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When Michael Gungor, worship leader at Granville, Michigan's Resurrection Life Church, describes this album as
'by far the best' one he has worked on, it is no vain or whimsical comment. For Every Part of Me is truly miles ahead of the preceding Selah (itself a fine work), and in my opinion ranks as the most
formidable independent church-worship CD I've had the privilege of hearing in at least the last twelve months (and I've heard many!), maybe longer.
Quality oozes from this disc to such extent that it comes
as little surprise to know the project was nine months and literally hundreds of hours in the making! Gungor wrote/co-wrote all 14 songs, save for a choice, self-lowering Darrell Evans cut (excellently performed), and
Mike, along with wife Lisa, are the main worship leaders throughout. Set opens with some delightful pop-rock/funk numbers that are outrageously winsome from the very start! There follows a select train of gentler songs
whose words and melody aid you sink deep in His encompassing Love and lose yourself in adoration. Amidst such heavenly flow appear hints of jazz, while a couple of savoury soul cuts aptly bring the silky vocal tones of
Candace Martin and Ken Reynolds to lead mike; pursued closely by two fun & funky salsa rhythms that rejoice unashamedly in God's bounteous grace! A well-honed brass section underlies these Latino takes, while Bruce
Vanderveen's tasty sax solos embellish various other tracks. Short solo breaks from guitar, drum or piano also come to light here and there, while contributions from the Nashville String Machine - supporting the
church's own 'ensemble' - are the only 'guest' musicians to feature on the entire album.
Recorded amidst 5,000 worshippers over one weekend (with studio overdubs/mixing added later), you'd
expect the sound to be raucously loud and wild. On the contrary, while the 1 hour 10 minutes music that makes up this disc is at times free and celebratory, it is nevertheless refined, highly professional and thoroughly
focused on the awesome God who wants to own Every Part of Me. You won't want to listen in if you're a half-hearted Christian - this recording is intended for those who are truly dedicated to the King on high.
Magnificent stuff!
Review by tom lennie |
