This is the first time that I’ve been invited to do a recording project review. I have to admit that I’m a little nervous in doing so. How honest should I be? Do I risk offending the artists whom I know and respect? How complimentary should I be? At what point am I placing too much focus on the musician and not the God of the musician?
With those questions in my mind, I nevertheless press onward to some of my honest, prayerful, respectful conclusions. I will be reviewing a project called “God Himself Is With Us” which is produced by Religious Affections Ministries in Greenville, SC. The vocalist featured are Scott and Becky Aniol who are staff of that ministry.
You may be familiar with Scott through some debates Scott and I have had over at his blog regarding the nature of music styles. Let me say that, although I categorically disagree with Scott’s view on why we do the music styles that we do, I do respect him as a musician and as a brother.
The first thing that I noticed about this project is the richness of the material. Hymn-based recordings are certainly on the rise and I welcome their creation. Hymns such as “Of The Father’s Love Begotten” and “Stricken, Smitten, And Afflicted” are some of MY all-time favorites (matter-of-fact, I just sang the latter as a special yesterday)! You will not be in want for depth of truth in the hymns Scott put on this recording.
The second thing I noticed was the fabulous instrumental arrangements. They are done in a neo-classical style and very well-recorded. Some tracks are done with a string quartet, some with strings and winds, some have piano or gut-string guitar only. Stylistically, it’s about my favorite from which to choose.
The third thing that I noticed (that I hinted at in the second notice) was the high-quality recording. There is much warmth in the string quartet capture as well as the piano tracks. There is some disparity on some of the piano tracks with a few of them lacking the warmth of some of the other ones. Overall, though, it is a masterpiece of recording.
The only negative that I could find was in the vocals. Meaning no disrespect to the Aniols, their vocals are somewhat tepid. There is excellent technique but musicality is lacking. That may be in the Aniol’s attempt to be selfless (knowing what I know of them) in wanting to point to Christ and get themselves out of the way. Their vocals have more of an early collegiate sound to them, sounding as if they have not yet found their own original styling. Again, I would assume that this was done intentionally.
You can purchase a copy of the CD here. I would recommend it as a good source of edification.
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