Folk medicine for the heart
barbara colborn | Duncanville, TX | 08/24/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If we could hear wildflowers sing, perhaps their sound would be something like what we hear on this CD. Innocence without naivete. A purity that comes from faith lived in a harsh environment. Hope that has sprouted in the climate of painful, heart honesty. Both musically and in the simplicity of its lyrics, this collection offers an embrace to the weary, jaded, disappointed heart. It is both folk music and folk medicine. My favorite cut is "In My Weakness," which combines a thought expressed by the Apostle Paul, in the twelfth chapter of his second letter to the Corinthian church, with the clear, earnest voice of Cathy McAndrew. It is an expression of faith in a God who has proved faithful, the soul reminding itself that there is more to the story than the present pain. While most of the cuts are an expression of an individual heart in relationship with God, "Kindle My Heart" expresses the fellowship of kindred hearts in a harmony that one prays for and lives for in the church. My only disappointment in this CD is that the liner notes are hard to read--a small minus that doesn't prevent the medicine of the music from reaching the place of need. If you are weary of celebrity bands and highly produced albums, this CD will prove especially refreshing. It will quiet your soul."
Hear It For Your Heart
Rich Stone | Duncanville, TX | 08/31/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Being a pastor, I am sometimes guilty of using too many words or being a little dramatic, but in listening to God Above, God Below I was struck with the fact this CD project is a meal. It's hard for me to bring to mind any other CD I have heard recently that has the meaningful content this collection of worship songs has. The lyrics are an integral part of the feast. They are beautiful and meaty; words that make a difference in your thoughts of and about the Lord as you listen. The vocals also have a beauty without being too "slick" to fit the organic style of Celtic music. There are ethereal vocal solos and flute selections that give you the sense of hearing a young maiden singing at dawn on the Island. The delightful and powerful harmony of the voices vividly, though only partially, speak of "belief in the threeness through confession of the oneness of the Creator of creation". From the pipes that begin the experience to the guitar strings that bring the music to a fitting close, the instrumentation is authentic and appropriate. The musicians are solid and sensitive and serve up the music well.
I have listened to this music in my office on a busy day and had my heart quieted and fed. I have listened to this music in my office on days that I was more than a little flat and my mind and heart have been refreshed and directed. I confess - I love this style of music and I especially love Celtic music when it is done in a spirit of worship to our God. This project is done in that spirit and has been used by His Spirit many times on my behalf. I highly commend this CD to you for your musical enjoyment and spiritual edification."
Listening to it over and over...
Jolene Wilson | Iowa, USA | 08/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a musician, I am impressed with the quality of the performance on this CD, as well as the excellent texts adapted to ancient Celtic melodies. The CD contains a good mix of musical styles. Among my favorite familiar tunes are "O For A Thousand Tongues", "Be Thou My Vision", and "St. Patrick's Breastplate", but there are also songs that are refreshingly new to me. Loved every minute of it and play it often."
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1