Description
City of Peace, Part One: Moriah is a studio album by the British singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Adrian Snell, independently released on Serious Music in 1995, marketed and distributed by Alliance Music. Also released in the US by Rhythm House Records in 1999 featuring new cover artwork. The album was recorded during the first half of 1995 by Nigel Palmer at Moles Studio in Bath, England; with Palmer, Jon Birch, and Adrian Snell producing. All songs written by Adrian Snell.
City of Peace: Moriah is the first volume of a two part work. City of Peace: My Every Breath is it’s completion. Written by Adrian Snell between March 1992 and December 1994.
The sabbatical taken by Europe’s most popular Christian artist clearly brought him back to the recording studio with renewed creative vigour. Anyone who might have had the temerity to suggest that the veteran singer/pianist/composer Adrian Snell was languishing in a creative trough will be thrilled with this new set. For though themes are familiar – yes this is a concept album and yes this is inspired by the richness of Jewish culture – there is a resonance and freshness that pervades this whole album. Try the opening «Prayer Of Travellers» where there isn’t a concert grand in earshot rather acoustic guitar, percussion and some delightful David Fitzgerald whistles. Elsewhere, there are some delightful instrumentals «Over The City» and «Night». Don’t really care for the MOR chorus on «The Covenant/Lift Up Your Eyes» and there’s nothing here which strikes me as an immediate Christian radio hit but the sweep of the work – as it explores the city of Jerusalem, the coming of the Messiah and the promise of ‘the city’ at peace for ever – will draw many in. Try and catch the work in concert over the next year and do try and investigate this challenging album. [Tony Cummings, Cross Rhythms, October 1995]
“If you only knew today what is needed for peace.”
Adrian Snell is a musician/composer with 20 years in the music industry. Previously released under United Kingdom label, City of Peace, Part I is being re-released by Rhythm House. Part II is set for re-release this summer. Although he has performed worldwide, Snell should get much deserved attention in the United States now that this is available in stateside Christian bookstores.
This project can be classified as “world music.” With lovely melodies and instrumentation, exceptional vocals, and an interesting combination of styles, it’s a strong offering. A large array of instruments such as Irish whistles, Chinese and Indian flutes, mandola, and exotically named percussion instruments (crotale, bull roarers, African tamborine, and Turkish drum) are used to weave together its ethnic sound. The saxophone and flute give a smooth, contemporary sound, reminding one of Kenny G at times. Snell’s vocals are outstanding-crisp and passionate. His use of a choral group greatly accents the Jewish sound, while still maintaining that contemporary feel.
The intent is to explore what Jerusalem means – to the Jew and the Christian. In writing the lyrics for this project, Snell looked at Jewish poetry, from contemporary (the last 200 years or so) to ancient pieces as found in the Old Testament. The New Testament was also inspiration. Some of the themes covered are Abraham’s covenant with Yahweh; the Shema (given by God through Moses); Jesus’ desire to gather Jerusalem to Himself; the stories of the sacrifice of Isaac and the sacrifice of Jesus; Jesus’ query, “Do you love Me?” and his command to Peter to “feed my lambs.”
The opening song, «Prayer for Travellers», is joyful and hopeful. The instrumentation consists of diverse percussive instruments, flute, and guitar. These lyrics are adapted from the Jewish prayer book and seem to invoke God’s blessing on this musical “journey” to exploring the significance of God’s City. The thematic title cut, «City of Peace», is an instrumental and is reprised once; flute is the main instrument here. In the rather melancholic and flowing instrumental, «Over the City», Snell vocalizes with what can best be described as a melodic cry at times reminiscent of the shofar. Another standout is the haunting and lovely ballad, «O Yerushaliyim», recounting the longing of Jesus for the people of Jerusalem. The last song «You», stands out for its lyrical simplicity and melodic beauty. Based on a poem by a Jewish poet, circa 1700, it seems to swirl and eddy in its three quarter time. Though all the songs are based upon the central theme of Jerusalem, each one can stand on its own. It is a nice change from the usual fare of CCM music – a unique and high quality work. It is refreshing and soothing, yet it also challenges the listener: Have you found that place of peace? Do you know what is needed for peace? [Elisa Musso, The Phantom Tollbooth, 1/30/2000]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/city-of-peace-pt-1-moriah/1505237249)
CD tracklist:
01. Prayer For Travellers – 3:26
02. The Covenant/Lift Up Your Eyes – 4:57
03. Shema (Hear! O Israel) – 3:38
04. City Of Peace (Instrumental) – 3:52
05. Over The City (Instrumental) – 2:56
06. O Yerushalayim – 2:47
07. On A Night Of Rain In Jerusalem – 3:37
08. Night (Instrumental) – 2:18
09. Moriah – 5:45
10. Day Of Atonement/Lamb Of God – 6:42
11. City Of Peace (solo) – 2:46
12. Feed My Lambs – 2:46
13. You – 4:11
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Serious Music.
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