Lacking sufficient superlatives to merely rave, your trusty reviewer will try to give a feeling of the musical arrangements applied to some well known hymns, amidst a bevy of lesser-knowns. The beginning tune is more than just worthy of attention, it rivets one's attention. The hymn is Edward Shurtleff's 'Lead On, O King Eternal.' It was written in 1887 when his classmates of his seminary graduating class requested that he compose an inspirational call to spiritual battle. Glad embellishes the resulting hymn with an implication of vocal fanfare in the background, four part harmonies, the use of jazz chording and builds to such a crescendo that it is as inspiring as the composer would have ever wished. That is just the first song! Among the fourteen songs are found 'Rock of Ages,' 'Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee' and 'Fairest Lord Jesus.' They provide a rock of familiarity so that our spirits can soar into the lesser known and still be anchored. An additional little bonus are the notes which give brief histories of the songs. Great! |
