Search - John Michael Talbot :: Signatures

25 Years of Praise, Blessings Celebrated on "Signatures"

Anthony G Pizza | FL | 05/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Did I mention I'm a Christian?" John Michael Talbot asked with a sly smile at a recent concert. The point was obvious, the laughs and affection genuine in an evening filled with prayers and a collection call for his Mercy Corps International charity (joking,"You paid to get in here, and now you'll have to pay to get out."). And, of course, his contemplative songs with lyrics drawn from the Psalms, saints' prayers and Jesus' own words. Not to mention his familiar monastic robe worn onstage.Talbot has for more than 25 years been a leading Catholic Christian singer/songwriter, author, fundraiser, lay preacher and monastic leader. He celebrates his blessings and success this year with an updated biography and this exceptional CD, both sharing the name "Signatures.""Signatures" features Talbot concert favorites, sweetened and strengthened through orchestration (from the London Philarmonia, conducted by veteran Phil Perkins) and choral background (from the St. Michael Singers). They add sweep and grandeur to the choruses of "Come Worship the Lord," "Only in God," and "The Hiding Place," which features a superb staccaco string arrangement. They give the CD a gently rolling, classical feeling without drowning Talbot's voice or superb acoustic guitar playing. This is especially true on the beloved "Holy Is His Name," Talbot's melody of Mary's Magnificat with its superb introductory guitar/woodwind interplay. Of the CD opener, "Lilies of the Field," Talbot writes in his detailed liner notes, "...it has a most charming way of touching the listener with the beautiful aspect of gospel simplicity...when sung it almost irresistibly beckons." Yet the same is true of his other "Jesus songs" here; "I Am The Bread of Life" is slowly, emotionally moving and reassuring, especially in a year dominated by "The Passion of the Christ."After 15 songs lasting more than an hour, you're left with a suite of flowing, contemplative music building a mood and message of God's steadfastness, Jesus' peace and rest amidst solitude and silence. (During the concert, Talbot reminded his audience to listen for silence within and between the music and find Jesus there as well.) It also speaks of our need for faith and to surrender to His will ("God Alone Is Enough," "I Surrender") Even Talbot's detractors acknowledge his musicianship and the souls he and his music helped win for Christ. (Yours truly met John Michael after the concert with my closest, dearest friend, who introduced his music to me. I found him a kind, committed, unpretentious artist and man.) It's a legacy well worth signing off on, and this CD is an outstanding introduction or addition to any praise music collection."

John Michael At His Best!

Anthony G Pizza | 08/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just when you thought John Michael Talbot couldn't possibly record a better album than his last, he finds just the perfect symphonic orchestra and just the right songs! His new Signatures album was recorded using the Sinfonia of London and the St. Michael's Singers from Coventry Cathedral and it is magnificant! John's voice and lyrics are inspiring, uplifting, exciting, encouraging and peaceful. Look, also, into the Brothers & Sisters of Charity, of which John Michael and his wife Viola are the founder and foundress, located at the Little Portion Hermitage outside of Eureka Springs, Arkansas."

Peaceful

Jenne Rill | athens, wisconsin | 10/27/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"these are good songs for all times. among many, this is a favorite cd in our household."