Three CDs: all highly recommended

Out of Borderland Lianna Klassen. Stone Table Publishing, 2004.

Listening to Lianna Klassen’s newest CD, my spirit was led to a calm and quiet place, and encouraged to a deeper faith. I was captivated by the beautiful and soothing, yet moving, music and lyrics. Klassen, the sole writer for this album, was assisted by associate producer Roy Salmond. She also jointly produced “Serendipity” and “Song of Unity” with Adam Dickens.

I was intrigued by the great variety of instrumentation (including accordion, Spanish guitar, sitar and whistles, in addition to the basic contemporary sounds of drum, guitar and bass), all adding to the folk-like and Celtic flavour. Klassen’s lyrics speak of her deep walk with God. She is inspired by a variety of Scripture and delivers a haunting Latin prayer, “Veni Sancte Spiritus.”

Klassen’s vocal quality is warm and smooth and the harmonies are gorgeous. She adds the support of both a Calgary and Vancouver choir, along with other background vocals.

This album will probably be enjoyed by a variety of ages and wide range of musical tastes. I highly recommend it. Klassen’s desire is for people to come to know God and I was pleased that, in her CD jacket, she shares how to receive Christ. This album uplifts and affirms the faith of the believer, but would also be a great gift to pass on to the spiritual seeker.

By Light Indwelled West Coast Mennonite Chamber Choir. Produced by Mennonite Central Committee Supportive Care Services, 2004.

Tony Funk, director of the West Coast Mennonite Chamber Choir, and Steve Thiessen, executive director of MCC Supportive Care Services, note that this is the 13th recording project this choir has completed since 1991 with proceeds going toward the work of MCC Supportive Care Services. This group of accomplished musicians has contributed well over 16,000 cumulative hours of volunteer time to these projects.

By Light Indwelled has a variety of carefully selected choral music capturing the theme of light. Many of the tracks are sung a cappella, others are accompanied by Betty Suderman, and one arrangement includes strings and oboes. Featured soloists are John Nickel and Marlene Funk. The musical genres vary from baroque to 20th century, and languages include German, Latin and English. The last track is a Bruce Cockburn tune, “All the Diamonds,” arranged by Larry Nickel; it offers a great contemporary folksy feel. Nickel has also written several other selections for this CD project. The quality of musicianship, and the blend and vocal quality of the singers, is superb. I highly recommend this CD to all who love great choral music with a powerful, God-honouring message. The project also supports a good cause.

Peace Like a River John Ens, baritone, and Mel Koop, piano. Avante Records, 2004.

John Ens, a baritone from Manitoba, has collaborated with accompanist Mel Koop to offer a CD of traditional gospel vocal music. Ens’s voice has a gorgeous, smooth and lyrical quality, and boasts a great range and variety of styles, including hymn arrangements, spirituals and sacred classics – 15 tracks in all. He has good diction, so all the words can be understood. Mel Koop is a very accomplished pianist (and I know that well, since she is my cousin); her accompaniment is sensitive and well-balanced with the soloist. Titles include “Peace like a River,” “Deep River,” “It is Well with my Soul,” “The Holy City,” “Danny Boy,” and “In the Rifted Rock I’m Resting.” This is a great album for all who enjoy sacred solo masterworks. I highly recommend it.

Carol Riediger is a registered piano teacher who lives in Chilliwack, B.C. She works as a receptionist at the Health Unit and is involved in a variety of ministries at the Central Community Church.