Reviewed by Phil Thomson

Make no mistake about it - New Zealand's Parachute Festival house band are very good indeed - the whole team - but it still takes the Holy Spirit to fire up a live album - and when it comes to praise and worship, this IS the age of the live album. Which, as far as I'm concerned, places an enormous burden on two types of people - the lead vocalist and the writer. After all, any self-respecting production company knows how to deliver, so, ultimately, the test is when we feel the power of the Holy Spirit through the work as we listen. And that's where this album comes in - with all the integrity associated with the label it carries. I closed my eyes and I really did feel as if I was there, soaking up the glory. Wonderfully crafted songs from a tight, brassy and confident outfit; effortless exhortation from an excellent team of worship leaders, so good I have to name them: Libby & Wayne Huria, Juliagrace, Kate Wray, Brian Platt and Adrian Robertson. They all get their moment, and without them, the congregational contribution would be nothing special. That's the key in releasing an album such as this. I can't really single out a particular title; don't want to, for it is the sum of 10 years and a number of writers fused together through the inspiration of Parachute founder Mark DeJong. You can hear the experience, sense what is on their hearts. Suffice to say that anyone who puts this on the deck ought to know what they're doing, ought to expect something to happen. This isn't entertainment; this is desire, this is the search. So, what makes us linger on a track, what makes us flick forward? I can guarantee that if you approach 'All The Earth' with the reverence it is due, there will be no flicking. You will be gratefully on your knees with your arms in the air. Once again, the New Zealand/South Pacific axis leads the way. Uncluttered, pure, deep, exciting. Be changed.

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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