Graham Kendrick - Spark To A Flame

Friday 1st October 1993
Graham Kendrick - Spark To A Flame
Graham Kendrick - Spark To A Flame

STYLE: MOR / Soft Pop
RATING 6 6 6 6 6 6
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 21657-26386
LABEL: Megaphone 1
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

A new label (though it still goes through Nelson Word); a rumour (erroneous) that this is a 'contemporary' (ie, performance-orientated) album rather than a praise and worship album; and Steve Thompson in charge of production. 'Spark To A Flame' is written for congregational worship, this time with the angle of "songs for themes, occasions and seasons of the worshipping church" and not, thankfully, another March For Jesus album. It has to be said that the folk issuing Graham Kendrick material have rather swamped the market in recent years and so it's hard to feel the sense of significance a new album by Britain's greatest hymn writer once brought us. But giving the production chores to the exceedingly gifted Mr Thompson was a good move, for the funky keyboard man brings some very nice touches, with more bite in the rhythm arrangements, while still retaining the congregational worship dynamic. I particularly liked the arrangement for "Jesus Let Me Meet You In Your Word" and Velveta Thompson's solo on "Here Is Bread". The songs have extensive notes for the uses to which they can be put, though I'm a tad disappointed that despite all the songwriting craft and solid musicianship it still feels a bit formulaic. But maybe we'll have to look to a new wave of 'alternative worship' songwriters for something really fresh.

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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Sample Track Listing:
1. God Is Great [Listen]
2. Yes I Believe [Listen]
3. Our Eyes Are On You (Humbly We Gather Together) [Listen]
4. Jesus, Let Me Meet You In Your Word (Now In Reverence And Awe) [Listen]
5. Jesus Restore To Us Again [Listen]
6. Sing A New Song (Psalm 149) [Listen]
7. Beauty For Brokenness (God Of The Poor) [Listen]
8. We Shall Declare His Praise [Listen]
9. Here Is Bread [Listen]
10. Three Part Harmony (On This Day Of Happiness) [Listen]
11. Teach Me To Dance [Listen]

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.

Reader Comments

Posted by David Phillips @ 10:57 on Mar 16 2009

I have been after this cd for awhile because my son is getting married in may and one of the songs onthis cd will make the the day its called on this day ( a three -part harmony ) can anyone help please
God bless you all



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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