Monk Rock (CD)
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Description John Michael Talbot is releasing his 48th record. Count ‘em. Forty-eight. That’s two less than fifty. If I tried to list them all, the editor would probably not post this review for lack of room on the website. That’s a LOT of good music. Of course, there is no mistaking his gentle, spiritually soothing tenor voice, accompanied by his trademark honey sweet folk-country style of musical instrumentation. He is indeed one of the most recognizable and respected artists in Christian music. But album number 48 is a little bit more on the unique side. Quite frankly I think it is one of the best albums John Michael Talbot has ever released.Every good and perfect gift comes from God, and here John Michael uses a wide array of available musical styles that God has gifted humankind with to give Him the glory due His Name. Tight, melodious vocal arrangements are expertly blended with these influences to produce a very pleasing project sure to satisfy JMT fans everywhere. I was struck with the exquisite production… the extraordinarily intricate and smooth integration of various musical influences that were effortlessly melded into the usual folksy, country-rock, and medieval styles which we who are admirers of this musi-ssionary all adore. The early southern country rock influence of Mason Proffit stands out much more in this JMT project than in any other I have heard. Aside from the rock influence, there were conspicuous elements of some snazzy jazz-fusion progressions in several tracks. The clean guitar riffs of “Jesus Prayer Swing” caused me to harken back to the days that were vaguely reminiscent of when The Ventures were the big thing. “Agnus Dei” has an ingenious blend of blues and chant, and “Credo” sports a distinct Reggae-ness to its tempo. All this and more wrapped in the signature JMT style that is so familiar. Track listing: 1. One Body In Christ 2. Spread The Good News 3. Te Deum 4. Kyrie 5. Gloria 6. Credo 7. Walk With Jesus 8. Jesus Prayer Swing 9. Requiem 10. Sanctus 11. Proclaim The Mystery 12. Agnus Dei 13. Come Home Little Children |
