MUSIC CATALOGUE > CD's > You Raise Me Up
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Recording Review of the Darren Bartlett CD featuring Annika Hansson and Salvacosta
“You raise me up…” Inspirational, delightful, brilliant, and completely professional are some of the words that quickly come to mind after hearing the latest recording by Darren Bartlett “You raise me up…”, as produced by SP&S.
A fresh and musically inviting production, this release speaks to the human soul as well as the mind in a clear and engaging manner. From the opening track, “Spirit of the living God” the listener is transported into a worshipful presence that permeates throughout the recording while permitting one to share in the communication process with our Heavenly Father. Darren Bartlett has beautifully developed his God given talent and his voice comes across with the clarity and high energy usually only associated with live performance. His diction, phrasing and tone quality along with his fluid masterful range are a pleasure to hear and have clearly established him as one of The Salvation Army’s finest vocal soloists.
The choice of literature and the creative arrangements make this recording a true gem amongst recordings anywhere. Featured with Darren is Annika Hansson, whose exquisite voice is very compatible with his and achieves outstanding results. The utilization of the excellent singing group Salvacosta and the very competent accompanying instrumentalists provide a potpourri of musical sounds that never distracts or overrides the vocals. This recording brings together individuals with very high musical and production discipline who demonstrate a strong commitment for excellence in Christian Music Ministry. Unlike some studio recordings in which one can sense an overuse of artificial enhancements, this recording delivers believable, clear musical sound. The superb engineering, mixing and mastering provide the listener the opportunity to sit back and share in a true worship experience.
A unique feature of this recording is the utilization of tunes and words from various musical mediums and styles within the church and secular society. They have been blended together to lift the listener into a deeper spiritual connection with the Lord. In the song “Your heart will lead you home” Darren transcribes this well known song and assists the listener in the spiritual journey to connect with our Heavenly Father when we are lost and not sure where to turn. This theme is continued in “My strength alone,” as we are reminded that it is through a faith in Jesus that we can have hope during difficult times.
The song “In heaven’s eyes” contains lyrics which help us understand that we are each special in God’s eyes and He is there to help us go the distance in our daily walk. Darren selected many outstanding songs, from “Not too far from here” to “You raise me up…,” giving the listener the clear message that Jesus’ love for each of us is irrevocable. A truly gifted and culturally relevant arranger and composer, Darren has enhanced this recording by songs from his own pen that continue to strengthen the theme of lifting us into the comforting arms of a Loving Savior who can brighten all of our days.
This recording is right on the mark and will appeal to all generations as well as traditional and contemporary audiences. “You raise me up …” is truly a top-flight recording that will provide many hours of listening pleasure for anyone fortunate enough to have a copy in their CD collection. I believe this is one of the finest solo albums I have ever heard, each time I listen to it I find something new that lifts my spirit in a fresh and wonderful way.
Review Written By: William B. Flinn - Pasadena Tabernacle Corps
Indeed, a collection of some of the best voices, varied songs and supple arrangements that I’ve come across in recent years; fresh, musical and rich in its choral depth and expression. A worthy addition to anyone’s Christmas collection!
The listener will immediately be drawn to the extremities of the vocal ensemble, as the bottom and top parts are most visible and boast outstanding voices. But this is to do a disservice to the innards of the group which carry the tension in close harmony work and need special commendation indeed. Bravo to the middle-men AND women who batten down the hatches as we are led on a seasonal journey which occasionally finds us in a vocal snow storm!
Hats off also to the production team and technical people who gave oversight to the album. Good decisions were made at every turning in this project. And I commend the song choices and arrangements without question, which span the gamut from excitement and joy, to reverie and awe, without the usual jarring of contrasts that sometimes detracts from the whole.
For me, some of the most delicious moments are found in the a cappella items which are exquisitely carved into the frosted windowpanes of this imaginative and refreshing Christmas Collection.
Review Written By: Len Ballantine, Major - The Salvation Army Yorkminster Citadel Corps, Canada
“You raise me up…” Inspirational, delightful, brilliant, and completely professional are some of the words that quickly come to mind after hearing the latest recording by Darren Bartlett “You raise me up…”, as produced by SP&S.
A fresh and musically inviting production, this release speaks to the human soul as well as the mind in a clear and engaging manner. From the opening track, “Spirit of the living God” the listener is transported into a worshipful presence that permeates throughout the recording while permitting one to share in the communication process with our Heavenly Father. Darren Bartlett has beautifully developed his God given talent and his voice comes across with the clarity and high energy usually only associated with live performance. His diction, phrasing and tone quality along with his fluid masterful range are a pleasure to hear and have clearly established him as one of The Salvation Army’s finest vocal soloists.
The choice of literature and the creative arrangements make this recording a true gem amongst recordings anywhere. Featured with Darren is Annika Hansson, whose exquisite voice is very compatible with his and achieves outstanding results. The utilization of the excellent singing group Salvacosta and the very competent accompanying instrumentalists provide a potpourri of musical sounds that never distracts or overrides the vocals. This recording brings together individuals with very high musical and production discipline who demonstrate a strong commitment for excellence in Christian Music Ministry. Unlike some studio recordings in which one can sense an overuse of artificial enhancements, this recording delivers believable, clear musical sound. The superb engineering, mixing and mastering provide the listener the opportunity to sit back and share in a true worship experience.
A unique feature of this recording is the utilization of tunes and words from various musical mediums and styles within the church and secular society. They have been blended together to lift the listener into a deeper spiritual connection with the Lord. In the song “Your heart will lead you home” Darren transcribes this well known song and assists the listener in the spiritual journey to connect with our Heavenly Father when we are lost and not sure where to turn. This theme is continued in “My strength alone,” as we are reminded that it is through a faith in Jesus that we can have hope during difficult times.
The song “In heaven’s eyes” contains lyrics which help us understand that we are each special in God’s eyes and He is there to help us go the distance in our daily walk. Darren selected many outstanding songs, from “Not too far from here” to “You raise me up…,” giving the listener the clear message that Jesus’ love for each of us is irrevocable. A truly gifted and culturally relevant arranger and composer, Darren has enhanced this recording by songs from his own pen that continue to strengthen the theme of lifting us into the comforting arms of a Loving Savior who can brighten all of our days.
This recording is right on the mark and will appeal to all generations as well as traditional and contemporary audiences. “You raise me up …” is truly a top-flight recording that will provide many hours of listening pleasure for anyone fortunate enough to have a copy in their CD collection. I believe this is one of the finest solo albums I have ever heard, each time I listen to it I find something new that lifts my spirit in a fresh and wonderful way.
Review Written By: William B. Flinn - Pasadena Tabernacle Corps
Indeed, a collection of some of the best voices, varied songs and supple arrangements that I’ve come across in recent years; fresh, musical and rich in its choral depth and expression. A worthy addition to anyone’s Christmas collection!
The listener will immediately be drawn to the extremities of the vocal ensemble, as the bottom and top parts are most visible and boast outstanding voices. But this is to do a disservice to the innards of the group which carry the tension in close harmony work and need special commendation indeed. Bravo to the middle-men AND women who batten down the hatches as we are led on a seasonal journey which occasionally finds us in a vocal snow storm!
Hats off also to the production team and technical people who gave oversight to the album. Good decisions were made at every turning in this project. And I commend the song choices and arrangements without question, which span the gamut from excitement and joy, to reverie and awe, without the usual jarring of contrasts that sometimes detracts from the whole.
For me, some of the most delicious moments are found in the a cappella items which are exquisitely carved into the frosted windowpanes of this imaginative and refreshing Christmas Collection.
Review Written By: Len Ballantine, Major - The Salvation Army Yorkminster Citadel Corps, Canada
