Music with pizzazz, finesse

Colors of Life Trevor Olfert. Open Sky Music, 2005.

As a pianist, I was very interested in Trevor Olfert’s CD set, Colors of Life, featuring the piano. I was familiar with his Easy to Play Praise and Worship Tunes – music books for the aspiring young piano student. In fact, I reviewed these a few years ago and highly recommended them. (I use them with my own students.)

Olfert has written or arranged all the music on these two recordings and has, with a few exceptions, been involved in playing and programming all the instruments. The style is that of Yanni or John Tesch, boasting a mix of acoustic and synthetic sounds.

The “Black and White” CD has 11 instrumental renditions of more traditional, yet popular, hymns and choruses such as “Great is the Lord,” “Just a Closer Walk,” and “Old Rugged Cross,” as well as one original song. Most are played on the keyboard/piano with added flutes, trumpets, guitars, etc. I enjoyed these arrangements and was thrilled by the variety of styles he produced.

The 12-track “Color” CD features mostly original compositions, including interesting works such as “Renovatio (Rebirth),” “Lake Shore Dr.,” and “Coffee Stains and Fridge Magnets.” The name “Color” fits well because this CD offers interest and pizzazz, and exciting experimentation.

Olfert is a teacher in Winnipeg who has been working on this project for several years. I would like to congratulate him on a job well done. (The CDs can be ordered at 204-488-7611 or Open Sky Studios.)

Sing the Journey Kenneth Nafziger and the Journey Musicians. Herald Press, 2005.

Kenneth Nafziger, professor of music at Eastern Mennonite University and artistic director of the Shenadoah Valley Bach Festival, Harrisonburg, Va., produced this recording of 18 songs found in the Sing the Journey, Supplement 1 of the Mennonite Hymnal: A Worship Book (1992). I was interested in listening to it, since I was involved in compiling a similar supplement, Sing Alleluia, for the Mennonite Brethren.

Nafziger worked with 15 extremely talented singers, comprised of a men’s group (Sons of the Day) and a women’s ensemble (Shekinah). The instrumentals include an interesting mix of piano, percussion, guitar, drums, and even boxed psaltery. Most of the songs have been written in the last 10–15 years by U.S. Mennonites. Some have a folk flavour, others boast a spiritual feel, while several offer a celtic taste, all with lyrics that speak of our individual and corporate spiritual journeys in relationship to our God.

The project is produced with exquisite finesse and features a very high quality of recording. I enthusiastically recommend the CD to all who appreciate great choral singing with a powerful, God-honouring message. Both the recording and book are available from Faith and Life Resources at 1-800-776-5101.

Carol Riediger lives in Chilliwack, B.C. where she works, teaches piano, and is involved in ministry at Central Community Church.