Jan Morrison

Item: Jan Morrison
Author: Marie Asner

(2004)

Reviewed by Marie Asner

Bandcamp

Label Methuselah RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2004

ccm gospel worship

Jan Morrison has a unique way of combining unusual percussion instruments and vocal arrangements in her music. Morrison not only uses keyboard and violin, but also low-boy and bells. This reviewer remembers the effect bells had in Alex North's memorable soundtrack of Cleopatra. There, bells were a symbol of ambition, but here, bells are a glorification of the Lord and highlight the choral arrangement and lyrics in "Darkness" and "Four Angels." The Lord is with you always, no matter what.

"Darkness" has a calypso beat, and the composition moves well with a good choral blend and lyrics of punishing the wicked. "Lament" has too much lament with overpowering percussion. "Lord, Hear My Prayer" is sung longingly, and the intense lyrics are performed well. "Hide not thy face from me when I am in distress . . . The Lord turns to hear the prayer of the destitute. . . ."

"Jesus Said" begins with repetitive bass and percussion that resonate within the listener. "Jesus said, 'How blest are the sorrowful, they shall find consolation'." The selection, "Dwell in My Love," is the least effective selection on this CD. The powerful lyrics do not come through to the listener with "dwell" sounding like "dwall" and "love" like "lave." This distraction disrupts an otherwise good composition with percussion effects that are imaginative and fresh. "Peace" is a choral blessing, using words from John 20, "Peace be with you always."

The last composition, "Four Angels," is one of the best and gives hope, using words from Revelation 7 and Psalms 19 and 69. The bells are well placed, with a good mix in the chorus. This reviewer would like to see a CD of Jan Morrison choral works, as that CD would be one worth the wait.

3 tocks