Description
Coram Deo, sub-titled In the Presence of God, is a multi-artist project featuring Charlie Peacock, Michael Card, Susan Ashton, Michael English, as well as Out Of The Grey, released on Sparrow Records in May 1992. The album was produced by Charlie Peacock who also wrote all songs. A second installment was released the following year, entitled Coram Deo II: People of Praise.
‘Coram Deo’ is another significant offering of “praise and worship music for those who don’t think they like praise and worship music.” So far, this exclusive category contains only one other album, the GlassHouse Records release ‘At the Foot of the Cross‘. Though there are some similarities between the projects, a laundry list of comparisons would be unfair. ‘Coram Deo’ is a wonderful and unique recording which stands on its own merits.
While most praise and worship albums de-emphasize the “leader” and often stress becoming enveloped in congregational singing, ‘Coram Deo’ focuses on the individual and his intimate relationship with the Father. The songs are all sung as solos or duets, except for the finale, «Amen! Praise and Glory», which needs its more anthemic interpretation to underscore the majesty of Revelation 7:10-12, 17, the Scriptures on which it is based.
‘Coram Deo’ features five high-profile artists – Susan Ashton, Michael Card, Michael English, Out of the Grey and Charlie Peacock – each alone capable of carrying the entire record. The fact that their talents dovetail so nicely is a tribute to Peacock’s abilities as producer; as composer of the ten songs, Peacock is also responsible for the album’s concept, though its concept is not as rigid as that of ‘At the Foot of the Cross’.
The album is a low-key affair musically, with the starting point for each track being Scott Dente’s acoustic guitar and Danny O’Lannerghty’s acoustic bass. Since their individual efforts are mostly folk music based, Ashton, Card and Out of the Grey easily adapt to this format. If there are any “fish-out-of-water” on ‘Coram Deo’, they are Peacock and Michael English. Peacock, of course has recorded and often traveled with an acoustic trio, but is still principally known as an R&B-based pop singer. English, though recently emerging in the pop idiom, is probably best known as an inspirational artist. Both artists bring those contrasting styles to this project, but downplay the vocal “somersaults,” employing instead a simmering, “low boil” passion in their delivery. Peacock alternates verses with Michael Card on the opening «Lord of Life» and is joined by the soulful backing of Susan Ashton and Vicki Hampton on the McCartney-esque «I Want to Know You», while English solos to exquisite effect on the Celtic-flavored «There is a River».
‘Coram Deo’ is filled with such wonderful moments. «The Glorious Freedom» features a truly stunning Susan Ashton solo, reminiscent of Kate Bush’s more commercial efforts. Ashton also proves a complimentary vocal partner for English; the pair’s respective record companies would do well to encourage the singers to cut an entire album of duets. But ‘Coram Deo’ moves from merely very good to transcendent on Peacock’s «Now is the Time for Tears». Over a gentle accordion/piano/fiddle backing, Peacock pleads “Cry with me, don’t try to fix my friend/ That’s how you’ll comfort me” – simple advice we all need to take to heart.
The corresponding devotional and Scripture readings also serve to elevate ‘Coram Deo’ above the ordinary. Without denigrating the worthy and important contributions of labels like Integrity and Maranatha! Music, we could use less “product” and more painstakingly conceived efforts such as Peacock and company have given us. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, July 1992]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/coram-deo/716627717)
CD tracklist:
01. Michael Card with Charlie Peacock – Lord Of Love – 5:00
02. Susan Ashton – The Glorious Freedom – 2:58
03. Charlie Peacock – I Want To Know You – 4:00
04. Michael English and Susan Ashton – All I Long For – 3:52
05. Out Of The Grey – Forever I Will Trust In You – 3:09
06. Michael English – There Is A River – 3:45
07. Susan Ashton – Great And Precious Promises – 2:28
08. Charlie Peacock – Now Is The Time For Tears – 3:28
09. Out Of The Grey – Three Beautiful Words – 3:08
10. Michael Card – Amen! Praise And Glory – 3:56
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Sparrow Records.
Coram Deo (Spanish Version)
A full-page advertisement for the Coram Deo multi-artist compilation was featured in the June 1992 issue of CCM Magazine.
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