a bold, open-throated chorus while backed by a veritable choir that’s filled with soul.

Not only does the disc provide ample opportunity for Griffin to move through her full vocal range, but she also presents tracks ranging from the deeply formal to surprisingly casual. “Sista’ Talk” is in fact a recording of a light-hearted conversation between Griffin and her sister LaTress Tomas, before launching into a duet calling for love and reconciliation. Griffin also interposes seemingly spontaneous spoken praise, scripture and gets her preach on in the midst of her songs, encouraging listeners to lay their cares on Jesus and trust in Him.

While Griffin’s voice is a compelling instrument itself, the only track in which she’s backed by a band is on “Dreams Are Possible.” With the disc relying heavily upon synthesized music the cumulative effect can be rather synthetic (particularly when the voice transforming effects are broken out, thankfully only a few times). I’d love to hear Griffin against a rich background of instrumentation worthy of the talent she pours into her vocals.

Music is a family affair in the Griffin home. Devoted to her husband and five children, Griffin continues to involve her family in all aspects of life – including her singing career. Of the songs not written by Griffin herself, two are penned by her husband Lee (who also serves as her manager), and one by her son Raffiel. They also provide background vocals on a number of tracks. Griffin herself composed five of the songs, with an equal number contributed by Frank McGinnis.

In times such as these, Griffin’s message of holding fast to Jesus through times of trial and difficulty while believing on His promises is particularly relevant. Now I don’t know about you, but when I see a mother of five hanging in there and reaching for big dreams, I believe her when she sings, “Dreams are Possible.” Griffin herself is a living, breathing testimony to the truth of her heartfelt, voluminous assertion.

Track Listing:

1. Live by Faith
2. Jesus Said
3. I Almost Blew It
4. I Don’t Judge
5. Dreams Are Possible
6. This 2 Shall Pass
7. Man from Galilee
8. Because of Your Mercy
9. Sista Talk
10. Way Back When
11. Every Day
12. From the Night to the Light (poem)
13. Live by Faith (remix)

The refining fires New Life Church in Colorado Springs has passed through in the past several years are all too well known. They’ve come through spiritual attack in a widely publicized scandal as well as violent, physical attack in the form of a shooting that claimed the lives of two members. Following directly on the heels of that shooting they came together as a body to record a live offering of worship to the Lord – Counting on God. Their resolve to stand on God’s promises, embrace total dependence on Him while praising His holy name forms a blazing beacon piercing the darkness that threatened to envelop their family of worshipers.

Counting on God is nothing less than a full-blown, live worship experience. Filled with the spirit of God and his peoples ecstatic praises, listeners are irresistibly drawn into communion with their creator through repeating choruses, lyrics and melodies that are simple to learn yet deeply moving. Followers of Jesus world-wide will be lifted by song after song that focuses eyes upon the character of God, His utter dependability, His love, His mercy, His forgiveness, and His is goodness.

Opening with the contagious, energetic anthem “Counting on God”, the cat-calls, whistles, and worship pastor Ross Parsley’s calls to the crowd combined with solid electric guitar and rhythm give the impression of a live rock concert. It soon becomes evident that this is so much more. Followed by “Solid Rock”, a frenetic tune that’s enough to send my children up the wall with intense scrambling activity; we need to skip this one at home. Wrapping up the initial trio of energy-raising tunes is “Mighty King of Love”, set apart from The Desperation Band’s normative sound by a distinctive R&B, rock fusion.

Following the power trio, the focus shifts to beautifully contemplative, upward seeking songs as the band opens with as they settle into worship. “Glorified” marks this transition with a soaring chorus declaring, “I’ve come to worship, I’ve come to lift up Your name.” The last half of the album, starting with the tear-inducing and comparatively light instrumental accompaniment “Unfailing God” begins to blend together in an otherworldly communion with God, creating a never-ending heart-cry of adoration.

The Dallas and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestras provide complementary string backup on “Worthy”. I’ll admit it, the addition of strings an otherwise plugged-in tune is enough to catapult it to winner status in my books more often than not. No live album is complete without passing off sections of song for the audience – in this case the congregation – to sing. Most notably “I Will Stand” and “This is My Story” incorporate full hand offs, though the participation of fellow worshipers is apparent on “Overcome”, “Saviour” and among others.

The majority of the discs tracks are freshly written, often spontaneously composed songs of praise to the Lord. Several will be familiar to followers of New Life Worship – “Counting on God” and “Overcome” were previously recorded on Everyone Overcome. Given the intervening trials between recordings, the depth and meaning carried in these songs of reliance and God-given strength have only been amplified for the congregation, worship team, and for all who listen to this new recording.

New Life’s sizable choir and the huge congregation itself provide back-up vocals. With 12,000 members, thousands of worshipers contribute their voices providing a rich, spirit-filled sound. Ross Parsley, Jared Anderson, Jon Egan, and Glenn Packiam trade of as they lead worship and are also the writers of the vast majority of the included songs.

Upon first listen I heard a glossy, big sound production paired with lyrics glorifying God. Living with the album over the past few months has deepened my appreciation, leading me to recognize the living heart of worship to be found at its core. As I lift my own voice reaches toward heaven along with the CD, I’m brought into His presence and reminded of who I am in Him. Jesus you are “worthy worthy is the lamb for sinners slain, worthy worthy I will lift my voice again”.

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A beautiful thing happens in the intersection of banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, a strong lead man and Jesus. The sweet, strains of bluegrass harmony are uniquely suited to reflecting the constant tug in the heart of God’s children towards the promised Kingdom to come. James King, a leading voice in traditional bluegrass music has offered up his first all gospel compilation.

Gardens in the Sky combines King’s gospel tracks from his own previous recordings contributions to other albums – most notably The Stanley Gospel Tradition – Songs About Our Saviour – and previously unreleased material to make up this winning compendium. King’s songs weave together the familiar elements of bluegrass gospel tunes: faithful mothers, daddies, family bibles, deceased relatives, the local church, worshipping the Lord and a desperate longing for heaven.

Opening with the up-tempo “Will He Wait a Little Longer,” King had me up and on my feet within the first few bars – easily the most likely contender for play at a community barn dance. The remainder of the album is much more reflective, with occasional bright spots that pick up the pace, such as the classic acapella warning to sinners “It’s Hot Down Here.” The albums mood ranges from melancholy to sweet assurance, and throughout listeners can easily detect the ongoing thread of the heart’s ongoing desire to meet with the saviour, to be reunited with loved ones who have gone on before.

The traditional song “Garden in the Sky” – the album’s namesake – is a sweet song of acceptance into the arms of Jesus, reassuring loved ones who remain, while still plucking the heartstrings of any parent. Other inclusions such as “Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore” are classics in the making with a hidden meaning that is only revealed at songs end.

A most curious addition to the album is “Jerusalem Tomorrow.” While the song hearkens back to the early Christian church, King’s rendition calls up images of the southern Bible belt. There the lyrics could as easily be applied to religious charlatans without Jesus in their life, as the false healer in Israel.

Of course no bluegrass disc would be complete without the smooth harmonies found throughout, most notably on “I Just Steal Away and Pray,” “Don’t Worry Mama,” which features the single female voice – Rhonda Vincent – on the CD, and “Voice of My Saviour.” But truly there are too many excellent examples to mention them all.

King’s vocal stylings are humble and unpretentious; relying upon his steady, grounded voice that consistently delivers both songs of praise, warnings of judgment and simple odes that reflect the Christian life. Warm, rich and full of life King’s voice is earthy, deep and true. He contributes a genuine salt-of-the-earth and son-of-the-hills flavor to the recording. With solid performances all around Gardens in the Sky is a classic disc that listeners will reach for time and again.

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Track Listing:

1. Will He Wait A Little Longer
2. The Darkest Hour Is Just Before Dawn
3. I Just Steal Away and Pray
4. Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore
5. Garden In The Sky
6. Jerusalem Tomorrow
7. It’s Hot Down Here
8. Sweeter than the Flowers
9. Don’t Worry Mama
10. The Touch of God’s Hand
11. These Old Pictures
12. Just as the Sun Went Down
13. Message for Peace
14. Angels are Singing (In Heaven Tonight)
15. The Prettiest Flowers Will Be Blooming
16. Voice of My Savior
17. Will You Feel at Home
18. Happy I’ll Be