STYLE: Ambient/Meditational RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 132010-19849 LABEL: Tributary Music 4025969101793 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RELEASE DATE: 2012-10-23 RRP: £12.99
Reviewed by Samuel Parker
'Here I Am' is a collection of original worship songs sung entirely in Hebrew by English-born worship leader and singer/songwriter Ruth Fazal. Fortunately for those of us who may not be educated in the Hebrew language, Fazal speaks out the English translation of the lyrics in an effective prelude to each song, whilst also being provided in the CD sleeve, making the album as accessible as possible. The conviction with which she sings each song strengthens the message behind the album: "to focus on the Father's heart towards Israel." The orchestration of the strings throughout 'Here I Am' is particularly strong while the smooth blend between the violin and picked guitar on songs like "The Lord Is My Light" and "Song Of Ascents" create a beautiful backdrop. There is something within this album which is both calming and touching as each song resonates with the listener, regardless of whether or not they are fluent in Hebrew.
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Product Description
11 New Hebrew Worship Songs by Ruth Fazal.
Ruth explains, “Since September 2011, I have been living in Jerusalem, Israel. Studying the Hebrew language, and making myself available to play my violin for Holocaust survivors has been my focus since my arrival and so you can imagine how surprised I was when I found myself beginning to write songs in Hebrew! The songs just kept coming! (I find it such a joy to worship the Lord in His language) With the help of my wonderful Hebrew teacher, I was able to prepare these songs, which focus very much on the Father’s heart towards Israel and toward us, and in March 2012 I recorded 11 new worship songs at a recording studio here in Tel Aviv. All the songs are in Hebrew, but there is a brief prayer-introduction in English to each song, to help you understand the content. The CD comes with a booklet containing the translation of all the songs, as well as the transliteration so that you can sing along!”