As I listened to "God Above, God Below" I was struck with the fact that this CD is a full, multi-course meal, both musically and lyrically. It's hard for me to think of any other CD I've heard recently that holds so much impact and meaning as this collection
of Celtic worship songs.
The lyrics are an integral part of the feast. They are both beautiful (poetic) and meaty (theological); words that shed new light as you consider the Lord, what He has made, and what He has done. With beautiful solos and harmonies, the singers have also
done a great job of expressing the lyrical concepts. They are not 'super-slick' but are truly pouring out their hearts in passion of joy, despair, hope, entreaty, and everything inbetween.
There are plaintive tinwhistle solos and ethereal vocals on some selections that, if your eyes were closed, would make you think you were hearing a young lassie singing at sunrise on the coastline. On other songs, the bodhran and other drums bring out forceful rhythms to move your feet. From the bagpipes that begin the worship experience to the ringing guitar strings that close the sung prayers, the instruments used are appropriate, acoustic and authentic. All but one of the 20 melodies are quite old, measured in centuries in many cases. Even the single melody written by a contemporary UK composer is performed with instrumentation and vocals that make it sound like it was given birth in an island monastary in medieval times. The singers and
musicians are sensitive to the "individual needs" of each song, and serve each of them up in a way that feels right. The variety of musical styles, all ordered in a coherent manner on the CD, is a real plus.
I have listened to this music in my office on a busy day and had my heart fed and quieted. I have listened to this music in my office on days that I felt weary and my heart and mind have been refreshed and given direction. I'm a big fan of Celtic music, especially when it glorifies God as these songs do. It's clear the songs were composed and recorded as acts of worship to God, and His Spirit has used them many times to minister to me. They will to you as well; I highly recommend this CD to you for your
musical enjoyment and spiritual edification.
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