Johnny Parks - Close To You: Live At Mannafest

Wednesday 1st May 2002
Johnny Parks - Close To You: Live At Mannafest
Johnny Parks - Close To You: Live At Mannafest

STYLE: Rock
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 4506-4569
LABEL: Emerge SURCD055
FORMAT: CD Mini-album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £4.99

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

It was about three years ago that Johnny Parks took over as worship leader at Mannafest, the monthly worship and teaching event in Belfast. Prior to this Johnny had demonstrated much ability in creating vibey songs that connected emotionally with his audience but wasn't renowned as a writer of congregational songs. His last studio album, the excellent 'Nomads Welcome', saw him throwing worship songs into the mix and a lot of the material gathered here on this live mini album was originally recorded on 'Nomads'. Approximately 1500 young people gather each month to worship at Mannafest and the energy that's captured here only enriches Johnny's creativity as he makes songs that allow the listeners to fling themselves into the praise of God. But then he also knows when to push back the barriers and extend the vibe into spontaneous worship and for me it's in those moments that 'Close To You' becomes a transcendent experience. Highlights? Everything! But then if you forced me, I'd pick the magnificent "God Is Still With Us" with its reminders of God's promises, and then there's the incredible "Breathe" which explodes with passion. Maybe the day has arrived when Johnny Parks is recognised for the fine work he's been doing.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Sample Track Listing:
1. Close To You [Listen]
4. God Is Still For Us [Listen]
7. I Call On You [Listen]

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.

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