Warren Does It Again!
Peter E. Deneen | Traverse City, MI United States | 08/30/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Organist James Warren's new CD HOW BRIGHLY SHINES THE MORNING STAR is a wonderful sequel to his earlier recording ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT. Again, Warren presents an enjoyable variety of improvisations on well-known hymn tunes from the console of a truely remarkable instrument: the Harrison and Harrison Organ in the Cathedral of St. Michael in Coventry, England. Personally, I find this recording even more interesting than the first, as the first contained settings of hymn improvisations by purely English composers. This new recording features works set by everyone from J.S. Bach to Healey Willan, from Johann Pachelbel to Dale Wood. Even the production quality seems more clear here than on the previous recording, and Mr. Warren's seemingly effortless technical work allows the music to dance and sparkle.Professional organists and novice listeners alike will enjoy this new release. As with his previous recording, James Warren's HOW BRIGHTLY SHINES THE MORNING STAR is lovely enough for background accompaniment to your morning ritual; but interesting enough for serious, undistracted, cathedral-volume listening!"