Reviewed by John Cheek

Ten Thousand Fathers is effectively a worship school in Atlanta and Chicago in the US and on-line around the world overseen by well-known singer/songwriter Aaron Keyes. This album is a showcase for some of those who study with them. I was unaware of all of this when I first began listening to the 15 tracks and indeed, almost all of the songs and the people behind them will be unknown outside of America. However, at first it seemed like material I'd heard before. The first six tracks are all well-written and arranged, beautifully sung with tremendous musicianship, but if I have a criticism it is that they sound like the best in contemporary worship: like a house-remix of a soft rock band. The wall-of-sound is impressive, but leaves the listener wondering if the album affords them room to breathe? Things move up a gear from good to great around the halfway-mark - by simplifying, ironically. In accordance with the album's title, the songs become increasingly stripped-back in arrangement, which only adds gravity to the excellent musicianship on display. "I Found A Love" with Alison Turner has an appealing alt country feel, with astute use of the banjo and an attractive country-esque vocal delivery. "Song Of Hallelujah" featuring Michael Johnston reminds us of what a privilege, an honour, it is just to be able to worship God - in private, as well as in public. Many of the tracks appear to be recorded live, which emphasises the accomplished nature of the playing. "Jesus I Remember You" with Aaron Keyes himself takes us back-to-basics in faith in a refreshing way, before the closer, "Let Us Be Known" featuring Nate Moore, which could become a future classic, with an almost-prophetic lyric. An exciting future lies ahead for this collective; hopefully leading to more of the prophetic and/or the creatively adventurous.

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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