Trust - Jaci Velasquez

Like Michael W. Smith, Velasquez combines pop and worship with similar results.

Trust

Artist: Jaci Velasquez (www.jacivelasquez.com)

Label: Integrity Music

Length: 10 tracks/42 minutes

Easter approaches as I write. A couple of songs on Trust by Jack Velasquez are easily associated with the season. “At the cross we find healing/At the cross we find peace” Velasquez sings on “Lay it at the Cross.” But what does this symbolism represent? “At the cross we find Jesus/At the cross we find all that we ever need,” we hear in elaboration.

Velasquez sings this chorus like the beacon of light that it is. Apart from Christ’s sacrificial death, we could never be made whole and have peace with God.

The words are punctuated by a synthesizer. It also generates a swirling sound on the chorus of the opening “Trust You.” After its initial heyday in the 70s the instrument became less prominent. Is it making a comeback?

I like the feel-good vibe of “Cross”; no brooding heaviness here.

Have you heard? Trust takes a turn toward praise and worship. For those who have enjoyed Velazquez’s previous releases, there is no need to fear. She does something similar to Michael W. Smith in fusing pop with lyrics of adoration.

That may seem a little sacrilegious to some, but my concern was that this type of music can be bland and generic. Worship for the masses can lose artistic integrity.

For those who might think that popular music styles do not belong in the sanctuary, consider this. If earlier generations could enjoy Fanny Crosby’s “At the Cross,” in the reverential music of their time, why can’t a similar awe and joy be expressed in the musical language of today. That’s not to say that this is for everyone, but I enjoy how this release incorporates the style and production of Velasquez’s past releases. It’s God-ward focus makes it all the more powerful. It’s not such a radical change that fans won’t want to come along for the ride. Some tracks lean more toward pop, others more toward modern worship.

There is only one song that might be called a standard, and that a modern one, “Great Are You Lord.” It’s a beautiful duet with husband, Nic Gonzalez, lead singer of Salvador. The clean annunciation highlights the lyrics. “Great is Your Faithfulness” is an original song, not the traditional hymn.

A favorite here is “I Will Call,” which is more subdued than the opener, but this is why I like it. It has a smooth feel reminiscent of her past work. Breathy vocals and spare, ethereal sounds break into an anthem-like chorus. Part of the appeal of Velasquez is her strong voice, which firmly declares God’s truth. Words of affirmation become dynamic.

Just the thought in the title “It’s Never as Dark as it Seems” is healing. The music is not quite as compelling but suitable.

My favorite might be “Rest.” The guitar is raw and rugged. The style has a subtle 50s influence. One could argue that it doesn’t fit, but I’m so glad to hear this stripped-down, lament-like psalm: “Slow me down enough to hear your voice/Speak your words of mercy over all the noise/Quiet the lies that blind me from the truth/I am Yours, I am yours.” What sounds like a Hammond organ adds texture. The simple lines in the chorus express a common desire: “Lord, I will rest in you/Lord, I will rest in you/Trusting in all you do.”

Back to Easter. If “Lay it at the Cross” is the death side, the triumphant “Praise the King” is the life side. It celebrates the resurrection.

I like this move by Velasquez. It builds on past releases, which include expressions of praise and worship. Those are like the seed, the sprout, the bud, and now we hear the flowering.

Adventures in Evangelical Civility - Richard Mouw

In search of kindred spirits

Adventures in Evangelical Civility: A Life Long Quest for Common Ground

Author: Richard J. Mouw

Publisher: BrazosPress

Pages: 241

Watching Anne of Green Gables for the first time as an adult I was immediately captivated by the idea of the “kindred spirit.” “A kindred spirit in the Anne of Green Gables series is someone who understands Anne Shirley very well, well enough to know what she is thinking” (Anne Green Gables wiki). Surely, Richard Mouw, the author of Adventures in Evangelical Civility, delights in finding kindred spirits in his lifelong quest for common ground.

Even though my background is Charismatic and the author’s Reformed theology, in more ways than one I have found a kindred spirit. In fact, I am more in agreement with Reformation teaching than with the excesses of the Charismatic movement.

But what drew me to this book and makes me feel like a kindred spirit is the idea of an evangelical civility. It should be obvious that incivility has become rampant in our society. I don’t like how we talk to each other. Those of us who are Christians have an obligation to defend the gospel “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15 ESV). This manner should inform all our discourse. A related idea provides an important reminder: “Remember, if you are not very kind, you are not very spiritual” (An old Scotch preacher).

It’s ironic and tragic that we can speak the truth in the wrong spirit. I know how it feels to be on both the giving and receiving ends. It not only generates more heat the light, it can be devastating in terms of relationships. In John 13 readers see that Christ’s disciples were to be known for their love of each other. Unfortunately, Christians today in the US are often known for what they stand against it.

My hope in reading this volume was to learn more about engaging others whose views differ from my own. I may have been slightly disappointed by my expectations. This is not a “how to” book. It’s more of a memoir from Mouw, now 75, of his search for human commonness.

At times, it became a little too technical for me, as when he discusses all that is meant by the image of God. It reminds me of just how complex theology can be. It’s not that the academic discussion is not important. Ideas have consequences. I may have been hoping for something more application-oriented, but I did find more of it towards the end. Plus, Mouw is showing not telling. He uses many personal illustrations and references the books and people that have been an influence. If you are a reader, you might appreciate knowing the titles that can be sources for further study.

In particular, I like the point that Mouw makes in relation to a critique from John MacArthur Jr. Mouw was one of the signers of two documents issued by the group, Evangelicals and Catholics Together. The 1997 statement, “The Gift of Salvation,” dealt with the doctrine of justification by faith. “MacArthur took the evangelical participants to be saying ‘that wile they believe that the doctrine of justification as articulated by the Reformers is true, they are not willing to say that people must believe it in order to be saved. In other words, they believe that people are saved who do not believe the Biblical doctrine of justification’” (197).

Mouw’s response: “That is precisely what I believe.” He goes on to clarify, “I would be surprised if MacArthur would dissent, if by ‘believing’ the doctrine we mean being able to give a clear articulation of it, then certainly the vast majority of the saved fall short.” This makes the point that people can have a genuine experience of salvation without being able to precisely explain it. To take it further, I don’t think incorrect views on the finer points of doctrine is going to negate someone’s destiny. If someone puts their trust in Christ, who can condemn them if their view on a non-essential is faulty in some way. Doesn’t it come down to this? “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:12 ESV).

This is not to say that wrong beliefs don’t matter. Of course, we all want to be right, and adhering to sound teaching is essential, but can anyone claim 100% doctrinal purity, not just in theory but also in practice. If all my beliefs and practice have to line up perfectly with Scripture, I will never make it. That’s why I need God’s grace and Christ within by His Spirit.

Recently, I have personally wrestled with a theological perspective that goes to extremes. The way it's presented by some, a person must accept a particular set of verses and their interpretation of it. It’s almost like you have to sign off or voice a declaration indicating your belief in it. Ironically, a person could give mental assent, but in reality not be transformed by it. In other words, you could agree with the rightness of a teaching but not be regenerated by the Spirit of God. And yet, some other simple soul could in childlike faith receive Christ and experience new life. They may never be able to explain justification by faith, but they can tell you what Jesus has done for them.

Though I respect John MacArthur, I appreciate Mouw making the point that one can experience salvation without being able to precisely explain it.

I also applaud Mouw’s humility and honesty. He expresses his concern that his journey could have unintended consequences. Recognizing that we live in a time of biblical illiteracy, he wonders if he strikes the right balance between conviction and civility. I agree with his conclusion “that civility is not something that stands over against biblically based convictions in a kind of ‘tension’ relationship” (211).

Mouw holds firmly to biblical convictions. I admire the ways in which he is able to engage without compromise. I don’t feel like he downplays the need for strong beliefs. Honestly, I hope that more people will follow his example, believing that not only can we find common ground but we can also learn from those who have different views. Respectful dialogue is not something that should be shunned by Christians.

God's Highway - Sandra McCracken

For those willing to slow down, God’s Highway offers substantial substance and is deeply reflective.

God’s Highway

Artist: Sandra McCracken (www.sandramccraken.com)

Label: Towhee Records

Length: 11 tracks/45 minutes

If you have a record player and can afford to pay a little more, consider getting God’s Highway by Sandra McCracken on vinyl. If you accept the idea that records sound better, you might feel justified once the needle drops. Why even my digital download sounds vibrant! How much more the grooves on a 12 inch? Plus, you will be helping to support an artist that has a heart for psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

The supposed warmth of vinyl is a complement to the organic tones found here. No synthesizers and programming. This sounds like a group of musicians playing live in the studio on guitars, bass, piano and drums. Electric guitar adds texture. Drums are on the soft side.

The roots oriented style is a vehicle for themes like waiting and hope, in conjunction with the attributes of God. These are modern day gospel songs for pilgrims on God’s highway.

Allusions to and adaptations of Scripture abound; there is no wooden literalness. McCracken knows how to translate Bible truths into song. Each one remains saturated in a biblical worldview. Four of them even have a Scripture reference in the title.

This is a songwriter’s praise and worship. It is rich in poetic imagery and deep thought. With the music being either slow or mid-tempo, and with plenty of space to hear each instrument, this can become a meditative experience. It reminded me of Fernando Ortega’s The Breaking of the Dawn.

In its simplest form as on “Trinity Song,” featuring All Sons and Daughters, I’m captivated by the delicate beauty. This has singing in rounds. There is wonderful restraint in this release in every phase, as heard in the number of instruments, background vocals, the choice of words, etc.

I like how “Come Light our Hearts” and “Be Still my Soul” (an original song) touch on being quiet before God. This whole record can be aid toward that end.

The closing “Song for Rachel” is just McCracken with piano backing. I appreciate the thought in the chorus:

Until the trumpet sounds,
Until our home comes down,
Children of Zion raise up the sound
Until our home comes down

People imagine going up to heaven. How often do we think of the New Jerusalem coming down? It’s a biblical picture (Revelation 21:10).

McCracken breaks into beautiful falsetto on the closing refrain:

Your deliverance is coming
For us while we wait,
In the wilderness You walk before us,
Give us grace

What a fitting benediction! This is someone to follow as we travel this way.

Winter EP - Audrey Assad

Who can find a warmer winter song?

Winter EP

Artist: Audrey Assad (www.audreyassad.com)

Label: Fortunate Fall Records

Length: 3 tracks/12 minutes

Who can find a warmer winter song? “Song for a Winter’s Night,” the Gordon Lightfoot composition, falls on the ears like light footsteps on freshly fallen snow. The organic blend of drums, guitars and keyboards are inviting. A strong hook takes listeners in. Cares recede in the enchanting glow.

The temperature drops in “Midwinter”: “In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone.” This is an adaptation of the well-known carol. The second stanza and subsequent bridge are new along with a slight change to the last line, but all in keeping with the original lyrics.

Even the music is chillier than the first song. The added hooks are dreamy and elongated. The bridge, make it a snow-covered one, includes a biting guitar solo.

The resolve, like the dawn of a new day, comes on the last stanza, which has never sounded more beautiful with its sparse musical backing. It makes the lines of the final stanza stand out:

What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

Yes, and if I was a Wise Man, I would do my part;

But all I have to give Him—I will give my heart.

This ends with the breezy, keyboard-driven “Winter Snow.” It likens God’s coming to gently falling snow. It calls to mind the following verses:

And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper (1 Kings 19:11-12 ESV).

The spectacular gets more attention, but the falling snow can be like a low whisper.

The last song was first recorded as a duet with Chris Tomlin on Glory in the Highest (2009). The album cover, like the recording, is a work of art.

Potter & Clay - Jaylene Johnson

Johnson’s vulnerability is refreshing.

Potter & Clay

Artist: Jaylene Johnson (www.jaylenejohnson.com)

Label: Independent

Length: 12 tracks/44 minutes

The simplicity and forthrightness in Potter & Clay by Jaylene Johnson is appealing. Witness the starkly confessional opening track, “Fallin’”:

There are things I’ve done I never should’ve done
Things I’ve said I never should’ve said
I can’t forget, it’s messing with my head
The things I’ve done, the things I’ve said

Earthy acoustic rhythm and guitars that stretch the notes provide a haunting backdrop. The resolve comes in the chorus. The singer is falling, not into a place of hopelessness, but “into the arms of mercy.”

The first line in the next track, “How Long,” seems so fitting, “Who led me to this desert?” In Scripture the desert is a place of testing, which can prompt questions and wrestling, “Am I being punished/For what I did or didn’t do.” Listeners will find an authentic grappling with faith and doubt throughout this release.

The sparse instrumentation on the piano-driven “One Tiny Prayer” complements the beautiful transparency:

Trees so tall go beyond my sight
Feel so small ’neath this patch of sky
I’m out of place and I’m wond’ring why I came

Here is solace for the disenfranchised and forgotten. It’s like their voice is mirrored in these lines, reminding them, you are not alone. Even if all seems lost, you too can whisper His name and be heard.

Johnson continually makes herself vulnerable through revealing lyrics. If you are going through any kind of struggle, this could be your soundtrack. This brings comfort and hope.

The songs are wonderfully organic. There are few synthesized sounds. The arrangements are straightforward and immediately likeable, and the tones are pure.

Having become familiar with producer Murray Pulver’s work with Steve Bell, I hear the roots oriented influence. The former sings and performs on almost every song. He is a top-notch producer and musician, which is plainly evident here.

Steve Bell adds guitars and vocals to “Lord of All,” which stylistically and lyrically is like a modern hymn.

Occasionally, I hear a country and/or bluegrass influence. “Pray, Pray Again,” which features Joey Landreth on dobro would be right at home on an Alison Krauss recording. It’s an encouragement to pray in every situation.

A favorite is “Rest in Me (In the Meantime).” Fittingly, it is warm and relaxed, almost country rock.

Another upbeat, more pop-oriented track is “Find Us,” which includes a trumpet solo. It expresses a desire for God to meet us in all the places where we either find ourselves and/or choose to hide.

“This Little Light” could be a whimsical play on the thought in the old Sunday School chorus. In dramatic voice Johnson chronicles a journey. Being tired and feeling foolish, she hides from everyone, not letting her light shine. But contemplating the flame that is now just a spark, she cries out in prayer. She wants to let her light shine. Lastly, she casts herself on God’s mercy, which becomes her ground for telling others “Far and wide/This little light of mine/I am gonna let it shine.”

Special thanks to Steve Bell and Signpost Music for getting behind this project and bringing it to my attention. If you like Bell’s recent releases, you will most likely enjoy this as the style and sound are somewhat similar.

This is the Winnipeg native’s third full-length release.  

Christmas Stories - Jenny & Tyler

Recapturing childlike wonder

Christmas Stories

Artist: Jenny & Tyler (www.jennyandtyler.com)

Length: 9 songs/35 minutes

Label: Residence Music

On Christmas Stories Jenny & Tyler succeed in making eight classics and one new song their own. The opening “Christmastime” is an original written by Jenny, Tyler and Trent Monk. Among the many seasonal references the song expresses the hope of finding childlike wonder. With the help of producer Ben Shive this is what the album accomplishes.

As with several of the songs there is a classic feel with a light jazz backing. This, however, is not the whole story.

The fourth track, “The Maker of the Sun and Moon,” an old British hymn, has a markedly different sound. It’s more like a soft rock anthem. It has a driving rhythm that is propelled by light percussion and strumming with some beautiful acoustic accents.

It also marks the turn to praise and worship:

     O Perfect Love

     Outpassing Sight

     O Brilliant One

     O Radiant Light

The chorus above may represent Jenny & Tyler’s contribution as they share the credit for the songwriting.

Again, there is somewhat of a change-up on the next song, “O Holy Night.” Jenny sings the first part like a tender lullaby with just sparse instrumentation before Tyler joins in with a fuller sound. The background is somewhat ethereal, which is a welcome change from over-produced versions. Too much production is not a problem on this release.

It would be easy to overlook the two instrumentals because they are short in length. That would be a mistake. Together they provide a tender, magical interlude and an elegant benediction.

“Handel’s Messiah” is the longest track, being a medley of highlights from the famous piece. The arrangements are different enough to enable the listener to experience this anew. Overly familiar pieces don’t require as much attention. This had me listening more carefully, and I was impressed by how the different parts present the complete story of Christ, from before His advent to His exaltation.

“White Christmas” is a delight with initially just acoustic guitar backing. As with “I’ll Be Home” the pace is relaxed. The words and sounds are crystalline.

This is the first time Ben Shive has worked with Jenny & Tyler but not his first Christmas effort. Together they have done a marvelous job of helping listeners feel a bit of wonder through a variety of styles.  

Wonder - Jean Watson

Can a finer tribute to “Hallelujah” be found?

Wonder

Artist: Jean Watson (www.jeanwatson.com)

Label: Suite 28 Records

Length: 11 tracks/44 minutes

With the recent passing of Leonard Cohen, the instrumental of “Hallelujah,” a bonus track on Wonder by Jean Watson, serves as an elegant tribute. The violin playing is exquisite.

Unfortunately, the song is only available on iTunes. Then again, better there than not at all. It’s one of the finer moments.

Back to the violin. It is not only proficient but soothing throughout, whether the style is traditional Celtic or contemporary expressions of devotion and worship. By the latter, I don’t mean the type sung in modern worship circles. This is never that.

This is closer to classical and folk in the singer/songwriter style.

Though the violin is often heard, it’s not overdone. Keyboards are also prominent. There are snatches of stylish guitar playing, and light, mostly programmed percussion. Watson’s voice adds a delicate beauty. Neither she nor the instrumentation is overpowering.

The mood ranges from peaceful to worshipful and joyful. Serene also comes to mind.

“It is Well” is an original that segues into the chorus of the popular hymn that has the same familiar words in the title.

“Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)” is indicative of the Celtic influence heard more or less throughout. This is the version that includes the chorus written by Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio, and made popular by the former.

A beautiful guitar-driven version of the Matt Redman song, “Blessed be Your Name” is also included. Aside from the standards, most of the tracks are original.

I like the space between the notes. They have room to breathe. It’s not cluttered. It makes for a restful, God-centered experience.

I also appreciate the sentiments expressed in the title song: “May we never lose our wonder / Wide-eyed and mystified / May we be just like a child / staring at the beauty of our King.” Amen, “fill us with wonder.”