In Christ Alone: New Hymns of Prayer & Worship (CD - 2001)

Personnel: Margaret Becker (background vocals); Troy Donockley (whistling, pipe); Pete Kipley (guitar, keyboards, programming); Nick Fletcher, Phil Keaggy (guitar); Donald O'Connor, David Davidson (fiddle); Keith Getty (piano); Tim Oliver (keyboards, programming); Terl Bryant (drums, percussion); Joanna Hogg, Máire Brennan, Peter Wilson (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: David Schober.

Recording information: ICC Studios.

Photographer: Tim Jarvis.

Arrangers: Keith Getty; Pete Kipley; Tim Oliver.

This is a strong statement of corporate worship for the Enya generation, mixing mystical Celtic atmospheres on standout tracks like "Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer (May This Journey)" and with the powerful, marching beats and Uillean pipes on "Your Hand O God Has Guided." Then there are conventional jig celebrations like "Hear All Creation." The distinctive voices of these three performers collaborate to create a unique album of modern hymns for the church. The tunes cover the usual themes of traditional worship music, mixing classic ancient elements with modern production values created by veteran composer Keith Getty. These innovators are to be commended for doing something unique with the recorded worship experience -- not only incorporating the musical elements of their culture, but also striving to create a new catalog of hymns rather than simply record the umpteenth version of songs every Christian knows by heart. Any one of the more solemn numbers here would fit in with traditional services, while contemporary churches might favor those with the rock and new age production values. ~ Jonathan Widran minimize