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COLLECTION (Sparrow, 1997)
Bob Carlisle
Okay men, get your kleenexes out and listen to this CD. You are allowed to cry. Don't hold back.
There, now that I've said it, I feel much better. You know, men being from Mars and all, we think we can't show any emotion. Carlisle would like to differ, as one of the most powerful songs from the album, "When a grown man cries", argues. Another wonderful song from the CD, "Man of No Reputation", speaks of how even though Jesus was despised by the world, His love knew no bounds.
Bob Carlisle is a hot artist. His 1997 release of Butterfly kisses made him a rising star in both the Christian and secular music worlds. In an effort to capitalize on Carlisle's status, Sparrow has cobbled together this 16-song collection to appease fans until another album can be produced. The album is by no means new (unless you subscribe to the NBC theory of summer re-runs: "If you haven't seen it, it's new to you"). This album was new to me, my previous experience with Carlisle coming from the tunes of Allies some years before this. Carlisle's sound has toned down considerably from those days, yet his voice is as powerful as ever.
If you've never heard Carlisle's solo stuff, this is a solid album. If you have everything Carlisle has ever done, don't bother. There will be plenty more collections in the future.
CLAY BERGEN LIVES IN BIG RIVER, SASK. AND LOVES HIS NEW iMac.
LISTEN TO THE SOUND
Lianna Klassen. Dawntreader Productions, 1998.
"Listen to the sound of nations praising God." With these words, Lianna Klassen begins a album filled with strong rhythms, catchy melodies and God-centred lyrics. Having caught my attention with the title track, Klassen continues to engage with a good mix of praise, ballads and more upbeat songs. The overall mood of the album continues in an upbeat and pop/Celtic flavour. Lianna uses her voice well, staying away from many of the vocal tricks popular with many female artists today. Beyond the standard drum, guitar and keyboard arrangements, she also incorporates into her music a penny whistle, violin, glockenspiel and a few more interesting instruments. Her third song, Trust In His Hand, if given to the right worship leader, could easily be incorporated into many church services today.
A couple of times Klassen tries too hard to match lyrics and music; the result is stilted and forced compared to the rest of the album. Thankfully, this is the exception and not indicative of her abilities. Joined by many talented musicians and with production by Roy Salmond, Klassen has put out an excellent sophomore album.
JON UNGER BRANDT IS A MEMBER OF RIVER EAST MB CHURCH IN WINNIPEG.
STUBBLE AND HAY
Gord Johnson
Sign Post, 1996.
Cruising down a B.C. highway on a Sunday afternoon. Or maybe relaxing on the deck with a barbecue underway. That's how I'd like to listen to Gord Johnson's debut CD, Stubble and Hay. Together with producers Steve Bell and Dave Zeglinski, Johnson combines catchy, folky writings and a light, acoustic production style to create a rewarding listening experience. While identifiably Steve Bell-esque, the CD holds enough twists in instrumentation and writing style to make it irrefutably Johnson's own.
While his songwriting may lack the finished sheen of an experienced writer's, some memorable musical hooks and a refreshing honesty in lyrical content reveal a strong future for Johnson as a songwriter. Similarly, his lead vocals, while somewhat tentative, bear the marks of tremendous potential. The most solid playing on the CD, by local Winnipeg musicians, is complemented by some astonishing performances by ex-Bruce Cockburn bandmates, Fergus Marsh and Hugh Marsh.
Thumbs up for Gord Johnson on a captivating debut. I'll certainly be the first one in the ticket lineup, a few albums hence, when time and experience have worked their magic on Johnson's budding talents.
KIM SIEBERT IS PART-TIME GUITAR INSTRUCTOR AT BETHANY BIBLE INSTITUTE IN HEPBURN, SASK.
CUTTING EDGE, VOL. 1-4.
deliriou5? Furious? Records, 1994-95; re-released Sparrow Records, 1998. $25.99. 2 CDs.
It's hard to explain what happened when I first heard the music of Martin Smith and deliriou5? (a.k.a. delirious), but I'll try. When I put on the headphones to listen, I could not put them down. If you are a worshipper whose heart is desperately yearning for more of God and appreciate everything from powerful, modern British rock to intimate acoustic ballads, and haven't heard it yet, I challenge you to try "the headphone test". Be sure to budget some extra time.
Perhaps some of the most refreshing music to be released in the contemporary praise and worship genre in recent years is this CD. It includes passionate, edgy praise as well as tender, honest prayer songs. Produced by UK worship leader/musician Andy Piercy, the recording is dynamic, energetic and very "live-sounding". It captures the feeling of a corporate worship setting while maintaining a high level of studio quality.
The lyrics seem to express the growing cry of a new generation of worshippers longing to be known as "friends of God". I know many Christians who have been profoundly changed by this recording. They are worshipping, praying and interceding more. Their hunger to experience the presence of God daily has increased. Their passion for the lost and a desire for justice are being stirred up. I highly recommend this album for anyone who is working with youth, college and career, or even intergenerational worship contexts, as well as any worshipper who is young or young at heart. There is definitely something of the Spirit in this music. Check it out for yourself.
NELSON BOSCHMAN IS CURRENTLY INSTRUCTOR IN WORSHIP AND ARTS AT COLUMBIA BIBLE COLLEGE IN ABBOTSFORD, B.C. AND SERVES AS WORSHIP LEADER IN FRASER HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CHURCH IN SURREY, B.C.
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