Description
Instrument of Praise is an instrumental album by the American singer, songwriter, and trumpeter Phil Driscoll, released on his own Mighty Horn Records in 1986, distributed by The Benson Company. The album was produced, (digitally) recorded and mixed by Phil Driscoll, Ken Pennell, and Lari Goss.
In the unlikely event that you’re unfamiliar with Phil Driscoll, there’s a very good reason why his record label is called “Mighty Horn.” Even a causal listen to ‘Instrument of Praise” will reveal Driscoll’s considerable talents. Unfortunately, what should have been an awesome instrumental statement is continually marred by the presence of vocals.
«How Great Thou Art/Majesty» is Percy Faith kind of stuff with vocals seemingly thrown in for the sake of helping people recognize the songs. The vocals aren’t mixed up-front enough to be considered typical “praise” vocals, and they ruin the ability to appreciate some of Phil’s best playing in some time. His fiery soloing is drowned in smarm. The medley of «Up Where We Belong/Higher Ground/Holy Ground/Instrument of Praise» plods on endlessly. «I’ve Just Seen Jesus» features a warm, lower register horn part and guitar figures that really distinguish the opening before it’s bogged down by the singing and a totally out-of-character synth/pipe organ setting.
Despite serious flaws, the album has some good moments. The Michael W. Smith tune «Great Is the Lord» features a humongous drum machine beat and horns that are less strident than on past Driscoll LPs. The varying tempos and percussion workouts make «O Come, Let Us Sing» quite interesting. It sounds like Herb Alpert fronting a bar mitzvah band with several fusion players in it – but it works.
There’s hardly any way to goof up a tune as soulful as Leon Patillo’s «Cornerstone», and Driscoll’s version highlights a funky dance beat and marvelous keyboard support. It’s certainly the best cut on the album. The laid back approach utilized on the medley of «How Majestic Is Your Name/King of My Heart» recalls some of the easier going material produced by the Meadowlark and Colours artists. Excellent horn work and Latin percussion backing may also suggest Seawind to some listeners. «Mighty One of Israel» features oddly syncopated drum machine/percussion pacing that sounds like a Hebrew/African hybrid – another peculiar mix that distinguishes itself.
‘Instrument of Praise’ isn’t a bad record – it’s just not a really good one. Driscoll’s co-producers need to rein in some of his excesses and cajole him to perform some of the slick instrumental jazz/fusion that he’s capable of playing. ‘Instrument of Praise’ may prove too upbeat a record for those searching for meditative praise material and not adventuresome enough for instrumental jazz purists. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, September 1986]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/instrument-of-praise/1707887760)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Great Is The Lord” – 4:20
A2. “How Great Thou Art / Majesty” – 5:33
A3. “O Come, Let Us Sing” – 4:29
A4. “A Higher Plane (Up Where We Belong / Higher Ground / Holy Ground / Instrument Of Praise)” – 6:30
Side Two
B1. “I Lay In Zion (Cornerstone)” – 4:43
B2. “How Majestic Is Your Name / King Of My Heart” – 4:06
B3. “I’ve Just Seen Jesus” – 5:46
B4. “Mighty One Of Israel” – 3:58
B5. “My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)” – 4:13
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Mighty Horn Records.
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