It has been several years since a Messianic
congregation has produced a worship team release for distribution. A
congregation where I was the Worship Director for a number of years
produced a release entitled "Israel Rejoice". It was a
wonderful concept to capture a great Messianic Worship team offering
praise and worship. I often wondered why more releases of this type were
not produced. People love the spontaneity of this type of production.
This past year, I had the blessing of meeting Bob and
Lynn Albertson at the Messiah Conference in Pennsylvania. Lynn had
contacted me through www.messianicmusic.com
a few months before, letting me know that she was involved in a new
project, which would be soon finished. I expressed an interest in
bringing it to my site as a featured release, and am I ever glad I did!
Little did I know at the time that I met Bob and Lynn in PA, that it
would be a release of their worship team’s musical offerings to the
Lord! Praise God!
The release is entitled "Messiah Is Coming
Soon", and in my opinion has got to be one that every believing
household should own. The group was formed out of a strongly bonded
worship team and is called Yehudi. The group comes from one of the
largest Messianic Congregations in the world. This anointed release is a
compilation of praise and worship, some recorded live from one of their
Friday night services, and the rest were recorded with a minimal of post
production. This release captures for the most part Yehudi’s sound as
heard in a service. It displays both their keen skills as musicians, and
their humble hearts as worship leaders. The spontaneous recordings make
you want to stop what you are doing, and praise and worship the Lord.
Please pull your car over to the side of the road while listening to
this one!
I love all of the songs on this album, however I have
chosen three in particular that I enjoy, and after listening to the song
samples you will know why I suggest that you order a copy.
My first pick for a song sample is from the track
entitled "Shaalu Shalom". This traditional song
heard throughout the world is one of my favorites and a favorite of most
who hear it. A simple, yet drawing song of praise. The words, "Shaalu
Shalom Yerushalayim" (Pray for the peace of Jerusalem)
are simple, yet they honor a God-given directive for all to pray for
Israel. Boy! Do we all need to be reminded! The song is executed well
musically and team member Bruce Rosenthal’s strong, distinctive vocals
help to carry this message that is so needed to be heard. Give a listen!
You’ll see what I mean.
My second pick for a sound sample is entitled "Thou
Art a Shield" by Freda Tapp. Taken directly from the Psalms,
this song reached to my very soul. In life, we face many trials and
tribulations that seem impossible to overcome in the natural. "But
thou, Oh Lord, art a shield for me. My glory and the lifter of my
head." How many times have we been in situations where the Lord
protects us, lifts us out and delivers us? As long as there is eternity,
I believe that we all could go on and on about this! We serve a great
God, one who watches over us. We should never forget this. This
beautiful song displays both the expertise of the songwriter and those
who performed the song. What a faith builder!
The third song pick is entitled "Surround
Me" by Robert Ellison. Robert is a team member and has a hand
in writing several of the songs featured on the release. I literally
cried after hearing this song. It made me put down the CD cover that I
was looking at, close my eyes and worship Him! The words and melody will
send the holy goose bumps through your very soul. This compelling song
tells of what life would be like without the Lord, but because we know
Him, how wonderful it is to be surrounded by His Spirit. The chorus
whispers ever so gently; "Come surround me, Holy Spirit. Cover
me with your wisdom and Your love. Come, abounding, the joy of Thy
mercy. Lift my soul, lift my life to You alone." The vocal
coverage performed as a duet by Lynn Albertson and Connie Rosenthal will
send chills up and down your spine. Their voices have a pure, sweet
tonality, and blend together in harmonic perfection.
In summation, Yehudi’s "Messiah Is Coming
Soon", is a release that has become a favorite for me, and I
know that you will feel the same way when you order a copy of this very
unique, much needed release. I say bravo to the worship team members who
listened to the voice of the Lord, and made this wonderful collection
available. When is the next release?
