Reviewed by Tony Cummings When people talk about nations impacting the world Church with contemporary worship music, they II often name check Australia, USA and, of course, Britain, but overlook Canada. Yet Canadian praise and worship, particularly the thrilling, prophetically-tinged songs and gutsy pop rock arrangements of David Ruis and Brian Doerksen have made a big impact on the worshipping Church. This album, an intriguing mixture of live and studio recordings features worship leaders Ruis and Doerksen as well as some brilliant, but less well known, Canadians Daphne Rademaker, Melissa Boraski, Angie Van Del Mark and Brenda Janz. Are all of the highest quality - with strong voices, rhythmically forceful playing and some anointed songs. And if that wasn't enough, this album sees the welcome return onto CD of Graham Ord, a powerfully gifted Brit who relocated to Canada a few years back leaving nostal-gists recalling the good time music of the Wesley Brothers. From the opener Sing with its call to the nations to praise our Almighty God (well actually the opener is a whiz-through-the-radio-dial interlude but no matter) to the closing Serving You where the spine-tingling voice of Daphne Rademaker reminds us that as far as the Christian life goes it s ALL about serving, this is magnificent stuff. Currently my favourite track is the David Ruis number WWW with a compulsive techno/drum n bass-tinged track (I lie not!). In the 10 plus years of Cross Rhythms I can t remember anyone sending me two praise and worship albums at the same time with them both ending up being 10 square indispensables. But Vineyard have done it with this and Touching The Father s Heart 41. Great albums. Heart moving worship.
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