Classical Hymns Volume One

Description

Classical Hymns Volume One is an instrumental album by the American singer, songwriter, and trumpeter Phil Driscoll featuring The London National Philharmonic Orchestra, released on his own Mighty Horn Records in 1988, distributed by The Benson Company. The album was digitally recorded and mixed and was produced by Phil Driscoll and Lari Goss.

Just when the world of Christian music has Phil Driscoll comfortably categorized, he goes and pulls a Wynton Marsalis and records a truly legitimate classical album. Gone are the gargled gravel vocals and the Basie-like, bust-a-lip, my embouchure’s-more-developed-than-yours bop of his recent jazz/pop offerings. In their place are Corellian contrapuntal countermelodies and the London National Philharmonic’s exquisite renderings of high-powered orchestration from the likes of Jerry Cleveland, Lari Goss, Kurt Kaiser, and Bob Krogstad.

Hymn albums abound these days, and Driscoll and producer partner Goss, who, himself, recently did an instrumental tribute to Wesley, Crosby, et. al., do their best to distinguish ‘Classical Hymns Volume One’ from the rest of the pack. Driscoll uses seven different trumpets to obtain a variety of horn sounds, and Goss adds harp, harpsichord, and string quartets to the formidable Philharmonic for a smorgasboard of first-rate MOR orchestration. The arrangements flow smoothly through a myriad of classical styles, from the regimentation of Sousa to the free-flowing ethereality of Debussy.

Driscoll’s chops are even sure, but occasionally more Mangione and less Ferguson would have been nice. One can only listen to multiple ledger lines for so long.

Still, gospel music’s premier trumpeter will win new fans with this one. Lyrics, stories behind the hymn, and personal words of introduction accompany each selection for a maximum sense of vicarious worship. “If God would anoint music that David so skillfully played many years ago, could He not anoint a trumpet in this day?” Driscoll asks in the liner notes. The answer is a resounding “yes!” [Warren Anderson, CCM, August 1988]

This album is a wonderful recording from a very talented trumpet player. He demonstrates here all his skills with crystal clear runs and stratospheric range. Phil joins up with the London National Philharmonic Orchestra here and for those who like the old hymns in classical fashion this has to be a must. Phil was once described by Kenneth Copeland as one of the finest players in the world and although this might be an exaggeration I like to think of him as the Christian answer to Maynard Furguson. There are many Phil Driscoll albums out in the marketplace but this is one of his best, particularly if you want stirring versions of hymnody. [Brian Moor, Cross Rhythms, April 1991]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/classic-hymns-1-2/1706257972)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
A2. “Crown Him With Many Crowns”
A3. “Faith Of Our Fathers”
A4. “In The Garden”
A5. “We Shall See His Lovely Face”

Side Two
B1. “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”
B2. “This Is My Father’s World”
B3. “The Cross Suite” (There Is A Fountain / Rock Of Ages / When I Survey The Wondrous Cross / The Old Rugged Cross)
B4. “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”
B5. “Near To The Heart Of God”

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD. Re-issued on cassette and CD 1990, manufactured by Word.

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