Review by Commissioner Dick Krommenhoek
Review by James Curnow
Amazing Grace CD Review
by Commissioner Dick Krommenhoek
God has used the ministry of music in a most powerful way throughout our history and therefore singing is at the very heart of The Salvation Army. The lives of countless people all around the world have been moved by God's Holy Spirit when the message of his Amazing Grace was sung to them in a way that touched their soul so profoundly that they were never the same again.
As were the 7 previous recordings, this 8th CD of the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters has been produced solely for that same purpose: to proclaim and to testify of God's Amazing Grace which He manifested in giving His only begotten son to die on a cross for the sins of the whole world.
Listening to this recording made me once again feel proud to serve in a movement where corps songsters are able to produce this kind of top quality recording. The repertoire chosen for this CD is richly varied in every respect, and it is quite remarkable that the songsters freely move from one style to the other under the capable leadership of Songster Leader Martin Hunt, who has held this privileged responsibility for 11 years.
The songs on the CD are accompanied by a "Hollywood Orchestra", consisting of professional musicians supplemented by Salvationists. The result is a beautiful consistent sound which is soothing for the ears. And although the instrumentation is somewhat foreign to the Army's usual choice of choir accompaniment, the recording clearly profiles the sound idiom of Salvation Army songsters.
There are 17 tracks filling this CD with challenging, inspirational and thought-provoking music. While enjoying all of these songs, the track "Breathe On Me" is my personal favorite, and I simply thank the Tab Songsters for blessing me with this deeply moving song.
In proclaiming the message of God's Amazing Grace, Salvationists from every culture, race, gender and age join their voices in praise to God. The 74 members of the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters range in ages from 14 to 75. This wonderful celebration of oneness in Christ beautifully illustrates that nobody is too young or too old to participate in the ministry of music and song for Jesus.
Amazing Grace CD Review
by James Curnow
Over the past two-and-a-half decades, The Pasadena Tabernacle (Tab) Songsters of The Salvation Army have pushed the boundaries for Salvation Army songsters brigades, in leading worship, performing style and recordings. Their unique style has led to successful tours of England, Australia, New Zealand, the Southern US and Canada. They have helped develop the "Wow!" factor into a new genre.
The Tab Songster's latest CD, Amazing Grace, reflects a maturation of the "amazing" theme started with the group's last CD, Amazing Love. Just as Christians grow, understand the nature of God's amazing love and begin to see the work of amazing grace in our lives; this same maturation is evident in Amazing Grace.
While listening to Amazing Grace, I waited for that "Wow!" moment to hit me. Sometime during "Heal the Wound," (beautifully arranged and orchestrated by Songster Leader, Martin Hunt), that expectation was forgotten, and I began to hear what was truly there: a mature message, a mature sound and a mature choice of music.
There are many great moments in the CD. Shalini Henry-John continues to show depth and individuality as a soloist. Aleen Bradley's beautiful voice is clear and sweet in "He's Always Been Faithful"; (dedicated to her mother–Major Sheila Bradley–who was amazing grace personified before her promotion to glory.) Barbara Allen is always a blessing, and is joined by her son Jordan in "Your Grace Still Amazes Me."
There is a wonderful, unforced quality about Amazing Grace. It's hard to put into words; maybe the Tab Songsters have simply arrived and are comfortable in the genre they helped create? The strength and simplicity of the CD design, the use of brass and rhythm players from the corps, orchestrations for two of the songs arranged by corps members, the maturity of the corps members, the maturity of the choral sound and the musicality of the soloists combined for an unexpected "Wow!"
While the excitement and professional approach expected of the Tab songsters is all here, the group's signature style never overshadows the message. Nothing here feels "over-the-top" or calculated merely to excite...everything directs the listener to the Amazing Grace of God: that miracle of love beyond comprehension, and the grace of that love's residence in a believer's heart.
God has blessed the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps with amazing talent. It's hard to believe that the Tab Songsters consistently produces such quality recordings. I work with music groups at very large churches in many denominations, and rarely do I come across one that could produce a CD like this.
Those of us still awaiting the Tab Songsters' first major North American tour will be blessed. Amazing Grace is a great CD. Listen, enjoy and wait, until the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters are able to visit a city near you.
Those fortunate enough to be in New Zealand and Australia for the group's upcoming tour will get more than they expect from the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters. The presentation will amaze, but Amazing Grace will surely result.
