• BC Christian News • MARCH ISSUE 2000 • VOL. 20 #3 • Formerly "Christian Info News" •

B.C. artists worship in all musical styles
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By David F. Dawes • Testify: Live Worship from Langley, CLA, 1999.

Recorded live at Christian Life Assembly last fall, this CD provides ample evidence of why CLA is considered one of Langley's most vital churches. The music consists of dynamic performances by three different worship leaders, and some group vocals.

On 'I Am Blessed' and 'God of Mercy,' the CLA Choir demonstrate an exuberance worthy of the Edwin Hawkins Singers. Lonnie Delisle gives a fine rendition of 'Freedom,' the signature tune of Flood, the Langley Vineyard worship band. Delisle also shines on his own composition, 'I Want to Testify,' which features some rawkin' electric guitar work.

On Robin Marks' outstanding 'Revival,' CLA senior pastor Brent Cantelon does a great job -- and the band just plain kicks. And Darren Schmunk ends the CD with a down-home, call-and-response hallelujah rave-up. Simply put, this is one of the very best worship albums produced in this province -- and these days, that's saying a lot.

Contact: (604) 530-7344.

• Daystar: On Holy Ground, 1998.

The stated goal of this top-notch Surrey-based group is "to share the message of praise wherever God opens the door." To that end, they give concerts in North America, Scandinavia and the former Soviet Union. This is their third release; the songs are characterized by effective horn arrangements, and strong group vocals.

'We Shall Behold Him' features a bravura piano solo by group leader Doug Moody; 'Sweet Jesus' is an excellent duet by Linda Forstved and Sonja Malischewski. 'Leanin' on the Everlasting Arms' is done in a lounge/swing style, which doesn't quite work. The humor of the pseudo-hip lyrics of 'Sunday's on the Way,' by Christian pop veteran Carman, comes across as forced; but soloist Karl Bartel's performance is so hilariously over-the-top that the song actually works.

There are several other superb solo vocal turns, but one in particular stands out: David Lowndes' stunning, impassioned performance of the classic rapture song, 'Midnight Cry.' Overall, this album is a real winner.

Contact: (604) 574-0286.

• Deep Creek Music: Journeys, 1999.

This is an excellent collection of original songs, by two different music teams from Peachland Community Church operating under a collective name.

'Grace' is a powerful tribute to Christ's sacrifice. 'All to You,' a song about humbling oneself, has a particularly strong chorus, sung with conviction. The female vocalist on 'You are There' somehow manages to sound both stirring and delicate at the same time. 'Thinkin' About Changing' has another fine female soloist, excellent harmonies and a soaring chorus.

Two numbers stand out: 'Awakening of My Soul,' a gorgeous, ethereal song written and sung by Trina Kalesnikoff, which verges on the psychedelic; and 'Take Me to the River,' featuring a gutsy vocal by Helen Rose, which will make you want to run down to the nearest body of water and get rebaptized.

Contact: (250) 769-4190 or deepcmusic@hotmail.com

• The DOXA Band: All For You, 1999.

This CD was recorded live last May at the DOXA youth event at Abbotsford's Central Heights Church.

The music centres on the songs and singing of worship leader Vijay Manual, and therein lie the strengths -- and weaknesses -- of the CD. On the negative side, Manual's gift for melodic lines appears somewhat limited, and too many of the songs sound similar to each other; also, his voice has a narrow expressive range, staying mostly on the same relatively low-key level throughout.

However, there is no denying Manual's obvious sincerity and musical ability, and his songs are straightforward expressions of faith. He also conveys a palpable sense of heartfelt, thankful worship which is at times inspiring. There is some excellent harmonizing by the back-up singers, and the musicianship is consistently capable and interesting.

Contact: www.doxaband.com

• Mystery: The Revival Sessions, 1999.

For the most part, this Langley group delivers intense, guitar-driven songs which demonstrate a real gift for worship music with slightly Delirious? tendencies, as evidenced by 'All' and 'King of Creation.'

A venture into rap, '5 Alive,' comes as a surprise; it works, though they sound like they're trying a bit too hard. They transform the praise standard 'My Jesus I Love You' with an early Beatles shuffle sound and surf guitar; the arrangement is entirely inappropriate, of course, but the song is salvaged by exuberant vocals and a sense of fun.

Standouts include the moving 'May I Have This Dance'; and 'Surrender,' a stirring Christian power ballad that culminates in worshipful vocals and soaring guitars.

Contact: (604) 530-0759 or mystery_allstars@hotmail.com>

• Young Street Vocal Band: Feelin' Fine, 1999.

When they're not busy promoting concerts by southern gospel veterans, Chilliwack's Young Street Vocal Band purvey their own brand of praise in the southern style.

These guys know their stuff, as indicated by the influences they cite: The Cathedrals, Florida Boys, Dixie Melody Boys, Greater Vision, The Kingsmen and Gold City. This, their third album, features songs by some of their favorite writers, including Bill and Gloria Gaither, Phil Cross, Squire Parsons and Rodney Griffin.

Feelin' Fine opens with 'Look Up Children,' a jaunty number with a swinging horn section. 'I Am Redeemed' and 'When I See the Cross' are heartfelt songs of salvation. 'Daystar (Shine Down on Me),' 'Loving God . . . Loving Each Other' and 'Till the Storm Passed By' feature excellent solo vocals.

Contact (604) 792-8677 or ysvb@hotmail.com