Reviewed by Alan Smith

Another album in the Maranatha! International series (they've already done Australia), this appears to be representative of praise in Hawaii (though there's only one track where Hawaiian guitar is much in evidence). The overall flavour of this album is Californian. The editor of Cross Rhythms knows I'll rave about everything that comes out of this most famous of peninsulas. Stan "How Great Is Thy Name" Endicott, with Tim Jaquette under him, has produced a gifted, inspirational and musically brilliant work. Almost all the songs on this well balanced and very high fidelity recording are based on a three chord bash, but it takes some time to actually realise it. Arrangements and musicianship are the best you'll ever hear and I can only describe the overall sound as Tex-Mex/Carrib-calypso salsa (well, that's one way of describing Polynesian Praise. Ed). There are no frills or unnecessary padding and this treatment enables the dozen or so voices to enjoy complete freedom. Solo vocals are all from within the credited "background vocals" and each one is exceptional in his or her own way. I would recommend that everyone who has a ministry in music buys this tape. You will learn how to play better simply by listening to the individual and well-defined instruments. Having said this, I can't explain how Gary Meek hits a top F (3 above middle C) on alto sax. Answers on a postcard, please. Percussion, too, is simply giant. Yes, but does all this honour the Lord and draw his saints to worship him? Yes it does. This lovely bunch of Jesus nuts from an anonymous island couldn't fool anyone; they love the Lord and they praise him with excellence.

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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