Classic texts and new songs explore being in Christ.
Simple Hymns: Songs
of Communion
Artist: Various
Length: 10 songs/45
minutes
Label: Venture3Media
Don’t imagine songs about receiving communion from the title of
this release. Songs of Communion is about partaking of the
union that comes through the cross of Christ. Classic texts and new
songs explore being in Christ.
As
with the prior
releases in this
series, this
being the fourth, there is
minimal accompaniment, and some of the finest writers in Christendom
add
creative arrangements,
alterations and new
compositions. The
writers include Chris Tomlin, John Hartley, Chris Eaton, Stuart
Townend and others.
This
opens with “The Wonderful Cross,” a
majestic anthem in the world
of hymnody, written by Isaac
Watts. The
powerful verses that make
the cross loom large are borne along by simple
guitar strumming. Brushed
drums are employed here, and percussion
is light throughout if used at
all.
Some
time ago a fragment from “And Can It Be” made it’s way into a
modern worship song, which in no way could carry the gravity of the
full text. This one doesn’t get covered as often, and
fortunately it’s not an
abbreviation here.
That’s not to say that incorporating elements of hymns is bad when
it can add something worthwhile.
I
first encountered this
Charles Wesley
hymn during a sojourn in
England, and they knew how to sing it! It
originated from their part of the world where
it is still
sung with gusto.
It was unforgettable the way male and female voices were
intermingled and
then joined in a
chapel meeting.
Here, where
simplicity reigns, it has
a new melody, which is probably wise given that the original is not
as accessible today. This is bright and cheerful, and
even though what I heard at
Birmingham Bible Institute
was more dynamic, I’m glad to be able to experience the text anew.
“Man
of Sorrows” is like a throwback to an earlier time even though it
has a contemporary feel. It’s slow, deliberate and quiet with piano
backing, which makes it somewhat meditative. This is sung by American
Idol alumni, Joanna Beasley. Her vocals are terrific and she also
gives a different but lovely feel to “How Deep the Father’s Love
For Us.”
“Be
Still My Soul” has always been a personal favorite for its lyrical
richness. There is wisdom
in every line. This
version has an interesting
contrast. Under-girding the
melody is
an otherworldly sound, almost like steady, low-sounding feedback. The
foreground includes high
notes that sound like a toy
piano; whatever
the instrument it’s an
interesting mix. It’s
anchored by finger-picking on an acoustic guitar.
For
the most part “Nothing
But the Blood” is not the traditional hymn. “What can wash away
my sin? Nothing but the blood, nothing but the blood. What can make
me whole again? Nothing but the blood” becomes the chorus, the
stanzas being new.
This
track has a strong roots music feel that features David Fitzgerald, a
founding member of Iona, the prog rock band. He is also credited as
one of the writers. The style
is punchy. Fitzgerald
sings with a grit that
reminds me of Matt Maher.
Another
adaptation is Reginald Heber’s “Bread of the World, In Mercy
Broken,” which is titled “Broken for Us.” The added bridge
breaks in boldly declaring: “Christ has died. Christ has risen.
Christ will come again.” It’s repeated a few times and with some
variation. I like this succinct summary.
“The
Wonder of the Cross,” the only duet, sung by Gabe Wilson and Amy
Little, is a tender rendering of a song written by former UK worship
leader, Vicky Beeching. The latter came out as gay in a 2014
interview and a book about her experiences came out in 2018. This modern hymn expresses holy desire: “May I never lose the
wonder, the wonder of the cross. May I see it like the first time
standing as a sinner lost.”
“O
Fount of Love,” a new song, has a hymn-like structure and becomes
especially noteworthy for its catchy string arrangement that drives
the rhythm. Whenever employed the string arrangements on this release
are excellent.
Christian
singer and author, Kelly Minter, closes
with another new song, an
understated piano ballad, which brings
this to a worshipful end.
