I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home) – The City Harmonic, CD Review & Giveaway
Ever since Hamilton Ontario based band The City Harmonic released their EP Introducing The City Harmonic on November 23, 2010, they have quickly catapulted from a small independent Canadian band to a respected, well written and to-be-noticed force in Christian music. They have definitely been put to the test this past year with tour dates, interviews and live performances but only seem to have given them more of a drive to write.
Being quoted as “nostalgic Brit-pop meets campfire sing-along” with some musical comparisons to Coldplay and Arcade Fire, they have definitely been a band that some would expect to find pumping out top 40 hits, radio releases and the allure of quick success. I don’t see that however. They have had great momentum on the heels of their acclaimed single “Manifesto” which has been viewed over 1,000,000 times on YouTube and has also become an anthem for major organizations and sports figures. Although the band is fairly young, there is a maturity and discernment in their lyrics.
Listening to this album, I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home), I’m thoroughly convinced – whether through mutual resolve or great mentoring, the band has delivered a true manifesto – their public declaration to the world that they have something to say, know why they need to say it and also deliver the answer (though not from themselves) but rather the One who delivered it. This album is a journey using clever musicality, piano driven melodic patterns, anthem-like choruses drawing you into singing along, all while delivering a deliberate message. A key lyric that stood out to me in the song “Fell Apart” is “…something real in a world of fake”. It’s obvious in their writing that they are not afraid to tackle the “fake” that the world has to offer and suggest a better way.
The message is clear from the band that the music, lyrics and writing they wish to share will not be locked into a “hit” formula. The opening track “Yours” contains no quick rhythm, it exceeds 4 minutes in length, no rush to the vocals or even a steady toe tapping beat – the hook simply doesn’t come until the chorus itself. I love the fact that this very first track declares “Yours, all of it”. I suspect this could act as an offering from the band to God regarding the album itself. I respect that greatly. Musicians will also appreciate the subtle time signature change in the bridge leading to the ending chorus.
Another great song is “Be Still, O My Soul”. I appreciate how it builds out of a mono sounding “piano in the room feel”, it grows into stereo with use of harmonica and acoustic guitars, lights up quickly with a sound reminiscent of U2’s All I Want is You style but then as quickly as it builds it dies. It actually makes you want more. The track “Wake Me Up” continues with creativity starting with the hammered dulcimer and builds into another piano driven anthem. The title track “I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home)” in my opinion starts very similar to “That Song” by another Canadian band Big Wreck (later Thornley) but in all fairness, departs quickly after the opening into another well arranged piano driven rock ballad.
The album is a sonic journey, an audio canvas of a story unfolding much like a painting being created where history, pain, reality, hopes, dreams and the promise of the afterlife intertwine with one destination. Although you are keenly aware of your broken and sinful condition as you reflect on the lyrics of this album, the destination of each song and ultimately the album is a sense that our dream, the home we have in God is real, available and waiting.
I would recommend this album highly to anyone searching the truth of God or those who have walked with Him for years. You will be moved as I was.
-Review by Dan Thomson
To enter to win the CD, just leave a comment on this review. We’ll pick 3 random winners. Deadline is Wednesday, October 26th, 2011. You must be a resident of the U.S. or Canada and at least 18 years old.
Pursuit of God, Tommy Walker – CD Review
The new album Pursuit of God by Tommy Walker is a unique project in two ways: First, the sound is different than we have previously heard from Tommy. Secondly, this project has a specific goal in mind, a specific purpose. While this is true for most albums, the focus on this album is new in concept. This album was created specifically for and was inspired by AW Tozer’s classic “The Pursuit of God.”
As a part of that focus, the overall flow and format of this album is different than some may expect. Each song corresponds to the chapters in the book, and after each song track there is a narrative track, with the narrators (Kathy Christopher, a pastor at Tommy’s church; and Kevin White, an actor best known as the voice in the movie Rudy) reading portions from the book itself, as well as offering prayers that help lead into the next track.
The hope is that this will be an album that is truly listened to, reflecting on the lyrics of the music and the words from the narration. I found myself most impacted by the prayers, which were set up nicely by the narrative reading, and allowed me to prayerfully enter into worship with the following track.
The biggest difference, musically, between this album and past Tommy projects is the very prominent orchestration. The Azusa Pacific Orchestra, largely led by concertmaster Ingrid Chun, contributes the rich and lush sounds that only a 60 piece orchestra can provide. We also hear a primary focus on acoustic guitar, with only a couple tracks showcasing the classic Tommy electric guitar tones we’ve all grown accustomed to.
The album opens with ‘Who Are You’, a softer track that introduces the listener to a soft touch from strings and simple acoustic picking. Some may consider this a somewhat “slow” opener, especially compared to some of the “kick in the pants” openers we’ve all heard on other albums. However, this particular approach seems particularly appropriate considering the reflective and prayerful tone of the project as a whole.
‘Earnestly (We Want to Know)’ follows and is one of my favorite tracks on the album. This is another simple arrangement, with the acoustic guitar at the forefront and orchestra adding texture. The bridge of the song is by far the most dynamic portion of the song, with the vocals singing in an anthemic and rhythmic way “we want to know,” “we want to see” and “we want to find.”
The third track, ‘Just You’, introduces us to Tommy playing the harmonica, which he only recently picked up as a tribute to his father.
The fifth track, ‘Taste and See’, is by far my favorite. We get a more interesting dynamic from the get go with this tune. The bridge has some great syncopation which lifts the dynamic of the song, and we see the electric guitar take on a more prominent role as the song progresses – this contribution adds a great layer of color to the overall sound.
If you don’t find yourself involuntarily moving your head to the pulse of the bass on ‘You Are Here’, then you may want to see a doctor. I should also note that the harmonies from the backing vocals on this track almost sound too perfect. If you have a thing for nice harmonies, you will dig this.
The rest of the album continues with the theme of orchestration and acoustic guitar, with some nice touches here and there. For example, the Latin-style guitar flares during ‘Take Your Place’. In fact, the guitar solo during ‘Take Your Place’ is by far my favorite. The strings coming out of the first chorus and at the end, providing a flurry to end this song with a punch, are also by far the most effective and dynamic applications of the orchestra on the entire album.
The only criticisms that some may find with this project are twofold: First, some will find this album to sound a bit old fashioned, particularly due to the emphasis on the orchestration. Secondly, the instrumental during the ‘Create in Me Prelude’ doesn’t seem to naturally flow into the following track, ‘Create in Me’, potentially leaving the listener a little confused as to its purpose.
Aside from those two items, any listener who either appreciates A.W. Tozer’s “Pursuit of God” or enjoys listening to reflective, prayerful and meditative music with an open heart should enjoy this project.
I encourage you: Set time aside for this album when you first listen to it. Sure, this will be great to listen to in the car on your way to work or anywhere else. But the real joy in this album will come when you, the listener, are able to drown everything else out and really zone in on the lyrics in the songs, and words and prayers during the narration. Start there, and I promise that the music will come alive – from the stunningly beautiful instrumentation during the narrations, to the orchestral touches and acoustic guitar textures that carry you through the album.
All in all, I hope you are propelled to engage on your own personal pursuit of God. (Quick note, Lead Sheet Plus charts are available for all songs at www.lifewayworship.com)
-Review by Chris Olson
Upcoming Training Webinars!
We are working hard, here at All About Worship, to share resources and encouragement with worship leaders and songwriters worldwide. One of those resources that we are really excited about these days are training webinars! These are 1hr training workshops that you can attend from the comfort of your own home, just using the Internet and a webcam.
Consider joining us for one or both of these coming up:
Worship Songwriting – Webinar w/ Dave Fitzgerald
Wednesday, July 27, 2011 from 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM (CT)
Webinar w/ Matthew Reed: Effective Worship Team Auditions & Rehearsals
Thursday, August 04, 2011 from 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM (CT)
Both of these are donation-based. Registration for webinars like these are typically around $30-$50, but we’ve intentionally made our webinars donation-based, so that the cost will not be a hinderance to anyone.
Hope to see you there!
-Wisdom Moon
What is Worship?
When I started All About Worship, I knew that worship isn’t just the songs we sing about God or to God. Unfortunately
or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, we Christians have labeled church music as “worship”. Not sure who started using that term to describe church music, but I’d love to sit with him/her and pick their brain.
It’s very interesting to me how we Christians label everything with the word “worship”. Here are some examples: Worship Leader Magazine, Worship Pastor, Worship Leading, Worship Conference, Worship Album, Worship Artist, etc.
I would also love to find out…how do YOU define worship? If an unchurched person came to your church this weekend and asked you after “worship” what “worship” is, how would you explain it to them?
Please leave a comment!
-Wisdom Moon
“Beauty is What Remains”, Andrew Ehrenzeller – CD Review & Free Song
(See the end of the review for a chance to win a copy of the CD.)
Mix the music of Dave Matthews Band and Peter Gabriel and fill it with the presence and anointing of the Holy Spirit and you have the sound of Andrew Ehrenzeller. His latest, Beauty is What Remains, is a journey through all that modern Christian music can be. From stellar musicianship, pristine production, to passionate and compelling lyrics, there is not a weak spot on this beautifully crafted album.
It is a profound experience each time I listen.
Take the track “Light.” First off, with a time signature of 5/4 and a virtuosic vibraphone line, you’re in for a musical adventure that stays accessible all the while. The opening lyric describes the experience of hearing the album for me: “On the wings of the dawn Your glory comes/Straight to my heart like the shot from a gun.”
Or how about the jazz infused piano gluing together the groove of “Advocate”? Coupled with theologically resonant lyrics like: “We have an Advocate who pleads our case/Before the judge of the entire human race/He stands with confidence while taking our place/Every night and day/Every night and day,” my only hope is for more songs soon.
This album is fertile ground for not only those in the Church, but also all those that love great music. Often, there seems to be a “Christian Music sound” that has a tendency to turn some off, but this collection stands on its own as great art, great writing, great music.
Music of this caliber follows in the spirit of Deuteronomy 28:13: “The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.”
I’m excited about the great music that continues to flow from Andrew Eherenzeller. May he continue to teach us how to blaze a trail of passion in pursuit of the heart of God.
Click below to listen and/or download the song “Light” from the album.
-Review by Ben Ward
(review copy provided by artist)
(Leave a comment on this post for your chance to win a free copy of this CD. Deadline is 5pm CST, June 3rd. Winner will be chosen randomly. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. US residents only.)
Dancing Wildly – Reflections from Worship Central Live
Last week I had the privilege to be in the congregation for the recording of the Worship Central movement’s first live album. Featuring household names such as Tim Hughes, Ben Cantelon and speaker Mike Pilavachi, the evening promised to be a good one. Here are my reflections on the event….
Worship Central’s vision is to “encounter God, equip the worshipper, and empower the local church”. If you take these principles and apply them to Thursday night’s event, the aims were met, exceeded, and positively blown away.
1 Corinthians 14:24-25 describes an atmosphere where an unbeliever comes into a worshipping congregation, encounters the Glory of God through His undeniable presence, the secrets of their heart are laid bare and really the only option is to bow down, crying “God is really among you”! There were times during this event where you could almost touch the thickness of the Lord’s presence.
There is something quite amazing about 2000 worshippers gathering together to experience God’s presence. Everyone turns up with expectancy, and the Lord shows up every time. Mike Pilavachi described worship, during his talk on the night, as being akin to the atmosphere at a Jewish wedding – singing, dancing, celebration – an event where you’re either dancing, or standing on the sides watching.
If the dancing is that infectious, your guard drops and you find yourself caught up in it, whether you had planned it that way or not. This is quite a good summation of the event as a whole, though I went to the event with friends and family, from start to finish my attentions were focused purely upon the Lord, His voice, and His presence. He was in charge of the evening, the night was His.
From a musical perspective, the set contained much of Tim’s new Love Shines Through album, with songs such as ‘Counting On Your Name’, ‘All Glory’ and ‘At Your Name’ going down particularly well. Many of the arrangements of songs were very similar to the album tracks, although there were some slightly more experimental sections, notably the re-working of Ben’s ‘Not Ashamed’ into a more electronic offering, with rapped verses and an anthemic chorus.
Vocally, songs were led with gusto, both Tim and Ben have excellent ranges, great control, and clear projection. There were no shortage of instrumental gifting on the stage either – at one time I counted 3 acoustic guitarists, 3 electric guitarists, a bass, 2 keyboards, drums, percussion and around 5 vocalists, contributing to a full, rousing sound mix.
It is in equipping the church where Worship Central’s greatest calling lies, in my opinion. This was demonstrated within their very setup on the night, with experienced worship leaders encouraging the, perhaps less well-known (though no less effective or gifted), up and coming worship leaders.
Coming from a Vineyard church, where the ethos is very much laid out upon giving away the gifts we have been given by the Lord, I find this very encouraging as a model. Expect to hear much more from Al Gordon, Luke Hellebronth and Nikki Fletcher in the coming years, as these passionate, anointed worship leaders and songwriters have a great deal to offer the church as a whole.
As a final reflection, you’ll remember that in 2 Samuel 6, David’s worship becomes ‘undignified’ – dancing wildly in the presence of the Lord. Not wanting to leave these acts consigned merely to text, Tim Hughes decided to recreate this manner of worship on the night:
reflections by Ed Rotheram
Brian Doerksen Level Ground – CD Review
Award-winning Canadian worship leader/songwriter, Brian Doerksen, recently released his latest CD/DVD worship project, entitled Level Ground. Brian is the writer of such classics as “Come, Now Is the Time To Worship”, “Hope of the Nations”, “Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing)”, “Holy One”, and many others!
This is Brian’s sixth album released with Integrity Music, and includes many new original songs written by Doerksen, and also several co-writes with Paul Baloche, Kathryn Scott, and others.
Brian says the inspiration for this album comes from Isaiah 40, which says: “Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it.”
“God’s heart as Father longs to embrace us all and place us on level ground!” Brian says. “Through Him, we can all experience grace that transforms. My hope and prayer is that is exactly what you will experience as you listen to these songs and stories!”
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the songs on this unique worship project, and there were several standouts. The title song “Welcome to the Place of Level Ground”, is one that Brian co-wrote with Paul Baloche. I love the contemporary, Celtic-sounding intro to this song, especially as it builds into the opening verse of this song. The lyrics on the verses lay out our need for a Savior, then the pre-chorus and chorus celebrate Jesus, our God of grace. It’s a perfect setup for the entire album, putting the focus on our need for mercy.
Another song that captured my attention was “Will You Love Me In The Winter”, a song that Brian actually spoke about in his recent interview with All About Worship. The idea for this song actually came to Brian over 10 years ago when he was walking through London, England in the fall and a leaf fell past him on its way to the ground. He had the idea then for a song about the dark nights of our soul and about growing old physically, but didn’t feel it was the right time.
Now, 10 years later, the idea came back to him as he was putting this project together. He wanted to include a song of honest lament and pain, and this song perfectly paints the picture of the questions that come to our mind when our trees are bare and we feel like we have nothing to give. “When my body breaks, when my thoughts have failed, will You love me still?”
There are many other great songs on this album, including a new version of the Tim Hughes’ song “Everything”, and perhaps my favorite song on the project – “Whatever Comes”, a powerful, energetic song about how we can trust our Sovereign God.
But, to get the full effect of this project, you also really need to take a look at the accompanying DVD. Brian wanted to produce a live recording that placed the musicians and singers among the people and embraced the intimacy and simplicity of a small group while reserving the stage for people to share stories of grace.
The DVD captures all of that, and puts you in the center of it all. Brian says of the DVD, “On the film version you are placed right in the middle of our gathering; you hear and see the music happen all around you. You witness an 8’ by 14’ painting that captures the concept of “level ground” as it emerges. But beyond the music and the painting, perhaps best of all, you get to hear and see the grace stories. For me that’s the highlight of this project.”
Level Ground is a CD/DVD project that you’ll definitely want to pick up, and one that is an excellent tool for your private or corporate times of worship as you celebrate God’s grace and mercy! You can find the complete song list below:
1. Welcome To The Place Of Level Ground (written by Doerksen, Paul Baloche)
2. The Jesus Way (written by Doerksen, Steve Mitchinson)
3. Lifelong Passion (written by Ali Berry)
4. Enter The Rest Of God (written by Doerksen)
5. Everything/God In My Living (written by Tim Hughes)
6. Will You Love Me In The Winter (written by Doerksen)
7. Here Is Love with Give Thanks (written by William Rees, Robert Lowry and Henry Smith)
8. No Condemnation (written by Doerksen, Janz)
9. Giver Of Life (written by Doerksen, Mitchinson)
10. Altar Of Love (written by Doerksen, Mitchinson, Janz)
11. Whatever Comes (written by Doerksen, Mitchinson)
12. Thank You For The Cross (writers Doerksen, Kathryn Scott)
13. First (written by Doerksen)
Review by Barry Westman
(review copy of the album provided by Integrity Music)
Episode 64: Exclusive Interview w/ Michael & Alisa Farren
On this episode, we record with a live audience via livestream.com and give a chance for listeners to watch us as we record the episode.
Also, Wisdom goes one-on-one with Michael & Alisa Farren of Pocket Full of Rocks. They talk about country music, songwriting, what it means to be a worship leader, and the upcoming All About Worship Retreat. Michael and Alisa also share a significant update about the band publicly for the first time!
Don’t forget to register for the All About Worship Retreat and hang out for a few days with Michael and Alisa.
Also, on this show we:
-share some of the comments on our recent post on What Worship Looks Like in 10 Years
-talk about our sponsor, WorshipPlanning.com, and their top-notch customer service. Use promo code “podcast” when you sign up and receive a 45 day free-trial.
-discuss our upcoming worship retreat taking place May 19-21. Plus Members of our site receive $50 off registration. We’ve also added a time during the retreat for a Song Feedback Panel.
-talk about our ever-growing All About Worship Leadership Team…we have 12 individuals helping make AAW happen every day!
QUICK LINKS
- Hosts: Wisdom Moon & Ben Abu Saada — check out their blogs
Connect with Us!
Comment Line: 913.735.4229
[wpaudio url="http://allaboutworship.podbean.com/mf/web/b9vza2/064AAWPocketFullofRocks.mp3"]
Video version of the interview:
Free Tickets to Gungor Concert in Overland Park, KS
We’re partnering with a local ministry here in Overland Park, KS to give away a couple of tickets to the upcoming Gungor concert.
The concert will be held at Vineyard Christian Fellowship on Sunday, March 27th @ 6pm. You can see more details and buy tickets HERE.
If you’re in the Kansas City area (or willing to make the drive), leave a comment on this post to enter. We’ll pick a random winner on Thursday, March 24th after 4pm CST. (You must be at least 18 years old to enter.)
For another chance to win a ticket, keep your eye on our Facebook and Twitter updates this week!
If you come to the concert, find Wisdom & Ben who will be there as well. We’d love to meet you in person!
What Does Worship Look Like in 10 Years? (Giveaway)
Recently, we had someone from our online community (Ben Seidl) call-in to our podcast comment line and leave a great question. We thought we’d share it with you and ask you to chime in:
What does worship look like in 10 years?…In your local church? In your country? Around the globe?
Lave a comment for your chance to win a free copy of Parachute Band’s latest CD – Love Without Measure. One person will be randomly chosen from the comments. You must be at least 18 years old and live in the US to win. Deadline is Friday, March 4th @ 10am CST.
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