|
NEARER
TO THEE:
HYMNS FOR THE SOUL
| ARTIST |
ALBUM
TITLE | |
|
Nearer
To Thee - Hymns for the Soul
|
| RELEASE
DATE | GENRE |
LDSMN
RATING | SHOPPING |
|
2005
|
Instrumental
/ Hymns
|
|
|
| LDSMN
REVIEW |
 Nearer
To Thee - Hymns for the Soul is an eclectic blend of various instrumental
styles combined to create a solid, well-tuned album. The diverse mix
of hymn arrangements from a variety of musicians is soothing and unobtrusive.
Guitar pieces from Mark Geslison and Geoff Groberg include arrangements
of "Nearer, My God, to Thee" and "All Creatures of
Our God and King". Their songs are simple and peaceful, and don't
stray too far from the original tune of each hymn.
Lightwood Duo comprises horns and guitar for two songs on the disc.
A smooth transition between the medley of "Glory to God on High"
and "How Great Thou Art" is the stronger of their songs
on the album.
The album is clearly weighed toward two primary artists; David Glen
Hatch with five songs, and Marshall McDonald with seven songs out
of the sixteen. This was a wise choice for production value, as Hatch
and McDonald's piano arrangements seem to stand out as highlights
of songs able to easily engage the listener. Both musicians have found
a stylistic blend of making the hymn melodies recognizable, but their
own embellishments of each song create more variety and intrigue.
There is also a degree of orchestration added to some of the piano
songs which lends to more dynamics on the album.
Standouts on Nearer To Thee include "Where Can I Turn For Peace?"
and "Did You Think To Pray" by McDonald and "Where
Love Is". Overall, the arrangements on the disc are smooth and
peaceful, though some occasionally become too slow and solemn and
lost my interest a bit. Though most songs don't necessarily command
complete attention from the listener, the music is quiet and serene
and would make a perfect addition to a Sunday afternoon.
------------------------
Cory
Reese |
| SONGS
/ TRACKS |
|
1.
O My Father - David Glen Hatch
2. Our Savior's Love - Marshall McDonald
3. Glory to God on High/How Great Thou Art - Lightwood Duo
4. I Am a Child of God/Dearest Children, God Is Near You - David
Glen Hatch
5. Where Can I Turn For Peace? - Marshall McDonald
6. Nearer, My God, to Thee - Mark Geslison/Geoff Groberg
7. Where Love Is - David Glen Hatch
8. Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy - Marshall McDonald
9. Did You Think To Pray? - Marshall McDonald
10. All Creatures of Our God and King - Mark Geslison/Geoff Groberg
11. Lord, I Would Follow Thee - Marshall McDonald
12. Be Thou Humble - David Glen Hatch
13. Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow - Lightwood Duo
14. Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee - Marshall McDonald
15. O God, the Eternal Father - David Glen Hatch
16. Nearer, My God, to Thee - Marshall McDonald
| | ALBUM
INFO | | |
|
