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The Hymns Collection
Paul Cardall
2008/Stone Angel Music
104:37 (2 Disc Set)
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The Hymns Collection is a two disc set that represents the celebration of revisiting Hymns and Hymns Volume II that were originally released in 1996 and 2000 respectively. Along with a few surprises, Cardall’s original recordings are essentially remastered and repackaged with the attempt to improve on what were already well produced recordings.
With the exception of the bonus track at the end of disc one, Hymns remains in the same sequential order as its original recording. Performed on a Fozioli Grand Piano with little or no embellishments, this particular album was recorded around the same time Cardall was creating The Christmas Box. Though a very mellow affair, the disc opens with the inspiring hymn “Joseph’s First Prayer” that also features the nature sounds of birds softly and sweetly chirping. Skip forward to “O My Father” and the melody is reminiscent of Woody Guthrie‘s “This Land Is Your Land” or perhaps vice versa considering “O My Father” was written back in the late 1800’s. Other highlights are the self penned “The Release”, “A Poor Wayfaring Man Of Grief” that was previously featured on Paul’s debut album Sign Of Affection and the Scottish folk song “Praise To The Man”. The disc concludes with the bonus track “Fireside Medley” which includes “Come Thou Fount” that Cardall recently covered on his latest disc Songs Of Praise.
Disc two represents the revisiting of Hymns Volume II and much like disc one follows the same sequence of its original recording along with a medley bonus at the end. This time around Cardall performs on a Yamaha C7 Grand Piano and opens with “Love At Home” which is supplemented by the delicate acoustic guitar of Allen Stewart as well as soft synthesized strings. The latter is revisited on the closing of “Jesus, The Very Thought Of You” as well as “Father In Heaven” but never at the cost of distracting from the soft caressing touch of the piano. The original disc is closed out by the self penned emotive “Journey Within”; however Cardall once again offers a medley bonus track “The Restoration Medley” that clocks in close to eight minutes. It includes “Joseph’s First Prayer”, “Praise To The Man” and the glorious “Sweet Hour Of Prayer” the latter being the only new offering. Nevertheless, it is very interesting how Cardall seamlessly molds one song into another.
For the completists out there, the combination of fine tuning on an already well produced pair of albums along with two bonus medleys leaves you begging the question of whether this is enticing enough to supplement or replace the original albums. As for those who missed the albums in their original form you should be encouraged to find this collection as soon as possible. That said, The Hymns Collection was released in January of 2008 and the album debuted on Billboard’s New Age chart at the twelve spot. Clearly the general public is seeking to quench their thirst for not only good music but also one with a message beyond what we can see, touch and feel. Evidently there is a second life in Paul Cardall’s Hymns and Hymns Volume II
recordings both in this world and the world beyond.
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Songs Of Praise
Paul Cardall
2007/Stone Angel Music
48:09
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Songs Of Praise is the colliding of several worlds on multiple planes both musically and theologically. It is the clash of an instrumentalist and vocalist, a Mormon and an Evangelical Christian, traditional hymns and worship choruses, classical influences and pop. All these ingredients would suggest a mix that would simply result in a dreadful mess. However, the love and passion that comes from the message of the Gospel finds breathe and life in this inspiring and almost anointed collaboration of pianist Paul Cardall, vocalist Steele Croswhite and friends.
Pure instrumentalist be fairly warned that only four of the eleven tracks presented are non vocal performances. Nevertheless, the opening rendition of the hymn “Come Thou Fount” is worth the price of admission in and of itself. Paul’s passive piano work is upstaged by the gorgeous violin lead and Steve Sharp Nelson’s heavenly string arrangements. For those of you that desire the instrumentation theme, you will need to skip forward to the fifth track for the more reverent “Redeemer” that clocks in close to six minutes. It is moody, pensive but also very stirring. Meanwhile, Paul closes out the album with two non vocal pieces in the form of “Eden” and “State Of Mind”. The haunting spatial melody of the latter draws comparison from the work explored on Cardall’s 2003 recording Faithful. However, the artist has confirmed that the inspiration comes from his song “The Dream” recorded on The Looking Glass back in 1999.
So what about the vocal tracks? The previously mentioned “Come Thou Fount” hymnal leads right into the more contemporary worship song “Agnus Dei” originally written by famous Christian artist Michael W. Smith. It is here that we are introduced to the relative newcomer vocalist Steele Crosswhite. His style, while never overbearing, is very distinct and unique. The song, much like its original builds in enthusiasm with percussion and choral arrangements pressing the song skyward. Speaking of Michael W. Smith, Cardall and Crosswhite put their spin on the praise song “Breathe” that Smith also covered on his Worship album.
Equally as impressive are Paul’s self penned material “Deeper” and “Grateful” that explore his most contemporary themes to date. Nevertheless, the latter is still simplistic lyrically and musically thanking the Creator for the everyday blessings that we often take for granted. However, in utter contrast there is the conservative yet angelic merger of Steele and Cheri Magill’s vocal harmonies found on the bittersweet Easter Hymn “Green Hill”. Accompanied by an achingly beautiful string arrangement, this song personifies the Passion Of Christ, leaving your eyes drenched and your heart heaving.
From the vocals of Steele Crosswhite, to the string arrangements of Steven Sharp Nelson as well as the warm and meticulous production of Jonathan Shults, Paul Cardall has once again surrounded himself with the A Team. Not hesitating to share the spotlight, it is sometimes easy to forget that the focal point is the pianist. Though he may beg to differ as Songs Of Praise is ultimately about bringing back honor to the Creator that has clearly blessed this gifted artist.
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Christmas Hymns Vol. 1
Paul Cardall
2004/Stone Angel Music
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It is no hidden secret that despite the underrated recognition of this very fine artist, this reviewer has championed on the stellar work of Paul Cardall. And this album gives every reason to continue this trend. While the album focuses on the more well know hymns of Christmas, Cardall takes the time to remind us of the real reason for Christmas. Instead of focusing on the festive aspect, Cardall pays homage to the faithful perspective of the Holidays.
Back in 1997, Paul released the cd The Christmas Box on the Narada label. This particular project effectively intermingled traditional Christmas hymns and carols alongside original compositions. While the spirit of the record was Christmas, it was one of those rare holiday offerings that could be played essentially anytime of the year. It comes with great pleasure that Christmas Hymns Volume 1 continues to hold up this fine reputation.
While the mix of the songs is low key and reverent, it is never dull or boring. Cardall continues to use his fine cast of musicians that have appeared on his last few albums. They include Joshua Waldon on guitars, Jonathon Shults on bass and Randy Herbert on some nominal percussion embellishments. Steven Sharp Nelson on cello delivers the most distinct musical appearance. His soft yet luxuriant cello arrangements when mingled with Cardall’s delicate touch of the piano ebony and ivory keys makes for many magical moments.
Those magical moments begin immediately with the wondrous “Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring”. Nelson is so prominent on this track that the cd credits him as the featured artist. Cardall ends the album in equally divine style with the lesser-known French carol “Il Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant” (He Is Born, The Holy Child). Though there are some duplicated songs that were previously featured on “The Christmas Box”, Cardall does not photocopy his efforts and creates a different slant on his arrangements. One effort revisited is the splendid and sophisticated Austrian carol “Still Still Still” bringing to mind the theme of a ballerina girl. Otherwise, move onto the very original preparation of “We Three Kings” that is in a class of its own.
In conclusion, borrowing from the liner notes of the artist himself, Cardall states that “Amidst the hustle and bustle and stress of last minute shopping and endless parties we need time to relax and remember why it is we commemorate the season.” Yes, Cardall effortlessly reminds us with elegance and grace that “He is the reason for the season” and that alone makes this album a wonderful success.
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Primary Worship
Paul Cardall
2005/Stone Angel Music
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Paul Cardall has made no secret of the importance of his faith. He has previously released Hymns and Hymns 2, which focused on some of the church’s popular hymns, though the emphasis were those more popular in the Mormon faith. Primary Worship is an extension on that theme and the words elegant, expressive and emotive come to mind. As such these characteristics amalgamate in perfect union with the tasteful and conservative musical style of Paul Cardall making this musical exploration a restoring one whether your leanings are of the spiritual or secular.
Primary Worship focuses on the hymns of Paul’s childhood, which frankly was not always a pleasant one. Born with a heart defect, Cardall faced several surgeries that were required for his survival. In an interview, Paul has expressed that facing death several times has made him a more spiritual person. Certainly that expression has found itself here focusing on the hymns and melodies of his youth.
Fellow pianist David Lanz has always heavily influenced Paul’s music. And while this certainly remains true, in recent years Paul’s conservative piano technique has transformed his musical expression into his own unique subdued signature style. The permanence of Cardall’s backing band, previously featured on last years Christmas Hymns and Faithful only furthers this accomplishment. The most palpable inclusion is the cello work of Steven Sharp Nelson whose playing is placid yet powerful and is in complete accord with Cardall’s peaceful piano work. This is best found on “Book of Mormon Stories” or better yet on the gorgeous opener “Baptism”. But this is never at the expense of being overbearing or overstated.
There are many fine moments on this album. In fact, with the exception of the rather rigid “This is God’s House”, there is very little to complain about. Despite the many inspiring moments “I am A Child of God” best expresses the essence of this album that also includes the sounds of children at play. Mixed into the flawless piano work of Paul the music is sweet, innocent and forthright.
Primary Worship is an uplifting and moving musical experience. Whether faith is important to you or not this will not change the inspirational listening experience of this specialty project. From that aspect Paul Cardall once again succeeds in touching not only the heart but also the soul of his listeners.
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