Night of Your Return is the fifth album by the American singer and songwriter Fernando Ortega, independently released on RPI (Randolf Productions, Inc.) in 1996. The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by John Andrew Schreiner. Arranged by Schreiner and Fernando Ortega.
Not too long ago, my phone rang and an excited voice on the other end quickly explained that he had discovered a Christian album that any generation could enjoy, an album exercising musical excellence on top of true intellectual stimulation. It was said to be an artist reminiscent of acoustic folk/pop favorites Michael Card and David Wilcox with a lyrical intensity sure to ignite a genuine call to worship.
The artist’s name is Fernando Ortega, and his ‘Night of Your Return’ is undoubtedly one of the best projects I’ve heard all year.
Five of the 12 cuts are original compositions co-written by Ortega, while most of the others are modern arrangements of classic yet perhaps unknown hymnal treasures like «My Song is Love Unknown», «Praise to the Lord the Almighty», «Here is Love» and «Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted». More popularized standards updated here include «Jesus, Lover of My Soul» and Maltie D. Babcock’s «This Is My Father’s World».
This disc’s opener, «My Song is Love Unknow», superbly recounts the amazement that the perfect Christ died for the unlovable sinner while «Here is Love» rejoices that “Heaven’s peace and perfect justice/ Kissed a guilty world in love.” Two cuts, «Mi Abuelito» and «Now That You’re Gone», pay tribute to departed love ones and capture the pain and questions that come from sorrow without losing the essence of hope. «This is My Father’s World» is a simple rendition of a long-time favorite, simple but captivating.
Musically, the production delights without overwhelming the lyrical heart of the songs. Acoustic guitars, gentle piano melodies and an array of percussion provide the framework for the majority of the record as fretless and upright bass guitars, mandolins, cellos, violins, a Celtic harp and tenderly beautiful background vocals fill out the songs, provoking an almost soundtrack-type feel. Vocally, don’t look for wailing or impressive octave jumps as Ortega soothingly relates his message with a calm, quiet passion.
Ortega, who at press time was not yet signed to a major Christian label, can be seen on tour with Michael Card this month, and his music can be ordered by calling 800/352-8273. [April Hefner, CCM, December 1996]
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CD tracklist:
01. My Song Is Love Unknown
02. Praise to the Lord, The Almighty
03. Night of Your Return
04. Mi Abuelito
05. Chimayó
06. Jesus, Lover of My Soul
07. Here Is Love
08. Road Song
09. Now That You’re Gone
10. Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted
11. This Is My Father’s World
12. Green Pastures
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