The RunDown: On Instrumentals
08-30-2006
by Brenten Gilbert
Face it. This life is so crazy and hectic and busy and stressful that we all have some times when we need to just sit back and unwind. Sometimes we don't need words, but music can hit the spot. Whether it encourages you to commune with God, energizes you to accomplish great things or simply allows you to relax, music - in this case instrumental music - often breaks through and serves as a fitting soundtrack to our life.
This month, we're taking a look at some of the fine instrumental projects that have been (or will be) released during this year. (I tried to write this article without using words, but it didn't really work.) In true RunDown fashion, I've given you some details and a brief synopsis of each album as well as a few extra fun items.
I view instrumental music as the musical equivalent of a fine wine when done well. So in that vein, I've provided a two-word description of each album, the likes of which you would expect from a wine critic. I've also equated the albums to Starbucks orders (regular coffees only) and decided which type of film in which they would best be suited to fill in the background noise.
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 Jammed!
indie - 4 July 06 - 47 min.
While it's still pretty popular for artists to "go unplugged" and release an acoustic album that reworks some of their standby tracks, Phil Keaggy has been "unplugged" for most of his career. Here, he plugs in and rocks out with some fresh new tracks that show off a bit of his wilder side. Ever so impressive, the songs really grab the listener and draw you into this alter ego of the same Phil Keaggy who brought us Acoustic Sketches and Hymnsongs. Jammed! is a good sequel to 220, if that's what you've been waiting for and a fun listen whether or not that's the case.
Two-word Description: Dashing & Dynamic.
Starbucks order... Tall Italian Roast, no sugar, no cream.
Great soundtrack to... some action eye candy.
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 Roundabout
Strobie Records - 7 Nov 06 - 50 min
Proving his versatility and the prolific nature of his artistry, Phil Keaggy offers another instrumental album this year. In fact, he's reportedly working on several more projects concurrently. Roundabout takes listeners on a journey as it provides loops and recordings captured during sound checks while touring. SOUND CHECKS. As crazy as that may sound, Phil Keaggy's sound checks prove to be quite a lot to take in. A true testimony to the talent of Phil Keaggy, this is yet another fine addition to the ever-growing collection of his releases.
Two-word Description: Quirky & Quixotic.
Starbucks order... Grande Sulawesi, one sugar, no cream.
Great soundtrack to... a political thriller.
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 Lord of the Hymn
Bruce & Lisa - 41 min
Husband and wife duo Bruce & Lisa combine well known hymns with the foot-stomping dance sounds of Lord of the Dance. The result is pretty interesting as the combination of flute and violin creates a rather nice atmosphere for listeners to relax and enjoy themselves, perhaps occasionally getting up and dancing a bit. It's a pleasant enough CD, mostly tame with a few tracks to get you moving.
Two-word Description: Elegant & Enticing
Starbucks order... Tall Kenya two sugars, skim milk.
Great soundtrack to... a family adventure.
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 Jazz Meets Hymns
JuJu Song - 54 min
To be perfectly honest, jazz pianists have a tough time impressing me. I've loved jazz for so long and there are simply too many big names that can't be lived up to. Be that as it may, JuJu Song proves to deliver an enjoyable collection of jazzy piano hymns, some of which one might not recognize at first listen. It's a nice quiet time of reflection that does have a significant touch of jazz to make the album fun and fancy-free.
Two-word Description: Intimate & Intense.
Starbucks order... Venti Organic Shade Grown Mexico with hazelnut cream.
Great soundtrack to... a romantic drama.
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 Guitars in Worship
Dave Cleveland - 41 min
There's something about the sound of an acoustic guitar that's simply moving. Here Dave Cleveland offers a wonderful little getaway from the hustle and bustle of life with a collection of worship standards presented with fairly straightforward arrangements. It's a pretty enjoyable experience that lets you hear some well known choruses in a different light.
Two-word Description: Robust & Rigorous.
Starbucks order... Grande Breakfast Blend, cream and sugar.
Great soundtrack to... a biography.
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 Worship Collage
Linda McKechnie - 46 min
With the feel of tradition and classical stylings, Worship Collage presents hymns in a standard fashion courtesy of Linda McKechnie and the Cool Springs Orchestra. It's a quiet and thoughtful collection of hymns that is perfect for reflecting on one's day or preparing for a new day. Certainly one for fans of classical music looking for a nice peaceful encounter with music.
Two-word Description: Graceful & Guiltless.
Starbucks order... Tall LightNote Blend - Decaf, skim milk, no sugar.
Great soundtrack to... a melodramatic play adapted to film.
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 Be the Centre: Piano
Vineyard Records - 18 Sept 06 - 47 min
The idea is simple. Take some of the most popular songs released on Vineyard UK and have the artists perform a piano-based instrumental version of them. And it works really well, too. From the opening notes of Hungry to the end, the album proves to be a great tranquil experience that allows one to clear their head and reach out to worship. Very well done and an encouraging listen.
Two-word Description: Contemporary & Compassionate
Starbucks order... Venti Gold Coast Blend, black.
Great soundtrack to... a "Hallmark Hall of Fame" drama.
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There you have it. Hopefully you enjoyed the RunDown on Instrumentals. There are a few more RunDowns planned before the year is done so stay tuned.
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