“Steadfast & Immovable” by Jenny Phillips is a different type of album, but in a good way.  There are really only a few songs on the album, but they are available in several languages, male and female arrangements, and even as just accompaniment tracks.  It was interesting feeling the spirit of the music even when not being able to understand the words because of the languages.

The music has a light,spirit-inviting feeling.  The messages in this music is so uplifting.  Some of my favorite tracks include “I Will Never Move” and “Mercies”.  The singers perform these songs very well and clearly convey the feeling of the music.

Jenny Phillips has arranged a beautiful collection of songs that cause one to want to be “Steadfast & Immovable”.  Especially if one understands some of the other languages on this album. I was touched, and feel that it was worth having the English tracks all the same.  I can’t wait to learn some of these songs and sing them!

D. J. Schneck
Akron, Ohio 

When I was younger, I remember coming downstairs early in the morning during December.  The house was dark and silent and the soft light of the Christmas tree illuminated the stairway just enough to avoid turning on the harsher overhead lights.  The air was permeated with a feeling of reverence as I prepared for the upcoming day.  Our home was different, more peaceful, than any other time of the year.  Now that I’m older, and have a child of my own, I still catch glimpses of those peaceful feelings, but it seems to be more difficult.  The magic of Christmas is slightly shadowed by the reality that preparing for Christmas as a parent is hard work!  There are lights to hang, Christmas parties to attend, gifts to buy and a myriad of other things piled on top of a regularly busy schedule.  And while the work is good and the results are wonderful, I usually find myself in too much of a hurry to stop and let the reverence of my quiet home soak into my soul.  That’s why I love ‘A Marvin Goldstein Christmas’.
 
“A Marvin Goldstein Christmas” by Marvin Goldstein is a great collection of popular Christmas songs that will help bring the Christmas spirit into your home this holiday season.  The album includes both fully orchestrated songs as well as a set of piano solos.  The arrangements are embellished but traditional, making it easy to sing along and recognize the tunes.  I found that playing this album in the background helped me to focus on the reason for the season, instead of all the tasks that needed to be completed.  This beautiful music helped me to slow down and to enjoy the moment.  It has been a great addition to our Christmas music collection.

J. Smith
Maple Valley, Washington

“All About You” by Kenneth Cope is another success in the Kenneth Cope collection!  Most of the songs are in Kenneth’s traditional style, but a few of them seem a little more upbeat with some modern effects added in.

The songs are very catchy and enjoyable.  Kenneth’s voice just floats along, and is just perfectly blended.  Some of my favorites, “Broken” and “More”, have been previously featured on Especially for Youth Soundtracks.  It is interesting to see how well a song can be focused around one word.  “Where You Are” is probably my favorite overall, with a simple, fun message and melody.

Kenneth Cope has been one of my all-time favorite artists and “All About You” is up to par with my expectations for his music.  He knows how to connect with his warm vocals and thoughtful messages.  Enjoy listening to an amazing album!

D. J. Schneck
Akron, Ohio

“A CHILD’S PRAYER, Primary Songs for Bedtime”, by various artists, is a selection of gentle songs for children. There are male and female voices singing, and the music is soft and comforting.  What I loved best about this MP3 download is the clarity of the voices and tender, simple arrangements which would appeal to young listeners, especially those trying to learn the words to these familiar Primary songs.  I found myself wanting to listen to these songs over and over.  My grandchildren listen to Primary songs each night as they fall asleep, and I know they would love this music. The male voice who sings a few of the songs does it so softly and sweetly, it reminded me of my husband, years ago, when he used to softly play his guitar in their bedrooms and sing to our girls as they fell asleep.  Listen to “Lullaby, Baby”, and you might think of young parents singing a newborn baby to sleep. Listen to “A Child’s Prayer, Primary Songs for Bedtime” when you’re a bit tired, and you might find yourself snuggled up for the night.D. Perkins
Eagle River, Alaska

“God Be With You” by Greg Hansen & Michael Dowdle is a new sound for these two artists, but it works. There are actually several styles of music and instruments used in the arrangements on this album.

Some of the songs might not be what you would expect from Michael Dowdle who has done several guitar hymn albums, but the arrangements still seem to be simple, which seems to follow his style. The songs with vocals come from different vocalists and allows for variety, but depending on the style of singing you prefer, you may find some songs to be more pleasant than others.

“Be Still, My Soul” and “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” are among my favorites in this album. The hymns here are so wonderfully presented in a respectful and tranquil manner. Greg Hansen & Michael Dowdle do invite “God Be With You” with the hymns presented in this album. If you are an acoustic guitar or strings enthusiast, you will definitely enjoy the style of some of these songs; or if you are looking for different hymn arrangements, you will find them here.

D. J. Schneck ,
Akron Ohio, Recording Musician

“Ever Onward – Inspiring Missionary Hymns” is a peaceful album presented by Afterglow. Any Missionary would find these hymns to be inspiring as the themes of the songs are all relating to missionary work.

The style of Afterglow is always peaceful, even though most of the songs are more upbeat. The harmonies are nice, but they seem to be the same between most of the songs, which can become redundant after several songs. It is nice to see them blend together piano and other instruments which make the songs feel like they are full of sound and not missing something.

Overall, a great CD for missionaries or anyone else looking for new arrangements of some familiar hymns. Some of my favorites from Afterglow’s “Ever Onward – Inspiring Missionary Hymns” are “Hope of Israel,” “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” and “We’ll Bring the World His Truth” for their messages and stirring arrangements. If you love Afterglow or just love hymns then you’ll love this album!

D. J. Schneck,
Akron, Ohio; Recording Musician 

“Power In Purity” by Various Artists - EFY 2007   

I loved the Especially for Youth CD’s as a young man and as a missionary, and I continue to enjoy them now as a young adult.  Each year, some of the most talented and testimony-laden LDS artists come together to create a spiritual collection of music for the youth of the church.  EFY is one of the few places where contemporary sounds are mixed with powerful truth, and 2007’s “Power in Purity” is no exception.  

“Power in Purity” showcases the talent of Jessie Clark Funk, Jenny Jordan Frogley, Greg Simpson, Clint Poulsen, Felicia Wolfe, and many others.  The overall theme of this collection is, as the title suggests, a reminder to us all that true power and strength come from purity in righteous living.  We are reminded that we are children of God and that our potential as such is great.  I can not think of a more important or timely message for our society at large, and especially for the precious youth of the church.  

“Power in Purity” will make a great gift for a youth, a missionary, or for anyone who could use a great message of hope.  A variety of styles are combined to tell a variety of worthwhile messages.  There is a song for all situations: from the 15 year old waiting to date/drive, to those who are confused about the danger of walking past the line into gray choices, and extends to those who are just looking for a little bit of hope. 

“Power in Purity” is a powerful collection of music that will lighten hearts and will invite a bit of needed quiet reflection in each listener.         

B. Cartwright
Provo, Utah; Accounting Student

Greg Simpson’s album, “Unspoken”, is a refreshing mix of easy rock and timely issues.  His voice and music remind me of the late 80’s pop icon Don Henley, with a hint of the contemporary Christian icon, Russ Taff.  His lyrics witness of his faith, yet avoid preaching at the listener.  Overall, I enjoyed this album immensely.

‘Rhythm of Life’ opens the album, and is a driving number about feeling good after surviving a crisis.  The cut ‘If You Want Me To’ is a slow, danceable number that humbly affirms devotion and dedication.  Other notable tracks are ‘Blue Skies’ and ‘Growing Young’,  although all the tracks are of equal quality.

This album has been fun and uplifting to hear, and was a treat to review.  I highly recommend “Unspoken” by Greg Simpson for anyone who likes classic 80’s rock, Don Henley, Russ Taff, or just feel-good music in the background.  Greg Simpson has done a wonderful job crafting “Unspoken”.

E. Geer
Mother of Three; Music Teacher

Listening to “A Musical Companion - Favorite Missionary Hymns” by Marvin Goldstein is a treat.  Our family listened to this album several times on Sunday.  I put it on in the family room where we were all gathered doing different things.  Personally, I loved the album, but perhaps the best measure of the album’s quality was that while he was working on the computer, my husband began humming the melodies of the hymns as they were played. 

The original versions of the hymns in this album are all beautiful, but for me, Marvin Goldstein’s arrangements add a different dimension.  It is almost like the arrangements are reflecting the personality of each hymn.  For example, ‘Called to Serve’ is played with gusto and verve in the theme of a march.  Whereas, ‘I know My Redeemer Lives’ is played thoughtfully and more as a ballad.  My personal favorite was ‘A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief’.  I liked this arrangement the best, because to me, it’s one of those hymns that grows.  As the story unfolds through the lyrics, the music becomes more complex and beautiful, finally culminating with the recognition of the Savior.  Goldstein’s arrangement of this hymn touched me.  The composition seemed to reflect the story so perfectly.  I was moved to get my hymn book and sing along.

I would recommend “A Musical Companion - Favorite Missionary Hymns” by Marvin Goldstein to anyone looking for great instrumental gospel music that the whole family can enjoy.
 
J. Smith
Maple Valley, Washington

“Joy in Every Sound” performed by Small Torres Guitar Duo was a beautiful album.  The unique sound of the guitar coupled with the original arrangements of popular hymns was a welcome addition to our music library. 

This is one of those albums you turn on in the background.  The sound is unobtrusive and has a calming affect.  It is perfect music for reading or meditating.  The arrangements feature popular hymns but they have enough unique flair to keep the listener interested.  My personal favorite is the upbeat arrangement of ‘Love at Home’.  It makes me smile every time it comes on.  My younger sister is teaching herself to play the guitar.  Sharing this album with her was so much fun.  I’ll have to find a copy of the music for her to learn.   

Overall, “Joy in Every Sound” by Small Torres Guitar Duo was a great album.  It is  quickly becoming a family favorite at our home.

J. Smith
Maple Valley, WA