Reviewed by Brian Edgeley

Opening to the sound of the shofar, the traditional Jewish ram's horn, this album is filled with Jewish-style worship. Recorded live at Cornerstone Church in San Antonio on the anniversary of the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, this work is the culmination of a period of songwriting and meditation on the covenant names of God; it is also a prophetic work declaring the goodness of God and his love-in-action for Jews and Gentiles alike. The dual track "Barauch Adonai/El Shaddai Medley" is a real foot-tapper and I can't help myself bouncing along on the chair as I write. Here the mastery of the violin played by David Davidson creates a firm Hebrew acoustic and the audience join as one in praise and worship of the Lord most high. For me this is the best track on the album. Wilbur must have been listening to the Australian band Men At Work when he planned the musical style of Bob Ayala's song "Shouts Of Joy" as it sounds just like the '80s song "We Come From A Land Down Under!" Pukka tucker! Before the final track the shofar sounds again as it segues into "Blow A Trumpet In Zion" which is another real foot-tapper with wonderfully meaningful lyrics. This album is a lovely work, which I am sure God enjoys and Wilbur's soul searching for his own Jewish heritage has paid off dividends.

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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