In our ongoing series well known artists run through their albums and books. This time one of the fathers of British worship music DAVE BILBROUGH

Dave Bilbrough & Friends/Lift Me Up, Kingsway Music, cassette, 1987
Kingsway Music released a cassette package of my two inaugural albums.

Part Of A Mystery, Kingsway Music, CD & cassette, 1988
As the worship movement began to grow in stature and popularity, increasingly I became concerned at what seemed to me to be a developing separation between skilled artistry and heartfelt, but at times musically predictable, production values. Surely, I argued, if we are in touch with the Creator of all things, originality and variety should go hand in hand with the fruits of our labour in the musical field. For me, I observed that the pendulum had swung in a reaction from paying too much attention on the external towards an acceptance of musicianship that was in danger of becoming formulaic. The musicians in the Old Testament were noted for being skilful. However that did not just mean they played their instruments well. The root word for skilful means to perceive; to have heart. These musicians had the best of both worlds - a worshipping heart coupled with the ability to play expertly. So it was with this understanding that I began to work towards this recording that came to be 'Part Of A Mystery'.

Around about that time I was in the USA flipping through the channels, as you do. On Christian TV I heard Phil Keaggy play, during the midst of a worship service, some of the most moving music to God that I had encountered. Here was someone with GREAT ability, and yet using it to worship. The plan was then hatched to involve Phil in my album. Having recorded most of the tracks in ICC Studios, England, I then travelled to Whitefield Studios in Santa Ana, California to overdub Phil. It was a truly memorable experience; his exquisite playing added so much to this collection of songs. The album finished with a track that I'd almost left off. Called "All Hail The Lamb" it was birthed in the midst of a worship service where a few lines came to me. Listening back to some tapes a little later I saw the germ of an idea but couldn't quite finish it off. Eventually it fell into place, but even then I wasn't sure. It was only through others encouraging me to put it on that it arrived on the CD. As a songwriter you learn that you can't always spot your own best songs. The album was also one of the first Christian CDs to be produced in this country. It was an interesting phenomenon to hold in your hand something that seemed so novel and fresh.

Sacrificial Love, Kingsway Music, CD & Cassette, 1990
Produced by Neil Costello this album had the real distinction of having three covers in the first year of its release. The first of Kingsway Music's Worship Leaders series, I think they were trying out different ideas that both represented me but also carried the wider series logo forward. I enjoyed this album a lot. It brought to the fore some musical ideas that had been incubating for a while, introducing fiddle and accordion into the mix. Geraint Watkins came up from London to play accordion. Once described by the Beatles producer George Martin as "the greatest accordion player alive" he was an inspiration to watch and his contribution to the album was immense.

Elements of folk and country were developed on the album. Mal Pope added his distinctive touch in "Healing Grace" and "I'm Dancing". A song I had written with Graham Kendrick called "Spirit Breathe On Me" became one of the standout tracks as well as one of my favourites of the songs I've written, "Forevermore". Les Moir, a good friend of mine, producer and now A&R manager at Survivor Records, commented that the album really jumped into focus on the second track, in the Fairport Convention styled "I Waited For The Lord". I can see what he means. Many of the sounds that I was later to develop first appeared on this recording.

Worship Leaders Songbook, Kingsway Publications, songbook, 1991
To tie in with the Worship Leaders series, a songbook was produced with songs from myself, Noel Richards and Chris Bowater.

In The Name Of The Lord, Kingsway Music, CD & cassette, 1992
'In The Name Of The Lord' was a return to the live worship format. A large church who met in a converted cinema, now called King's Church, opened the doors for me and the band to lead an afternoon and evening worship session to their congregation and invited surrounding churches in the region to join with us. A great time was had by all, then it was down to ICC Studios in Eastbourne to listen back, edit and add to the raw material we had recorded. Interestingly, a very young Martin Smith was the engineer on this session. Employed initially on a Youth Training Scheme he was beginning to make a name for himself as a sound engineer. David Grant (Fame Academy and Pop Idol) brought down a vocal group which brought a real gospel flavour to the proceedings. I was grateful to have the opportunity to work with Les Moir who produced the album. His input down the years has been significant in many ways to my ministry. Abandoned praise is how I would describe the album, featuring a large percentage of songs for congregational use.

Take The City, Hosanna! Music, CD, 1992
It went over to the USA to participate as the guest worship leader for a Hosanna!/ Integrity recording. My contribution was for the European market only, so it was a strange experience overdubbing my vocals onto a worship evening that had already been recorded in Alabama that I'd not been a part of! Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable experience and I met some great people.

God Of Grace/An Army Of Ordinary People, Kingsway Music, CD, 1993
With CD now the predominant format it was an obvious thing to combine these two albums for the CD market.

Lift Him High, Kingsway Music, CD & cassette, 1994
Two nights in my hometown for this live recording. This was a real adventure in pursuing Celtic and Cajun influences. Terl Bryant joined me on drums alongside legendary Celtic fiddler Jean Pierre Rudolph on violin, mandolin and penny whistle. Jean Pierre fitted the genre perfectly. Although French, he played (and spoke!) like an Irishman. It was amazing. I well remember him playing away with a pint of Guinness at his feet. The energy that he produced on tracks like "Sound The Trumpet" and "How Wonderful" was simply breathtaking.

New Heart, Kingsway Music, CD & cassette, 1995
There was a change of tack again on this album. I was introduced to legendary Christian producer Andy Piercy and it was to be the start of a strong relationship that produced two albums, the first of which was 'New Heart'. Dave Clifton, who had played with me in the 'Lift Him High' sessions, became an important part of the team for this recording. I enjoyed making this record a great deal. Andy, in his own unique way, would challenge and provoke me to think of my writing in a fresh way, for which I am very grateful. It was at this point that I began to reposition my focus. I guess the title reflected this as I embraced writing songs from my own perspective rather than conforming to the expected and, at times, more instantly acceptable. Martin Smith was once again working as an engineer for the mixing sessions and Sue Rinaldi returned after her 1983 contribution to record with me on "Father God" and "Send Your Fire".

Worship Together Live 1: I Have Come To Love You, Kingsway Music, CD, 1996
'Worship Together' was a live recording that was a double bill with my fellow songwriter Stuart Townend. I recorded six tracks with my band in Romford and Suart did the same in Brighton. I was really pleased to have a great rhythm section - Terl Bryant on drums with Martin Neil joining on percussion. Recording in my home town is always special and this proved no exception.

All Hail The Lamb, Kingsway Music, CD, 1997
This was a kind of 'Best Of' CD initially conceived to meet the needs of my increasing overseas ministry trips. Once it was put together it seemed an obvious and appropriate step to release it to the UK market as well.

Secret Places, Kingsway Music, CD & cassette, 1997
The next two albums were very special for me as they summed up the essence of so much of what the focus of my calling seemed to embrace. 'Secret Places' was an album of the heart. It came from a place of digging deeper into God's purposes and plans. It had a very stripped back feel which was deliberate as I did not want anything to get in the way of the passion and at times vulnerability that I tried to express through the songs. One of the keynote compositions was called "Of All The People On This Earth". It was written the day after I had received a very clear prophetic word about breaking into new territory in the wider world. Much of which was to connect with the poor, disenfranchised and less privileged. This album was the first one on which my evergreen guitarist Simon Nelson contributed. He's been with me ever since!