We have asked the producer of
"FRESH FIRE", Mike Hoye to write the review for Phil's
release. Mike is not only a renowned producer of Christian Music.
He is the Music Pastor of Puget Sound Christian Center, Tacoma, WA.
Mike's talents as a Pastor, Musician, Worship Director, and Producer
are well sought after. We are truly blessed that Mike was willing
to do the review of Phil's release.
This month's review features Phil Pearlman's
new recording, entitled "Fresh Fire," available on both CD
and cassette. Because I had the privilege of playing an active role in
many phases of this album's production, I feel that I can share some
perspective and insight on this collection.
During the course of working with Phil on this project-as well as
through other projects and events on which we've gotten to
collaborate-I've gotten to catch a glimpse of Phil's love for his
family, his joy for living, and, most of all, his heart for his Lord.
That heart is clearly expressed in his songwriting, his creative
music-making and his fervent worship-leading. And the passion that he
has is reflected very much in the tone and content of this album.
Throughout this collection there is a cry of surrender, a cry for more
of God, and a cry for God's mercy to be on Israel, the apple of His
eye.
This project is comprised of mostly original material, yet it employs
a
variety of interesting styles and flavors in its presentation. From
"Yeshua Ha Mashiach"-a celebratory piece which employs a
lively Klezmer-type style of instrumentation- to "From The
Highest Mountains"-a heartfelt ballad which speaks of a heart
that is full of joy and praise and is ready to tell the world about
it-there is a wonderful tapestry of color and images used.
The song "I Give My Life To You" represents a personal
milestone and testimony for Phil's wife, Shirley, whom the Lord healed
of a
life-threatening illness.
The instrumental medley entitled "Anthem" features melodic
themes from the Israeli National Anthem-whose familiar tune is
inextricably linked with the beautiful poem, "Hatikvah"-and
the well-known musical setting of "Hine Lo Yanum"-the Hebrew
text of Psalm 121:4 ("He that keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor
sleeps"). Both of these themes are nicely blended and serve to
call us to trust in the One who is the Hope of the ages and the Desire
of all nations.
My first pick for the music sample is "Save Your Chosen
People." This song features a nice arrangement, including very
effective use of Scripture recitation and punctuated by tasty
instrumental work by Willy Le Master on guitar and Josh Pearlman
(Phil's eldest son) on drums. I find this piece to be quite a
compelling vehicle for such a passionate cry of intercession.
My second music sample choice was the upbeat "You Are Lord."
This song is a spirited, punchy tune that is both a testimony of the
awesomeness of God's work in a person's life, as well as a declaration
of Yeshua as Lord and King. Again, nice instrumental work helps makes
this piece a real grabber.
Honestly, there are many other exciting things I could share about
each and every song-but alas, you're just going to have to pick up a
copy for yourself. You'll be encouraged, challenged and blessed as you
catch the heart of this man, his family and the God he serves with all
of his heart.
May Yeshua Bless All of you.
Biographical
Information
Phil Pearlman
was born of orthodox Jewish parents, once removed from Russia and
Poland. Phil was raised in a traditional Jewish home, and had a Bar
Mitzvah at the age of 13. He has always had a love and passion for
music, since the age of 3 years old. Phil continued with music through
high school and college, receiving a degree in Music Education. Phil
taught Jr. and Sr. high music for two years, but then decided to pursue
other avenues in regards to a career. He became a professional
entertainer, traveling across the country as the principle singer for a
show troupe, eventually appearing as a highly demanded act in the Las
Vegas circuit.
Phil met his wife
while in the entertainment business, during one of his performances in
which she was in the audience. Shortly after they met he left the show
troupe and settled down in Seattle to a courtship of his love, Shirley.
In order to keep the same faith in the home, Shirley converted to
Judaism. They were married within the next few years, and shortly
thereafter moved to the east coast. A few years later, Shirley accepted
Yeshua as Messiah, after being witnessed to, on the doorstep of their
home, by a lady from the local Baptist church, who shared prophesy about
Yeshua, the Messiah, from the Old Testament. A few months later, Phil
also accepted Yeshua (Jesus) as his Messiah. After reading Isaiah 53 in
his Hebrew scriptures, which he had received at his Bar Mitzvah, he was
also convinced that Yeshua was the promised Messiah.
Phil and Shirley,
along with their two sons Josh and Aaron, have been instrumental in
helping to found a Messianic Jewish Congregation on the East Coast.
After moving back to Seattle, Phil spent several years as the Worship
Director of one of the largest Messianic congregations in the U.S.,
located in Bellevue, WA. Phil has made several appearances in local
churches, has filmed several TV shows, and appears regularly on TBN,
(Trinity Broadcast Network). |
