STYLE: Roots/Acoustic RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 17745-CAS2107 LABEL: Maranatha 701632284 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
As you might guess, this is an album of songs inspired by a variety of Psalms. Not a new idea but with a voice pitched somewhere between Sting and Michael McDonald, this former Chuck Mangione sideman turns in a worship album which mixes a predominantly rootsy sound with other musical influences. The inclusion of a classical brass ensemble gives the proceedings warmth. Basically, it's a strong mix of styles. The album opens with a fab version of Tommy Walker's "How Glorious The Splendour" which is compellingly atmospheric building to a worshipful climax including cuckoo sound affects. I kid you not! Mathes' voice suits the late night feel prevalent in a lot of this and there are a number of nice touches - the tinkling piano intro of "Your Throne O God", the delicate piano and recorder of the closing song "Here I Am", the smooth harmonies and Hammond tinges of "I Am Not Afraid". A bit of a musical feast for a worship project. My two favourites are in the middle of the album, "Behold He Does Not Sleep" encompasses a rootsy mandolin and strong rhythm with a passionate vocal performance. "Stand In The Congregation" is an R'n'B influenced catchy little number with punchy horns and a brill jazz trombone solo.
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