Jean Watson – Sacred
Jun 14, 2019 CD Reviews
Jean Watson
Sacred
Truthfulmusic Productions
For the past several months I have not been very active regards to writing reviews. After 19 years of listening and writing I needed to step back and focus on other things. However, “Sacred” is the one project that never left my top playlists. It is simply majestic and uplifting. From the beautiful Celtic tones to the heartening lyrics “Sacred” is a complete triumph. Watson even brings new life (and lyrics) to a standard – “The Doxology” which inspires praises to the good Lord.
One of the most delightful songs is “St. Patrick’s Breastplate.” I love the dramatic ups and downs of the soundtrack, the vocal crescendos and the swelling strings. There are also a handful of classics like “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee,” “Fairest Lord Jesus,” and another favorite on this album, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Cap that off with the tender “How Can I Keep From Singing” as the album just keeps on giving and giving. As a bonus, Watson impresses with her violin playing as well on “Hallelujah.”
Aside from the new album, Watson has also released a new book, a 40 day devotional titled “Everything Can Change In 40 Days.” I have not read the book but you can find info on both the book and “Sacred” on her official website at https://jeanwatson.com.
- Ken W.
Phil and Rex – Illumination
Jun 14, 2019 CD Reviews
Phil and Rex
Illumination
Independent
Phil Keaggy and Rex Paul Schnellle joined forces to produce a monumental project. The new songs include some previous releases from Keaggy, but redone Phil and Rex style. The rest of the album is full of collaborations primarily from Phil and Rex (and a couple extra friends). Rex adds a lot to the project by recording guitars, vocals, bass, drums and keyboards. He also produced and mixed the final songs. There’s an incredible amount of talent behind this project.
The opener, “Don’t Hold Back” is a smooth, catchy piece about serving others as Jesus had modeled. Right off the bat the first track has a perfect amount of guitar work too. The same flair can be found all throughout the project, but I particularly like “Time,” and the piano led “Let Everything Else Go.” One of my favorite Keaggy originals is “Full Circle.” The remake is quite refreshing, and the guitar leads do not disappoint either.
For more on Phil Keaggy check out his official website here: http://www.philkeaggy.com/
For more on Rex Paul Schnelle check out http://rexmusic.us/.
- Ken W.
John Waller – Explosion of Light
Jun 14, 2019 CD Reviews
John Waller
Explosion of Light
Radiate Music
The latest from John Waller includes the peppy hit “Awakening,” aka “The Coffee Song.” It’s interesting because the local coffee shop is often the favorite meeting place for pastors, ministry leaders and local college ministries. The majority of the album keeps this upbeat tone and in some small way, it reminds me of listening to Jeff Deyo back in the early 2000’s. It’s a combination of formidable vocals, ambient guitars and overall intensity. And then you bookend that with the tender “Mamas Prayer” and you have a very well-rounded project. Two of my favorites aside from the aforementioned songs are “Mine” and “Here’s My Yes.” The overall feel is upbeat and heartfelt. For more on John Waller check out his official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/johnwaller/.
- Ken W.
Meredith Andrews – Faith and Wonder (Live)
Jun 14, 2019 CD Reviews
Meredith Andrews
Faith and Wonder (Live)
Curb – Word
The latest release from Meredith Andrews is a live EP containing six songs. From the news release;
The result is a collection of songs that feel like a homecoming, intimately personal while still filling the room with a collective chorus of worship for a God who saves. It was Andrews’ first and only goal in creating Faith and Wonder (Live), for God’s presence to be felt in a deep and genuine way.
I can imagine that “Million Saints” just filled the room with a resounding chorus. This is followed up by the emotive “Faith and Wonder” and later in the lineup is an equally impassioned “On and On.” While a short project, it is packed with powerful moments of worship.
- Ken W.
Imari Tones – Overture
Jun 14, 2019 CD Reviews
Imari Tones
Overture
The most interesting thing about this album is the fact that is entirely in Japanese. It’s not the first CD I have reviewed for the band so I wasn’t too worried that I could not understand a lick of the lyrics, but I can understand the guitar “licks!” I have also been following their YouTube channel as well (https://youtu.be/RlQxdCPLiMM) so I am aware that this a very pivotal album both because it was recorded completely in their home language, but also because it is to be their last album with the original line up. The band continues to practice and play, and I believe there are plans to continue recording.
If you’re interested you can check out their band camp site and preview “Overture,” or any of their other many releases. You really don’t have to be fluent in Japanese to enjoy the throwback 80’s glam rock soundtrack or the more acoustic and poetic sounds of “Kotoba.” I also have other reviews that you can peruse.
Jesus Wind http://alphaomeganews.org/reviews/2018/03/24/imari-tones-jesus-wind/
Revive the World http://alphaomeganews.org/reviews/2016/06/22/imari-tones-revive-the-world/
- Ken W.
Hallowell
Jun 14, 2019 CD Reviews
Hallowell
Great Comfort Records
At one point in my reviewing career this would have been close to what I would call “alternative.” It was a style that was unique and not so mainstream and then suddenly it became popular and overly replicated, at least until the average radio format (income generating) pushed out just about everything unique from the market. There seems to be a positive tread though breaking out of that standard format and back to the more artistically creative sounds similar to Hallowell.
The subdued vocal tones and atmospheric soundtrack enhance a reflective state where one can focus on the lyrical content of the songs. They describe it as “modern sacred” as a style and I think that is quite fitting. The themes and lyrics are like that of a classic poem or hymn with an alternative/modern sound. All in all it is very pleasing to listen to. If it is something you might find interesting the whole project is available on Band Camp for $8.00 (https://hallowellmusic.bandcamp.com/). For a good sample I would suggest listing to “Come Unto Me Ye Weary,” “Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness,” and “Greenland.” I think you will find it all very unique and interesting.
To learn more of Hallowell check out either https://www.hallowell.online/ or http://greatcomfortrecords.com/. I think too you’ll find even more distinctively creative artists and projects on the label page as well.
- Ken W.
