MorningStar - Battleground: Live Worship

Published Monday 16th April 2007
MorningStar - Battleground: Live Worship
MorningStar - Battleground: Live Worship

STYLE: Rock
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 20854-11657
LABEL: EagleStar 79271906672
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £12.99

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

An exhausting listen.but as usual with Pastor Rick Joyner's famed church a fascinating and at times exhilarating one. Recorded live at 2006's Worship & Warfare Conference at Heritage International Ministries, Fort Mill, SC, it's really an album by Leonard Jones. (Note to the dear folk at Morningstar: Look, if Leonard sings all the lead vocals, plays electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, violin, banjo, sitar and harmonica and wrote all the songs, the least you can do is give him the front sleeve credit.) Many of the tracks here display a musical ambition and instrumental dexterity that would put most praise and worship albums to shame while the usual MorningStar habit of allowing songs to often go on for seven or more minutes means that you get plenty of instrumental solos most of the highest quality. Sonically it's top rate with David Huff (the David & The Giants chap) doing a superb job on the mix. I'm not sure many of these songs seem suited for regular congregational worship but the stunning title track with its prog rock structural complexity takes worship into new territory while the Celtic leaning "There Is A Time" contains a great mandolin solo from big time guest Ricky Skaggs and an even more dazzling jazz piano solo from either Bruce Dailey or Dan Cutrona (the sleeve doesn't indicate which). Although a couple of Leonard's vocals are below par, particularly on the rare occasions he moves to the lower register, the sheer passion of the concept and the dazzling musicianship on display make this another innovative album from the groundbreaking church/worship movement. Now here's hoping that in future they get their sleeve designs/artist credits sorted out.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by John in Rattison @ 20:11 on Apr 21 2007

i love this cd....probably one of the best worship cd's in years......now lets all stop arguing about a cd cover...why waste our time.......the lord loves this cd and ministry...so therefore i think it is an awesome album



Posted by David Portney in Charlotte,NC @ 18:31 on Apr 18 2007

This CD blows my mind. It blow hillsongs out of the water. Finally some worship music that takes skill.



Posted by MarieElena in Coeur d' Alene, ID @ 10:24 on Apr 18 2007

Everyone in traditional Christian "Religion" is always so pompas!!!!

Stop it!!!

I am sick and tired of it!!! Get real would ya.

This is our Generation and our time!

I have written music and led worship too and Kudos for someone in "the ture nature of servanthood...blah blah boring blah....pink fairies and fluffy dust everywhere blah".

Our heavenly creator gave Mr. Cummings his wonderous gift. I am certain He would not be the least bit offended if this very talented and most definitely hard working authentic worshiper of Christ shared a little of His Glory alongside the title cover which clearly states: "MORNINGSTAR"...ummm; Hello???

We are all sons and daughers of Glory. It is quite ok to shine. I am certain the cost of Mr. Cummings giftings has been substantial in their own right and its not like he is singing about himself.

Shame on R. J.

Where is that mantle of humility when he needs it?

Hey...Why not leave the cover sleeve completely blank then if thats how it is????

At least I have the guts even authority to say it out loud.



Posted by A Student of Worship in Charlotte, NC @ 04:37 on Apr 18 2007

While I appreciate Mr. Cummings concern that Leonard Jones did not get sufficient credit, I think that it displays the true posture of worship: servanthood. As a worship intern under Mr. Jones, I can only imagine that He would have it no other way! (Leaving his name off the front cover). As indicated in the review, Leonard has an unmatched passion for excellence in intimately worshiping the King of Kings with the utmost in musical excellence! I say bravo! and thank God there are still worshipers who give ALL of the glory to the Lord! This is a first rate album!



Posted by Michele in Pineville, NC @ 18:47 on Apr 17 2007

I go to the MorningStar church and actually, I went to the MorningStar School of Ministry and was taught a little under Leonard. He is a musical genius, and I am so glad that he's here worshiping the Lord with everything inside of him!



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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