When I
saw that Maranatha had a series of CDs labelled
as "Alternative Praise" I wasn't sure what to
expect. The back cover describes "Dry Bones
Dancing" as "an alternative worship experience
combining the raw honest sounds of today's
generation with passionate songs of praise." I
can tell you that "Dry Bones Dancing" delivers
what it promises!
Musically this project will appeal both to the younger generation as
well as to baby boomers who still appreciate the
roots rock styles of their youth. Ranging from
alternative to blues to electric-driven rock,
each song is an honest expression of worship,
both musically and lyrically.
Produced by Chris Lizotte, Peter Shambrook and
Shawn Tubbs, this CD has the raw and earthy feel
that you might expect. Lead vocalists Peter
Shambrook, Todd Warren, Tim Taber, Chris Lizotte
and Jamie Eichler sing with a passion that
inspires the listener to join in with their
worship.
Familiar themes of worship and praise can be
found in the songs on this CD, but they are
expressed in fresh new ways. I didn't find myself
thinking "Oh no, another song about seeing the
Lord seated on his throne!" Instead I was drawn
into the throne room wanting to sing "Holy is the
Lord" with the angels. Even the traditional hymn
"The Solid Rock" gets new life in a sweet bluesy
arrangement.
The title song "Dry Bones Dancing" is based on
the vision of Ezekiel of the valley of dry bones
(Ezekiel 37) where upon hearing the word of the
Lord a pile of dry bones received life and
breath.
"In His time, see His purpose revealed
In His time, every promise fulfilled
In His time, every nation be healed
In His time, In His time.
Dry bones dancing,
Breathing the breath of God..."
Other songs reflect a gut-wrenching dependency on
God and a deep need for His presence, in good
times as well as bad. "God of Mine" declares the
belief that God WILL be there when we are
drowning and in need of Him.
"God of mine, in Your faithful way
You hold my head above the waters.
Grace and mercy in You I've found
For only You have saved my soul."
Similarly, the haunting alternative vocals of
Jaime Eichler on "I'm in Need of You" draw the
listener into a place of longing for God's
presence.
While this is a wonderful CD for personal
worship, the songs are accessible and well-suited
for corporate use by congregations comfortable
with rock and alternative worship styles.
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