Graham Kendrick's latest, Live In Concert, suggests in its title that he is moving to a more performance-oriented style. But the worship experience which is captured on this album could hardly be called a concert in any sense of the word. Rather, it follows very much in the tradition of Kendrick's earlier work, both on his previous solo album and on the many praise and worship albums for which he has been a worship leader for Integrity's Hosanna! records. It is Kendrick's goal to capture a live worship experience on tape, and in this he succeeds well. This album is produced by Steve Thompson for Megaphone records, and was recorded in England.
Unfortunately, this album contains no new Kendrick songs, but it does contain all new arrangements of them and, in some cases, some new verses, or full versions of songs which were shortened on the earlier projects such as Amazing Love and Crown Him. The songs that are selected are all favorites, including many of Kendrick's classics. Beginning with "The Servant King" and "Meekness and Majesty," the selection also includes "Amazing Love," "For This Purpose," "And He Shall Reign," and "Heaven Is In My Heart." A few newer songs which are not yet as popular, but should be soon, include "Teach Me To Dance," "Knowing You," and "For This I Have Jesus."
Graham Kendrick is arguably one of the top praise and worship songwriters of our day. He's a pretty good vocalist, too, but he sings in such a way as to not draw attention to himself-all the focus is towards the worship of God. Honorable mention should also be given to the Croydon Seventh Day Adventist Gospel Choir which backs him up and their director, Ken Burton, who made the vocal arrangements.
