Having heard a little of Philippa Hanna in the past, I looked forward to listening to her Christmas EP. There are 6 tracks, with familiar carols, plus a new song with Graham Kendrick. Angels from the Realms of Glory starts the release, which is a very competent version. I particularly liked the backing vocals on this one. Silent Night, gets a gentle guitar and keyboard version, before we come to The First Noel. (My least favourite carol!) Again, it’s a nice version, with good harmonies and production. In fact, some of the “oos and ahs” were reminiscent of Kirsty McCall in sound. On O Little Town, the vocals are shared with Lucy Grimble. And, again what is not to like about that! Thorns in the Straw, with Graham Kendrick, reminds you that Easter is so tied up with Jesus’s birth. The chord changes are very typically Kendrick. For me, it’s the best song on the release. Finally, Hark the Herald/King of Heaven completes the EP with Paul Baloche joining in. Half way through the second verse the bass takes the pace from gentle to rocking, no speed up just change of pattern. I, certainly enjoyed this one. 10/10 Noel Donaldson
As the Christmas season draws near, Philippa Hanna finds herself in an exciting new season. After 11 years of marriage, her and her husband Joel are expecting their first baby. As the due date draws near (giddily close to Christmas), the artist has been considering the Christmas story – the journey of Mary, a young first-time mum-to-be, and the humble birth of our Saviour into challenging circumstances – and releases a timely EP, Christmas – The Greatest Story. This year has been very confronting and challenging for all of us. It’s been an interesting time for Philippa to find herself wrapped up in the blessed and fragile state of pregnancy, she explains that “faced with the reality of a somewhat changed world, it’s impossible not to wonder, ‘am I crazy to bring a child into all of this?'” But the world which Jesus came so humbly into was a dangerous one too, and His coming brought assurance that we have a hope and a future. In this season let us be captured anew by the humility and power of that miraculous birth which gives us hope for tomorrow. There is no greater time to sing songs that celebrate the coming of our Saviour into a troubled world. “I am so excited to bring you this collection of my favorite carols, featuring collaborations with some incredible artists, to celebrate the glorious birth of Jesus,” Philippa continues. Because of Him, we can embrace perfect peace during this festive season. ‘Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years a met in thee tonight.’ Truly, the Greatest Story.
The REVERE journey continues this holiday season with REVERE: Christmas, bringing the spirit of reverential worship into this important time in the Christian calendar. This is our first ever Christmas in a worldwide lockdown. We do not have the usual opportunities for grand celebrations. Once again, the message and heart of REVERE seems timely and divinely purposed. The seed for this project was sown when we recorded REVERE: Live, back in February, when Thrive Worship’s Charmaine Wells went into a spontaneous moment of singing out “O Come Let Us Adore Him”. We decided there and then to do a Christmas project, and to do it with Thrive! REVERE: Christmas includes classics like Paul Baloche’s “Joy to the World / Our God Saves” as well as a new song “Glory Hallelujah” written by Mark Alan Schoolmeesters and Brazilian Worship Leader, Gabriel Guedes. This year, when we are forced to take a step back and reimagine how we celebrate the birth of Christ, REVERE: Christmas gives us permission to bow down humbly and simply, and give our Saviour the heartfelt worship he deserves. Now is the time for soothing and emotional melodies wrapped in simple musical arrangements and vocal harmonies.
New Wine Worship introduce EP 2 out of 3 ‘Song of Repentance’! The band are embracing a staggered EP format where they can really focus on a few songs at a time, allowing them to sit with and own them as a family, ready to be resourced again with a new set of songs. ‘Song of Repentance’ is another beautifully diverse set of songs covering a wide thematic spectrum, giving the Church the gift that is a song of confession. The new project also introduces the gifts of new writers within the New Wine family, something they are intentionally investing time into. Last but not least, ‘Song of Repentance’ features Alfred from New Wine Sweden. Head of worship Chris Sayburn concludes, “these songs have been birthed in the context of worship and community, we pray they bless you as you serve Christ, and others in His name.“
Trinity Anderson makes her debut with her first single ‘Grown Up Christmas List’! Born and raised on the sandy beaches of Saint Petersburg, Florida, the worshiper and singer-songwriter has been singing and writing from a very young age. From her choir beginnings at a Pentecostal Temple to graduating in Vocal Performance from the Pinellas County Center for the Arts Program, Trinity transitioned to Orlando, FL where her gift was noted and she was mentored by inspiring Christian musicians. Through getting exciting opportunities to sing live and recorded background vocals for various Christian artists, Trinity met Pastor William McDowell who helped her grow. The songstress since then integrated the team of worshippers who travel full time with Pastor William to minister the Word of God around the world. The desire of Trinity‘s heart is to not only glorify God with the gifts that He’s given her, but to stay submitted to His will and to inspire others to know Him.
Never for Nothing 