Reviewed by Tom Lennie

There are a lot of imaginative things being done under the banner of worship music these days. Alberto & Kimberly Rivera's art-form easily falls into this category. It might be classed as "soaking music", but it's really far more adventurous and interesting than that. In distinction from traditional worship songs, the Riveras' style is spontaneous; they allow the music to take the lead, rather than a premeditated song. In other words, they seek to listen to "what the Father is saying/doing" and attempt to move with that prophetic flow. The Riveras seek to create space in their music, encouraging worshippers to relate directly to the Father, not just by singing praise to him, but by hearing from him too. This style has proved popular, and the couple, who act as worship pastors at Grace Centre Church in Franklin, Tennessee, have already issued over a dozen albums. This one, 'Captured', was released back in 2006 though has only recently been issued in the UK by Integrity Europe. Recorded live at A & K's home church, the recording consists of a dozen ambient tracks which flow seamlessly into each other, creating a unified experience. The keyboard-led sounds, played and mixed by Alberto - with occasional flute and bass - are overlayed with Kimberly's competent, attractive vocals and have a range of titles such as '"Deep", "Shine" and "Embrace". The vocals on some tracks don't contain lyrics at all, but moving vocal "sounds" - because often, as this duo suggest, human words cannot express the deep things of our spirit man. The overall effect is a profoundly moving, and at times almost haunting, series of deeply atmospheric soundscapes which certainly have a sense of the 'the aroma of Heaven" about them. I've played it umpteen times since receiving it, and fail to grow tired. There's always something new and refreshing to come from repeated listening - a mood, a feeling, a visionary thought - and it is particularly good as a back-drop or aid to times of prayer and intercession. Through their creative gifting, the Riveras seek to be conduits of God's rivers of blessing. For this listener, in this recording, they succeed magnificently.

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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