Bishop John Francis & The Ruach Choir - Welcome In This Place
STYLE: Gospel RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 22005-12507 LABEL: 99502 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RELEASE DATE: 2007-02-28 RRP: £13.27
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
On the international church scene, John Francis has a major reputation as a church leader and author. He founded Ruach, now one of the biggest churches in Britain and his TV programmes are seen around the world. As a musician he founded The Inspirational Choir in the early '80s and helped to pioneer a new wave of British gospel music. I had high hopes when putting the white label into my player since I'd enjoyed John's music in the past. However the results were not as attention-grabbing as I'd hoped. At first listen, 'Welcome In This Place' sounded exactly like a Ron Kenoly album from the early '90s. It's an easy listening gospel style with smooth production, intricate vocal harmonies and to be honest, well crafted songs. The actual album was recorded six years ago though who knows why it's taken so long to escape into the light of day. Songs like "Sing Unto The Lord" and "The Lion Of Judah" hit that groove where choir and Francis interact vocally, horns parp and everything is in place but I'm still waiting to be convinced. However there are moments when this album rises to sublime heights. "Afflicted" is one very special moment where John Francis reflects on how God uses hard times to mould us. An unusual topic for a song and very powerful. This is a good album and if you're looking for gospel worship that isn't too funky, then you'll enjoy this. If you want something funky then check out the two bonus studio tracks that rework "Where Everybody Is Somebody" in more contemporary styles and one version features a great performance by Watchman. If only the rest of the album had managed to escape from sounding just a tad too generic.
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.
Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.
Product Description
The eagerly-awaited first album from London based Bishop John Francis and the Ruach Choir!
Founder of one of the largest and fastest growing churches in Europe, Pastor John Francis has recently been featured in USA Today magazine listed as No.5 of the World-Class Pace Setting Pastors!
He also has an audience of millions tuning into his TV programme Order My Steps which is broadcast all over the world.
It’s hard to imagine that he has had time to have a thriving musical career receiving multiple music awards over the years and performing in the presence of the Queen, the Prince and late Princess of Wales.
Experience the extraordinary blessing of Welcome in this Place.
Posted by Hilda Nieves in Kissimmee,Florida @ 12:20 on Jan 9 2011
I was wathching TBN AT 6:30AM was so blessed with the
message My children will be established. I was just wanting
to listen to the entire message, time was short. Do you have
this message.
I was wathching TBN AT 6:30AM was so blessed with the message My children will be established. I was just wanting to listen to the entire message, time was short. Do you have this message.
The CD is not available in Gospel stores special in my area.
[report abuse]