Authentic and Edifying Worship
Posted September 11, 2013
By Dawno,
One wonders if, when Keith and Kristyn Getty met while writing songs together in Belfast, Northern Ireland, they had any inkling of how many people across the globe would one day hear and sing their songs. The two married in 2004 and began their recording career in 2006. By 2007, they had brought their music to the US with their domestic debut In Christ Alone, titled after their most enduring and beloved modern hymn which has been recorded over 100 times. 2008 release Awaken The Dawn, 2011 project Joy: An Irish Christmas, and 2012 offering Hymns for the Christian Life comprise their other recordings to date. With the exception of the holiday album, each has resulted in a GMA Dove nomination.
Keith and Kristyn now call Nashville home but take sabbaticals to their Northern Irish getaway on a regular basis to write and reflect. In addition to playing for President George W. Bush, they have performed at notable venues like the Pentagon, Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, and London’s Royal Albert Hall. The Gettys have taken part in events such as Franklin Graham crusades, the Third Lausanne Conference on World Evangelization, and, most recently, The Gospel Coalition 2013 National Conference. The latter was a five-day conference in Orlando, Florida, attended by over 5,000 people representing 49 states and 40 countries. Alongside sermons and speeches, Keith and Kristyn shared biblical truths through their songs.
Those performances are collected in their first live project, Keith & Kristyn Getty Live at The Gospel Coalition. The 16-cut album, produced by Ed Cash, contains two traditional hymns, one new song, and 13 favorites from Keith and Kristyn’s catalog of modern hymns, such as “In Christ Alone”, “Come People of the Risen King”, “By Faith”, “Speak, O Lord”, and “O Church Arise”.
>From the opening uillean pipe notes of “Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed,” it is clear we are in for a treat. Kristyn’s voice is strong and fervent, and the crowd immediately grabs hold of the lively, gospel-focused melodic verses and lends its collective voice, creating such a forceful chorus that it sounds like Kristyn is performing accompanied by a substantial choir.
The entire set is presented with a high level of musicianship and a spirit of authenticity that is impossible to overlook. This is no average live worship record -- these are not songs that employ clichés or vague professions of “We love you, Jesus.” Instead, they are compositions that use scriptural truth to communicate the gospel and its promises. Indeed, the context within which this live recording took place is significant. The Gospel Coalition identifies itself as “a fellowship of evangelical churches deeply committed to renewing [its] faith in the gospel of Christ and to reforming [its] ministry practices to conform fully to the Scriptures.”
Keith and Kristyn share this commitment, taking seriously the responsibility that comes with leading the church in worship. They write and perform theologically sound songs for the modern church that teach faith while respecting biblical and musical tradition. To be certain that they are fulfilling the needs of the church, Keith and longtime co-writer Stuart Townend regularly take time after concerts to talk to people and inquire after their needs and preferences.
It has become nearly standard practice to refer to today’s worship tunes as modern day hymns. In most cases, this is an unsubstantiated claim. Keith and Kristyn Getty’s compositions merit this distinction. When the first traditional hymn, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” is played, it blends right in. Moreover, both classic hymns are so at home within the set that, should you be unfamiliar with them, it would be difficult to distinguish the new from the old.
Moments you don’t want to miss include, but are by no means limited to, the brilliant new song “Lift High The Name of Jesus” which combines bluegrass and traditional Irish folk to create a special hybrid dubbed “greengrass”; the moment at the end of “The Power of the Cross” when Kristyn drops out nearly completely and the crowd carries “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”; and the exquisite “Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God” that contains the gorgeous strains of a melody some will know as “Gabriel’s Oboe,” Ennio Morricone’s theme for the film The Mission, while others may recognize it as the air to classical lyrical piece “Nella Fantasia,” first recorded by Sarah Brightman.
Closing Thoughts:
Keith and Kristyn Getty’s two-fold goal is “to sing songs that build up the church” and “to get people of every generation all across the world to sing.” Truly, songs like “Oh How Good It Is”, “Across The Lands”, and “O Church Arise” focus on this unity of purpose in living out God’s message and taking it to the world.
The pair is careful to ensure the lyrics of their songs impart theologically rich messages. They take you to church: Listening to this record is an hour-long spiritually edifying experience. That’s not to say that the record is tiresome. On the contrary, from the lively opening number through peaceful moments like“Compassion Hymn” and “Kyrie Eleison” to closing hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!”the set is thoroughly engaging.
This project is not a commercially-minded recording of a live worship spectacle. Rather, it is an end-product of a special evangelical conference that the Gettys attended as part of a higher calling. With quotes from pastors and speakers who attended the Gospel Coalition 2013 National Conference presented alongside the lyrics, the CD booklet reads like a devotional. And when you listen to the songs, the difference is substantial and palpable. These are not just catchy, singable turns of phrases. They are distillations of God’s Word, laid over striking melodies, that teach the faith without watering it down. When Kristyn inspires you to offer praises to God, you’ll understand the import of the words you sing, and fully grasp not only why He is worthy of worship, but also how His love should shape your daily walk.
In sum, this record, with its songs and spoken interludes of scripture reading, along with its expansive packaging, affords you a unique opportunity to worship and praise God while giving you tools to grow in your faith. Wholeheartedly recommended!
Song to Download Now:
“Lift High the Name of Jesus” View All Music And Book Reviews By Dawno | View Dawno's Profile
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