matreames
11-03-2008, 12:56 AM
When IHOP-KC worship leaders Justin Rizzo and Luke Wood first released an EP featuring 3 songs from each worshiper, I eagerly awaited a solo debut from both. Luke Wood made his Debut in early 2007 with 'The Law and the Prophets' but nothing had been heard from Justin Rizzo until now. Justin Rizzo just released his full solo debut, 'Found Faithful.' This 13 song Worship Experience takes up the full 72 minutes of the CD.
It starts with a uniquely driven version of 'Psalm 93' that is almost as mucho electronica as it is worship. The powerful bass line rides through the song as he travels through the scripture in a style all his own. This song would make for a great congregational worship song, but would probably be tweaked to feature the guitar and keys moreso than the synth tones.
Next he continues with what has become his most popular, and well known song 'GloryWill Cover The Earth' This was also featured on the 'EP' This is an amazing song that is primarily piano driven. It is perfect for congregational worship. We have done it several times at our own church and seen the power and presence of God fall on the room during the song. This immediately flows into what he calls the 'Vocal Selah' To many this will be an odd track. It is primarily an instrumental featuring the Keys and some string tomes. However, Vocals enter into the mix following the melody not by singing, but by humming, no groaning is more the appropriate word. In my mind this 5 minute track is worth the cost of the whole CD. I was at the onething conference last year and he played this song for almost a half hour. But even by the end I was begging it to continue. It was an experience I had never felt before nor since.
Next he allows the guitar to shine through in a song called "Omnipotent You Reign' The simple arpegiated chords and fingerpicking of the begining of the song lead towards a wonderful build. This song would fit well within the confines of a congregational worship settiing.
Next he brings in the passionate worship declaration 'Tree' which sings of a desire to be firmly rooted in God. Like a tree planted by the streams of living water. This song features the Piano in a big way. Even at its most driven this is a soft song of passion. This could easily transfer to a congregational setting.
He follows this with a slightly more driven song called 'I Will Worship you'. This is a medium paced song the praises God for his blood and declares our intent to praise him and love him. This one would work in a congregational setting, though would probably sound a little different unless you had exact lead sheets.
He continues this powerful worship experience with the song 'Found Faithful' which was also featured on the 'EP' Co written with Misty Edwards, this song is simple, with a decent drum beat to introduce the song, and eventually builds into some simple guitar arpegiation and piano. Once again, this song is nearly perfect for a congregational setting.
I will pause here to mention that Justin Rizzo has a beautiful voice. His vocal range is very natural, and easily lends itself to being duplicated. His music is written with simplicity so that it can be used by anyone who would like to. I have said that his songs are perfect for congregational worship, and so rather than typing it over and over, I am simply going to flat out state, this CD is 13 songs that are well suited to the congregational setting.
Track 8 'Indwelling Spirit' is probably the hardest song on the album in terms of vocal ability. Its a simple song with riffs that flow right through into the heart. Sometimes he sings a bit quicker in terms of pace than would seem common for a song like this, but it flows perfectly.
He follows it with a piano driven song called 'This is true life'. Its soft smooth vibe is very relaxing while its declaration of Biblical truth is envigoration. To feelings that seem as though they would not flow into one another.
'Gift of God', which was featured on the 'EP' is a driven song that declares who we were and what we deserved. But then praises God for his mercy and the 'gift' of New Life. It is a passionate cry thanking God for our Salvation and his grace.
'The Weight and the Glory' is another piano driven song. Its odd that a CD from a worship leader who is known for playing his acoustic guitar would be so heavy with the piano, and feature so little from the Acoustic. This is a wonderful song that truly is a heart cry of self examination and the ability to turn to god. He continues the soft piano trend with 'Momentary Light Affliction'
The final track of the Album is a song called 'Judgements are better than Gold' this song finally give justice to the acoustic guitar which has been given a backseat throughout much of the album. It is a wonderfully passionate declaration of God's judgements and their worth.
The CD is available on iTunes for 9.99 or can be purchased from ihop.org through the international house of prayer's forerunner bookstore. In my opinion it is a must have for every worshiper's collection. It is not available in the zune store, so don't hope to get it there.
It starts with a uniquely driven version of 'Psalm 93' that is almost as mucho electronica as it is worship. The powerful bass line rides through the song as he travels through the scripture in a style all his own. This song would make for a great congregational worship song, but would probably be tweaked to feature the guitar and keys moreso than the synth tones.
Next he continues with what has become his most popular, and well known song 'GloryWill Cover The Earth' This was also featured on the 'EP' This is an amazing song that is primarily piano driven. It is perfect for congregational worship. We have done it several times at our own church and seen the power and presence of God fall on the room during the song. This immediately flows into what he calls the 'Vocal Selah' To many this will be an odd track. It is primarily an instrumental featuring the Keys and some string tomes. However, Vocals enter into the mix following the melody not by singing, but by humming, no groaning is more the appropriate word. In my mind this 5 minute track is worth the cost of the whole CD. I was at the onething conference last year and he played this song for almost a half hour. But even by the end I was begging it to continue. It was an experience I had never felt before nor since.
Next he allows the guitar to shine through in a song called "Omnipotent You Reign' The simple arpegiated chords and fingerpicking of the begining of the song lead towards a wonderful build. This song would fit well within the confines of a congregational worship settiing.
Next he brings in the passionate worship declaration 'Tree' which sings of a desire to be firmly rooted in God. Like a tree planted by the streams of living water. This song features the Piano in a big way. Even at its most driven this is a soft song of passion. This could easily transfer to a congregational setting.
He follows this with a slightly more driven song called 'I Will Worship you'. This is a medium paced song the praises God for his blood and declares our intent to praise him and love him. This one would work in a congregational setting, though would probably sound a little different unless you had exact lead sheets.
He continues this powerful worship experience with the song 'Found Faithful' which was also featured on the 'EP' Co written with Misty Edwards, this song is simple, with a decent drum beat to introduce the song, and eventually builds into some simple guitar arpegiation and piano. Once again, this song is nearly perfect for a congregational setting.
I will pause here to mention that Justin Rizzo has a beautiful voice. His vocal range is very natural, and easily lends itself to being duplicated. His music is written with simplicity so that it can be used by anyone who would like to. I have said that his songs are perfect for congregational worship, and so rather than typing it over and over, I am simply going to flat out state, this CD is 13 songs that are well suited to the congregational setting.
Track 8 'Indwelling Spirit' is probably the hardest song on the album in terms of vocal ability. Its a simple song with riffs that flow right through into the heart. Sometimes he sings a bit quicker in terms of pace than would seem common for a song like this, but it flows perfectly.
He follows it with a piano driven song called 'This is true life'. Its soft smooth vibe is very relaxing while its declaration of Biblical truth is envigoration. To feelings that seem as though they would not flow into one another.
'Gift of God', which was featured on the 'EP' is a driven song that declares who we were and what we deserved. But then praises God for his mercy and the 'gift' of New Life. It is a passionate cry thanking God for our Salvation and his grace.
'The Weight and the Glory' is another piano driven song. Its odd that a CD from a worship leader who is known for playing his acoustic guitar would be so heavy with the piano, and feature so little from the Acoustic. This is a wonderful song that truly is a heart cry of self examination and the ability to turn to god. He continues the soft piano trend with 'Momentary Light Affliction'
The final track of the Album is a song called 'Judgements are better than Gold' this song finally give justice to the acoustic guitar which has been given a backseat throughout much of the album. It is a wonderfully passionate declaration of God's judgements and their worth.
The CD is available on iTunes for 9.99 or can be purchased from ihop.org through the international house of prayer's forerunner bookstore. In my opinion it is a must have for every worshiper's collection. It is not available in the zune store, so don't hope to get it there.