Master singer and songwriter Kenneth Cope's May, 2005 release, My Servant Joseph - 200th Anniversary Edition, is a superb chronicle of what Prophet Joseph Smith must have thought, felt, and experienced through his time guiding the church.

I'm sure that the music is meant to be experienced as a whole, and leaves a lot to be digested. There aren't too many songs on the album that could stand on their own, apart from the whole, but then again, I don't believe that's what the intention was in creating the album.

My Servant Joseph was originally released in 1993. This May 2005 release is considered the 200th Anniversary Edition, commemorating the 200th birthdate of Joseph Smith, Jr. For this re-release, the 1993 recordings have been remastered, and 6 new instrumental pieces have been added to this collection. The songs are accompanied by a newly designed album cover and CD insert, featuring the artwork of Liz Lemon Swindle. The vocal tracks are the original recordings from 1993. (See a copy of the original album cover)

"Birthright" serves as an introduction piece with Hebrew singing backed by an almost an ethereal choir. From the first track on, the orchestra behind the music is amazing: rich strings, bright horns, powerful percussion; you name it, the CD has it.

"Thy Kingdom Come" features a similar sounding choir from the first track with lyrics that lay the foundation for the rest of the album. The contrast between the male and female sections of the choir is striking and effective.

Cope's introduction to the CD comes in "Learning For Myself", a song that is the latest in a long line of stirring, spiritual songs from Cope. There are few musicians that can convey emotion through their voice as effective as Kenneth Cope. This song is no exception.

"Learning For Myself" is followed by the title track, "My Servant Joseph", another choir piece with no solos. The song is effective in conveying the message of the album, that Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God. The choir's presentation is powerful enough that it sounds as if they were sent from heaven to proclaim the message.

A favorite of mine from the album is "Tiny Hands", featuring solos from Cope and Jennifer Madsen who plays the part of Emma in the album. Liner notes to the song include a quote from Joseph F. Smith about Smith's teachings regarding when children pass away. The song is very touching considering the topic of the lyrics.

"Founding Zion" is primarily an instrumental piece except the end of the song which features a female choir. This song serves as an effective transition from the sensitivity of "Tiny Hands" to the following track "Go With Me" which sounds like an anthem and is certainly a call to follow the "truths taught from heaven". The melody of the song is woven throughout other tracks on the album as well.

"Sleigh Ride" is a lighthearted, and excellently arranged instrumental piece which somehow carries the message of the album without singing one word. The song showcases the effective orchestra which is behind each song. Another instrumental piece, "Miraculous Zion" is found later on in the CD.

"Going As A Lamb" is another track which includes both Cope and Madsen alternating between lines. The part of Joseph III, played by young child Tim Taylor, is also included in the song. The song is able to put a picture into the mind of the listener of the personal struggles and trials that the Prophet experienced through his time leading the church. Cope is then featured in another solo piece, "Man Of Sorrows" which is a heartbreaking piece with a message along the same lines as the previous song.

"Brothers" is a musical dialogue between Joseph and Hyrum, and is keenly arranged, though the song is presented in a manner much the same as previous tracks, which lends to the songs blending together. This one doesn't have as much variety.

Following "Brothers" is another instrumental track, "Tears Flowing Fast" which conveys the emotion felt between Joseph and Emma during their farewell. The strings section gives a full, rich sound that can best be seen on this track.

"O Lord My God" is primarily a male solo of "A Poor Wayfaring Man Of Grief". The singing, which is completely solo without any instrumentation, feels very empty which is perfect because the song serves as notification of Joseph's martyrdom, so the hollow feeling works well.

"Why Must The Good Die?/Free At Last" is a touching song about the peace Joseph feels after having been released from his earthly trials, and hopes for the future of the church. There is another variation of "Go With Me", with serves as an effective conclusion for Joseph's part in the music.

The album finishes with "Come, Follow Me" which begins with another variation on the hymn "A Poor Wayfaring Man Of Grief" sung by a choir sound much like the music from the first part of the CD.

Kenneth Cope has again managed to produce a theme-based album complete with memorable melodies, rich arrangements, and the ability to connect the listener with the Spirit. The album boasts more than 100 minutes of music, and deserves the time to sit down and listen through the entire CD to get the full impact of the music.

4 stars out of 5.
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Cory Reese

01. Birthright
02. Thy Kingdom Come
03. Learning For Myself
04. My Servant Joseph
05. Tiny Hands
06. Founding Zion
07. Go With Me
08. Sleigh Ride
09. Going as a Lamb
10. Man of Sorrows
11. Miraculous Nauvoo
12. Brothers
13. Tears Flowing Fast
14. O Lord My God
15. Why Must the Good Die/
16. Free at Last
17. Come, Follow Me