Hymn to Grace

Description

Hymn to Grace – an instrumental effort – is the solo debut album by the British session keyboardist and producer Mark Edwards, released in the UK on Kingsway Music in August 2008.

Increasingly, over the past few years I have found playing music can be a way of expressing love and gratitude to our creator. That is what this music is about, a kind of ‘giving back’; an offering to the Father who is so generous, patient and kind towards us. A hymn to grace. The recording process was a little unusual for this album, in that I locked myself away for a week and record the piano first. I wanted to be alone with God and for the music to come from that place. The other instruments were then added one at a time. It really is a great privilege to have each of these wonderful musicians on this recording. Some I have worked with over many years, others are new friends. – Mark Edwards

‘Hymn To Grace’ mixes the familiar with the unexpected, sometimes embracing traditional arrangements but often re-interpreting famous hymns from out of left-field to bring a touch of creative jazz to proceedings. Edwards is, of course, the UK’s hugely experienced keyboard player and producer having worked with artists as varied as Paul Weller and Graham Kendrick. Playing with him on this album are recognisable names Ben Castle, Dan Wheeler and Lou Fellingham. A version of «Oh To See The Dawn» brings to mind the staccato compositions of Philip Glass, while «Abide With Me» could be submitted as an alternative theme music to Film 2008. Edwards has produced an instrumental album with skill and insight; not just a lazy carbon copy of a song that’s been “done” a hundred times before but a creative and fun collection. You may not choose to use the Caribbean-tinged «How Deep The Father’s Love» or the lounge version of «Father God I Wonder» in your small group worship – but that’s not what this album’s about. Instead it is inspirational renditions of songs you thought you knew played with a deft musical intelligence that demands more attention than mere background music. [Ewan Jones, Cross Rhythms, October 2008]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/hymn-to-grace/1795955239)

CD tracklist:

01. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
02. Oh to See the Dawn (The Power of the Cross)
03. Abide With Me
04. How Deep The Father’s Love
05. The Wedding
06. There Is A Hope (feat. Lou Fellingham)
07. Father God I Wonder (I Will Sing Your Praises)
08. Make Me a Channel of Your Peace (Prayer of St. Francis)
09. Light of the World (Here I Am to Worship)
10. Lord How Majestic You Are (You Are My Everything)
11. I Have Heard So Many Songs (The Father’s Song)
12. Creation Song (feat. Lou Fellingham)
13. His Name Is Wonderful