Worship Musician Magazine October 2023 | Page 29

NEW MUSIC in those times in our lives that just don ’ t make sense , or seem unwinnable , the power of our Redeemer has and will overcome them all in this life or the next .
“ More Than Able ” is packed full of singable hooks and melodies as we are drawn into the hopeful idea that we serve a God who is more than able to overcome any obstacle . The power of the Gospel choir in the “ spontaneous ” section of the bridge will bring you to your knees and remind you that God is bigger than any problem we face .
“ Promises ” triumphantly announces the unending commitment our God has to His creation and how He never changes throughout history while the newest arrangement of “ Firm Foundation ” which was released a few years ago , takes more of a stripped-down vibe with moving grand pianos and a Gospel choir before moving into a hip-hop / rap section .
“ No Longer Bound ” begins with an old school southern Baptist children ’ s choir and electronic house beat as Forest Freak confidently declares the freeing power of the work of Jesus .
This is a creative and well written sample of new music and some of the better cuts from Maverick City . There are theologically strong cuts here and if you have the need of something different , Maverick City has got you covered .
ZACH WILLIAMS Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater
1 . Big Tent Revival 2 . Less Like Me 3 . Old Church Choir 4 . Stand Up 5 . Fear Is A Liar 6 . Testimony 7 . Rescue Story 8 . There Was Jesus 9 . Slave to Nothing 10 . The Father ’ s Love 11 . Heart of God 12 . Lookin ’ For You 13 . Jesus ’ Fault ( feat . Ben Fuller ) 14 . Under My Feet 15 . Stand My Ground 16 . Baptized 17 . Chain Breaker 18 . Communion 19 . Flesh and Bone ( We Remember )
Over the past few years , Zach Williams has vaulted himself into the upper echelon of beloved worship artists with his blue-collar brand of worship anthems written for the local church . His anthems are born out of his personal struggles with addiction . His songs represent struggles that we all relate to interwoven with Biblical truths of the hope that only God brings . His latest live recording , Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater is a wonderful sample of what worship is like at a Zach Williams concert .
“ Big Tent Revival ” leads off this huge 19-track collection as it sets the tone for a rowdy-yetreverent night of worship and celebration .
The Sunday morning favorite “ Old Church Choir ” rounds out a great start to the setlist with a powerful Hammond B-3 organ solo that starts out the song before Williams ’ gravelly tenor takes over in one of the better tracks on the album .
“ Less Like Me ” sounds as good as the original recording and showcases Williams softer , humbler side while “ Stand My Ground ” is a raucous call to the believer to be stand firm in their faith when the power of the evil one tries to take over our life .
The most poignant moment might be late in the evening on the intimate , “ Jesus ’ Fault ,” which is a little more raw and gritty than the original recording thanks to a meaty harmonica and some southern slide guitar .
I appreciated the mix and “ authentic ” feel of this particular recording of a Zach Williams night of worship . Although there were no new songs on this album , there are tons of great moments here and a few arrangement highlights that are different from the original recordings that might catch your attention .
Gerod Bass Worship leader in Tacoma , WA . Mentor with Worship Catalyst . Singer , songwriter , guitarist with a passion for impacting lives for the sake of the Gospel . www . oslc . com
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