Debbie Fortnum - The Beautiful Piano

Published Monday 28th May 2007
Debbie Fortnum - The Beautiful Piano
Debbie Fortnum - The Beautiful Piano

STYLE: Ambient/Meditational
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 25224-12688
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Some may recognise the name Debbie Fortnum from her appearance on fellow Canadian Brian Doerksen's recent 'Holy God', as one of four duets featured on that acclaimed disc. Personally, I'm tickled by the knowledge that Debbie is the great granddaughter (x3) of South African revivalist and devotional writer Andrew Murray, whose books are still in print and whose life story has inspired many. But Ms Fortnum is also accomplished in her own right - as a singer/songwriter and pianist of no mean ability. With several recordings to her name, Debbie here presents her second solo piano venture, a few short months after the release of her 'Christmas Piano'. 'The Beautiful Piano' features 12 instrumental tunes and, for a touch of variety, two bonus vocal tracks. The piano pieces are of various lengths and origins and include sensitive added instrumentals and programming from co-producer Chris Janz. They're generally in the inspirational category - gently flowing pieces which genuinely caress the soul with grace, warmth and delicate beauty. Several are well known neo-classical pieces; Pachelbel's "Canon in D", "Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring" and the frisky "Music Box Dancer" (you'll know them when you hear them!). There's a couple of delightful renditions of well known hymns too - a welcome alternative to the choral versions. Sadly the highly over-recorded '"Morning Has Broken" seems mundane by comparison. Of Debbie's four self-composed tunes, "Easter Morning Sunrise" - at 5.41 mins, by far the longest track on the album - carries a rousing, almost eerie edge as it sinks and soars in atmospheric bouts. Of the two vocal tracks, "Love Never Fails" is a duet with Janz and charmingly reaffirms said biblical truth. Debbie dedicates the closing track to her husband, Scott, having sung it to him at their wedding 17 years ago (aawww) - and it typically captures the singer's vocal prowess. Altogether an elegant airing and a refreshing and soothing listen.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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