| Reviewer's choice 04/14/2001 Psalmody
by the David/Asaph Project
(David Asaph Music, 49 minutes)
This is a marvel: a contemporary Christian CD devoted to nothing but psalms. And not just a few psalm verses lifted out of context for a simple chorus, but whole psalms sung from first verse to last. Like meat in your music? Here it is.
Dallas doctor David Albracht, the mastermind behind this recording, began setting the psalms to music in 1988 during medical school. His tenor is reminiscent of Yusuf Islam (the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens). The ensemble backing him includes keyboards, percussion, cello, bass and mandolin. (See www.psalmody.net.)
The standouts are Psalm 111 ("Praise ye the Lord"), with its irresistible Latin American sound, and Psalm 3 ("Lord, how are they increased that trouble me"), a ballad that graduates from fear to faith. The musical styles, though admirably varied, are not all equally convincing. A bluesy Psalm 123 moves along with a sassy, insouciant swing that seems at odds with a plea such as "Have mercy upon us, for we are exceedingly filled with contempt." But that criticism should not detract from the disc's merits. Listeners are likely to find, as Luther did, that a good dose of the psalms makes other songs seem tepid. The psalms are the original praise and worship music, after all. Hats off to the people behind Psalmody for the reminder. Perhaps other artists will follow their lead. Until then, this recording will remain the most significant contemporary Christian disc of the year. P.R.B.
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