New Irish Hymns #3: Incarnation

Description

New Irish Hymns #3: Incarnation is a collaboration project featuring the three vocalists, American singer/songwriter Margaret Becker and the British singers/songwriters Kristyn Getty and Joanne Hogg (the latter of Iona fame), released on Kingsway Music in September 2004. The album was produced by Keith Getty except track 7 produced by Derri Daugherty of The Choir fame and John Hartley of Phil & John fame. Mixed by David Schober. Arranged by Keith Getty and Tom Howard. Featuring strings by The City of Prague Philharmonic. All tracks written by Keith Getty (or co-written with Kristyn Getty, Ian Hannah, Stuart Townend, and Tom Howard) except track 7 written by Stuart Townend.

The album is the third release in the four-part New Irish Hymns Series started with New Irish Hymns released in 2001, followed by New Irish Hymns #2: Father, Son & Holy Spirit in 2003. A final album entitled New Irish Hymns #4: Hymns for the Life of the Church was released in 2005.

Keith Getty is the creator of many new hymns for the church, co-writing memorable classics such as «In Christ Alone». Featuring the voices of Iona’s Joanne Hogg, Margaret Becker and Kristyn Getty (formerly Kristyn Lennox) this beautiful collection, based on John Chapter one, is also an invaluable resource for churches looking for congregational songs, solos or a new production. [Note on the back of the CD]

A third volume of ‘Irish Hymns’ sees Keith Getty getting into the Christmas spirit! Like ‘New Irish Hymns 2’, the vocalists are Becker, Getty & Hogg although it does feel as though these songs have less of a trio feel than before but that could just be my ears! The results are very good, creating an album that meditates on the truth of the first chapter of John’s Gospel and the incarnation of Christ. Recorded in Nashville using sessioner and everybody’s orchestra of choice these days – the City Of Prague Philharmonic, this is a lush affair and a gorgeous fresh new Christmas recording. Spiritually focussed, thematically encouraging and wonderfully performed, this could be the Christmas album of the year. Highlights for me are the catchy «Glorious Light» and the new writing collaboration with Stuart Townend on a new carol «Joy Has Dawned Across The World» which Margaret Becker passionately sings. A guest appearance from guitarist Phil Keaggy on «When Love Came Down To Earth» brings a fresh vibe to that song. Not sure how “Irish” this set sounds in that there’s been a general shift away from the Celtic sound but like the previous album Kristyn Getty’s poppier style of singing brings a fresh sound to this series. Overall Keith Getty is a fine hymn writer and these songs deserve to be part of Christmas services around the world. ‘New Irish Carols’ anyone? [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, December 2004]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/new-irish-hymns-3-incarnation/562371025)

CD tracklist:

01. Prologue
02. Glorious Light
03. Joy Has Dawned Across The World
04. Holy Child Who Chose The Hearts Of Men
05. Imagine
06. Fullness Of Grace
07. When Love Came Down To Earth
08. Jesus Your Name
09. Born Where The Shadows Lie
10. Celtic Christmas Blessing

Note: The 16 page front insert includes lyrics to all the hymns.

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