Another Strong Offering
Posted September 02, 2013
By DwayneLacy_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Ashmont Hill is a CCM group with tight gospel-styled harmonies. Based out of Boston, Ashmont Hill is comprised of Phil Thompson, April Thompson, Deborah Bullock and Wil Bullock. Phil, April and Deborah are siblings, while Wil and Deborah are married. They are all a part of the ministry at Jubilee Christian Church in Boston. They are connected in many ways, but they each bring their own unique taste in music to Ashmont Hill. This year they are back with their third album, The Maze. Zenzo Matoga serves as the producer while he and Phil co-wrote the majority of the songs on the album.
Listening to their songs is actually a privilege to the ears. Case in point, "Love Lifted Me" (not to be confused with the popular hymn of the same name). On this acoustic pop song, they start off in unison and build to a beautiful harmony that causes me to close my eyes and enjoy.
It's been said that being in God's presence and truly experiencing His love totally changes things and forever ruins you to the point of no return. The group wonderfully explains "my heart is Yours" on "Ruined," while special guest Micah Stampley leads in on the vamp, "I am ruined / I am ruined / By Your Love...You take me higher / You love like fire / You take me higher / My heart is Yours."
Praise and worship is another thing that Ashmont Hill is known for. Just listen to the upbeat "To You," featuring some nice guitar work by James Peterson. This song will definitely find its place on the song list for several worship leaders. "I Will Give You Praise (featuring Brian Bullock)" is a high energy song of praise that should be easy for worship teams to learn. Even though the group's harmony is nice on this one, the arrangement is not too complex.
"I Believe" is such a fantastic and beautiful ballad that tugs at the heart strings. The three siblings' father, Bishop Gideon Thompson, issues a quick but inviting call to commit to Christ. The song then builds to a beautiful tag that will surely be a highlight at Ashmont Hill concerts.
Phil's nine-year old daughter Gabby co-wrote and also guests on "Gabby's Song." There is something about the innocence of a child that can touch hearts like no other. This song is no different. Anyone of any age can relate to lyrics like "When I am crying, I know He loves me / When I am looking, I know he's there / When I am thirsty, He is my wellspring / When I am lonely, He is my friend." Listen to this song and it will take sheer willpower not to allow tears to well up in your eyes.
Closing Thoughts:
CCM fans will enjoy The Maze because the style still fits the genre. However, it is the total package of the harmonies, soothing lead vocals, and songwriting that sets it apart. Those who are staunch Gospel music fans, do not turn a deaf ear, because Ashmont Hill is just what we need to bridge more gaps between the CCM and Gospel music genres. In that, God is glorified.
Song to Download Now:
"To You" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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