The many sounds of Phil Driscoll are showcased in this praise and worship album. Driscoll plays a variety of instruments on the album: trumpet, flumpet, flugel horn, and cornet. Joining him are an assembly of musicians and background vocalists who helped create the wide array of styles in this project.
From the Smoky Mountain sounds of the dulcimer on "New Sound" to the re-fashioned old hymn "I Will Arise," there are songs for use as praise choruses and worship. Several selections are more lively than others. "Glorify" is a worship song with a chorus that I couldn't help but sing along with-it has a great piano arrangement.
Mylon LeFevre joins him for "Oh Lord How Majestic." His husky voice blends well with Driscoll on this peppy track. In addition to a generous helping of horn solos, there are plenty of guitar solos as well. Craig Nelson, Don Potter, and Mark Hemby add to the project without stealing the spotlight.
The project gave me the impression of proceeding through the various stages of a praise gathering. Some of the tunes will appeal to a younger audience with a light jazzy sound. The song "God Is A Good God," has a soulful sound that would be great for a youth choir or ensemble.
Driscoll is versatile in his styling and the emotion he brings out in his music seems to be really heartfelt. I do not hear it pointing to him, but rather to the One we are supposed to be concentrating on. Driscoll does not sing about Jesus, he sings to Jesus and that is what makes all the difference.
In His Presence is a project that I enjoyed a lot. When I listen, I imagine them being sung, as part of my praise and worship time. I'm not usually fond of Driscoll's voice, but this album impressed me. I would recommend it to anyone liking praise and worship music.
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