Reviewed by David Holland

Now this is interesting. For somebody weaned on the late 20th century-to-present day worship material available via the global Christian music industry this digitally re-mastered re-issue of a 1977 Jesus music album makes fascinating listening. Its most striking elements are the emphasis on melody ("Obviously," I sense Sandquist would probably say, "this is music after all"), the straightforwardness and accessibility of the lyrics and the musicality of the orchestrations. This is praise and worship without pretension, where the Word does the work. Sandquist has had a long association with Phil Keaggy, and the latter contributes one song and co-writes another in this 14-track and 53 minute collection. Other guests contributing their vocal talents are Nedra Ross (one-time member of Phil Spector hitmakers The Ronettes) and the Love Inn Company. But this recording is primarily about Sandquist and his ability to set God's Word to music in an engaging and illuminating way. The album takes the listener on a wonderful journey through a myriad of different rhythms, textures and musical colours, with harmonies (all exquisite) added when it is right to do so and omitted when it is not. And all solidly based on Scripture to boot. Sandquist is a performer in his own right as well as writer and while he is not heard to the fore on this CD what he has done here is pen a collection of songs from the heart for the heart. This is the fourth re-issue of 'Courts' (as it is known, apparently!), and my guess is there will be more, because great songs (which is what these are) endure.

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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