A Favorite of Mine
Michael Dalton | Eureka, CA United States | 11/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A Quiet Knowing definitely lives up to its name. This music is quiet, soothing (there's no heavy percussion or guitar), contemporary, artistic and inspiring. It features 10 traditional hymns and two contemporary originals composed by Jeff Johnson. Even though I consider this to be the best instrumental hymn recording I have heard, you don't have to like hymns to enjoy this. Some of my favorite moments are the inspiring interludes of original music that are interspersed with the familiar hymn melodies. Anyone familiar with "Just As I Am" the song that has closed so many Billy Graham crusades, will no doubt be moved by the ethereal sounding keyboards and gentle flute that open the version found here. The title song, A Quiet Knowing, is a beautiful, almost mournful keyboard composition. In my mind, the song invokes both longing and rest. I had never heard the hymn Love Divine before but the music found here is heavenly sounding.Even though the music is mellow, there's lots of variety. The songs do not all sound the same. There's a good mix of arrangements, some slow and others faster. Great Is Thy Faithfulness is a violin solo, and Jesus Loves Me is a short cello solo. Most of the songs have a strong Celtic and Appalachian influence.Producer and keyboard player, Jeff Johnson, is joined by Brian Dunning on flutes and accordion, John Fitzpatrick on violin, Tim Ellis on guitar, Gregg Williams on percussion, Phil Baker on bass and Jami Sieber on cello."
If I could only choose one CD, this would be it.
Debby Stoner | Mill Creek, WA | 06/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
""A Quiet Knowing" blends well-loved hymns with a gentle Celtic rhythm to create a unique collection that will appeal to all ages. The music is upbeat, but also calm and relaxing, instilling for me a feeling of being 'home'. Jeff Johnson's title song is fresh and interesting and fits in well with the hymns. Brian Dunning adds a 'Titanic' feel to the music with haunting flute melodies and John Fitzpatrick's violin will make you want to go to Ireland for your next vacation. One thing is for sure, nobody will ask you to turn this music down!"
A Quiet Knowing
Randy N. Sherrill | North Carolina | 03/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Beautiful setting of many evocative spiritual classics. The artists understand the heart of the music and allow it to be revealed."