 |
|---|
Back Issues
Reviews
CD Review
Wells of Salvation
Jason Coghill
© 2005 Small House Records
Review by Jo van Leerdam
Jason Coghill (see pages 6-8 of this issue of T&S) is a graduate of the
Reformed Theological College, and is one of the founding members of the
band Sons of Korah, who are renowned for their beautiful arrangements
and renditions of the Psalms. Wells of Salvation is Jason’s new album,
which presents his original musical arrangements of God’s word in a
reflective and aesthetically beautiful way.
Jason Coghill has done a great work in choosing
passages of Scripture that lead us to take them into our hearts and
consider them from a new perspective. This album is inspiring and
refreshing because it is so dedicated to reflecting on God’s Word and
responding to God with the words of the Psalms. These songs motivate the
listener not to just think about God’s Word, but also to apply it in
practical ways and to learn to think in a more reverent and Godly
manner, so that we can “take captive every thought to make it obedient
to Christ” (Col.2:8).
We know how important it is to commit God’s Word to memory, so that we
have instant recall when we need it, and we are able to reflect on it in
different contexts and situations. I have long believed that the most
effective way to learn Scripture is to sing it, and these songs are very
singable and memorable. Rev. Alastair McEwen (Professor of Old
Testament, RTC) has said of this album: “Edifying is the evaluation of
those who have listened to Jason’s psalm settings. And not surprisingly.
For they provide an extremely effective way of hiding God’s Word in the
heart.”
The lyrics of every song but one on this album present a portion of Scripture, quoted verbatim, without lyrical embellishment or personal interpretation. The final track, ‘Crown Him with Many Crowns’ is an acoustic presentation of a well-known hymn, rather than of Scripture. The vocal harmonies are complemented by the mellow tones of the guitar, flute, cello, piano and double bass. The musical arrangements are generally, although not exclusively, acoustic, and have a melodic, folk-style feel to them.
Throughout this album a sense of reverence and worship is maintained, and the audience is encouraged by both the lyrics and the musical accompaniments to enter into the same attitudes of praise, worship and celebration of God’s love and faithfulness.
This album will appeal to a very broad audience. The abundance of worship-style albums around will make this style of music familiar to teens and young adults, while the not-so-young adults and older folk will enjoy the musical style that harks back to the guitar driven folk/pop music made popular a few decades ago by Peter, Paul & Mary, Simon & Garfunkel, and Bob Dylan. Of course, the lyrics are relevant to us all, and are easily within reach of understanding of older children and young people. This really is a CD that the whole family can enjoy! I give Wells of Salvation my full endorsement – it’s a great album and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.
Jason Coghill’s new album ‘Wells of Salvation’ and
the re-issue of ‘Songs of Deliverance’ are both available through Small
House Records Australia, www.smallhouserecords.com.au and WORD
bookstores in all capital cities. Jason and Jane are currently touring
most states – for dates & venues visit the Small House Records website.
Return to top of page
Books
Music
Movies
All material on this site © 2004 Trowel & Sword