Fernando Ortega defies the conventional view of a popular Christian artist. His debut album with Myrrh Records in 1997, This Bright Hour, was praised by critics and even garnered a Dove award for "Children Of The Living God" and a nomination for Inspirational Album of the Year. To many music consumers, Fernando Ortega seemed to jump onto the scene with a new approach to inspirational music, yet his approach wasn't new at all. Ortega had been performing and making records with independent record companies for several years before his Myrrh debut. Instead of changing his music formula every few years to the newest and most popular genre at the time, Ortega has consistently created music tinged with folk, classical, jazz, and Latin colors. While not commercially appealing to all music audiences, Ortega creates music that is artistic and pleasing to the ear of the listener desiring inspirational music that rises above the mediocrity of many praise and worship albums out on the market today.
On the heels of This Bright Hour, Ortega's new album, The Breaking Of The Dawn, paints a cohesive and expressive set of songs in his signature style. On most songs, Ortega, along with producer John Andrew Schreiner, bring together the lush sound of strings with acoustic and electric guitar. Sometimes you'll hear more folksy instruments such as mandolins or fiddles. The percussion also sets the tone with folk and Latin rhythms.
The album opens on an energetic note with "Creation Song." This up-tempo song has a driving, forward momentum that grabbed me right away. Beautiful harmonies add to Ortega's clear, sure lead vocal. This spirit-stirring song sets the mood for the rest of the album. Things slow down a bit with the next track, "Lord Of Eternity." More jazz-influenced than the previously mentioned song, Ortega shows his strength through very subtle vocals - never overdone or overly dramatic.
Home and family is a strong theme on this album, with five of the songs focused on the subject. One of special mention, "The Breaking Of The Dawn," explores the thoughts of one going home to see a mother who is very ill. This song, with its haunting sound, brings you along on the journey. Although I haven't had the experience of losing a parent, this song effectively gave me a glimpse of the emotions of that situation.
The album is summed up in the last song, "Jesus, King Of Angels." Speaking of the comfort and safety we can find in Jesus, this songs shows that Ortega can craft a timeless, modern-day hymn. With this continuing formula in his pocket, Fernando Ortega will most likely be creating more artistic and appealing albums for his growing audience in the years to come.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Elisa MussoOn this exquisite second project for Myrrh, Fernando Ortega shares songwriting "duty" with his producer, John Andrew Schreiner, and Elaine Rubinstein, his former poetry teacher. Two of the songs, however, are traditional hymns: the 8th century Irish hymn, "Be Thou My Vision," and "When All Thy Mercies." The hymns and the songs, "Creation Song (Glory to the Lamb)," "If I Flee on Morning Wings,"…Similar sounding releases
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