Reviewed by Tony Cummings

An exhausting listen.but as usual with Pastor Rick Joyner's famed church a fascinating and at times exhilarating one. Recorded live at 2006's Worship & Warfare Conference at Heritage International Ministries, Fort Mill, SC, it's really an album by Leonard Jones. (Note to the dear folk at Morningstar: Look, if Leonard sings all the lead vocals, plays electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, violin, banjo, sitar and harmonica and wrote all the songs, the least you can do is give him the front sleeve credit.) Many of the tracks here display a musical ambition and instrumental dexterity that would put most praise and worship albums to shame while the usual MorningStar habit of allowing songs to often go on for seven or more minutes means that you get plenty of instrumental solos most of the highest quality. Sonically it's top rate with David Huff (the David & The Giants chap) doing a superb job on the mix. I'm not sure many of these songs seem suited for regular congregational worship but the stunning title track with its prog rock structural complexity takes worship into new territory while the Celtic leaning "There Is A Time" contains a great mandolin solo from big time guest Ricky Skaggs and an even more dazzling jazz piano solo from either Bruce Dailey or Dan Cutrona (the sleeve doesn't indicate which). Although a couple of Leonard's vocals are below par, particularly on the rare occasions he moves to the lower register, the sheer passion of the concept and the dazzling musicianship on display make this another innovative album from the groundbreaking church/worship movement. Now here's hoping that in future they get their sleeve designs/artist credits sorted out.

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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