Review

From the same church that brought you Kate Miner comes "Water". The Inland Vineyard (Corona, California, USA) has truly been blessed by God in the area of gifted, anointed worship leaders and musicians. No less than four different worshippers take the lead on this project, while songwriting credits go to eight individuals. This album reminds me of Vineyard's vintage Touching the Father's Heart series, circa early 90's. The writing is honest, the music straightforward.

Song by song, you can feel the passion they have as they seek the Lord. These are songs that another church (maybe yours) could play on Sunday, or at a Bible study, or at the park. "I could get lost in all of Your love for me" is the first line of the title track, one of four songs led by Chuck Jones. The chorus insists "Your love flows like water rushing over me. . ." Jones also leads on his own "All I Need", a simple cry to the Father about His greatness and our great need. "Thank You for Mercy" has a marvelous minor feel to it, bringing to mind Cindy Rethmeier's classic "Exalt the Lord".

The other song Chuck leads is called "Every Cell", by Patrick Paegel. This one's very unique. A haunting flute loop will have you thinking you're watching a snake charmer in Baghdad. Paul Shaffer leads on three songs. He wrote "I See Your Glory" and "Fill Us Again". On the former Donna Olsen joins him on lead vocals, as well as on "Awaken In Me". This song shows the strength of the gifting at the church. Scott Mallone, Tim White and Rob Martin compose the song. White and Mallone play guitars, keys and effects on all the songs, as well as producing, recording and engineering the project.

Their musical talent is obvious throughout. What a blessing they must be to their church, serving without leading up front; making the team much more than the sum of its parts. Having said all that, it is the women that reach out and grab me on this album. Kate Miner comes in with "Be Glorified", her thumping; bluesy guitar strumming and her throaty vocals must have members of the congregation dancing in the aisles. Excellent slide guitar work on this song, as well. Kiemi Wilson sings a retro version of "I Bow Down" (another homage to Cindy Rethmeier) that has an inspired counter point vocal line. On "Who Is Like You" she sheds light on yet another songwriter from the church, Carla White.

After reviewing a few projects lately from "the big guys of the CCM world", this album is a very refreshing step into real life at real church. Credit Pastor Bill Twyman for nurturing an environment in which all these talented individuals are able to grow and flourish. Credit, also, Carl Tuttle, whose Sovereign Productions record label has been the one to uncover the Kate Miner's, the Rock and Roll Worship Circus', the Dashboard Saints, and now, the folks at Inland Vineyard.

Review by John Ausmus