Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


Middle River Hymnal, Holy Week, Vol. 1 - EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Middle River Hymnal
Holy Week, Vol. 1 - EP



Genre(s): Worship / Hymns / Folk
Album length: 5 tracks: 22 minutes, 43 seconds
Street Date: March 26, 2021


READER RATING:   


We are seeing a resurgence of hymns in the church today. While the exact definition of a hymn is up for debate (and no, it doesn't simply mean an old church song), bands like Sovereign Grace and CityAlight are proving that this battle-worn vessel, which has been the go-to in the church since nigh its existence, can more then survive the modern age of backing tracks and mile-long bridges.

Enter Middle River Hymnal, formed by worship-leading duo Josh Diaz and Laura Creel, who recorded their spin on five classic hymns for their church in Fort Lauderdale during last year’s social distancing. Providentially, the hymns patterned nicely into a playlist for this year's “Holy Week.”

The duo's tapered bluegrass style is fairly unique, combining back-porch plucked guitar, worn-down spinets, banjo, and swelling harmonies, along with some surprising trumpets to add stateliness to the sound. Josh’s voice reminded me of Tenth Avenue North’s Mike Donehey, while Laura’s whispered, reverberated head voice brought to mind Brandi Carlile, and the voices play off each other nicely throughout the live recording.

The duo does well to let the songs “sit” when needed, then layering in dynamic verse upon verse, a necessity seeing the rather simplistic format of hymns. These hymns are well-known to congregants, so opting for a minimalist approach is wise, yet perhaps a bit too unassuming. In other words, go into this playlist ready to sing along to classic hymns with subtle changes, such as the 6/8 time signatures in “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “How Great Thou Art,” but don't expect a massive reworking. In fact, the biggest change is the duo’s southern style itself. The 19th century closer “Were You There” proved to be the highlight here, both by being the most “on the nose” in regards to Good Friday and Easter, as well as building the strongest by rotating lead singers between verses, and a sparkling horn interlude.

This little playlist is a good introduction to Middle River Hymnal. The sound is in place, and they clearly have chemistry formed by almost a decade of leading worship together. I'll be looking forward to some original content in the future to help springboard them into the center of the modern hymn movement.

- Review date: 4/13/21, written by Joel Zaloum of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

 

. Record Label: Gospel Song Records
. Album length: 5 tracks: 22 minutes, 43 seconds
. Street Date: March 26, 2021
. Buy It: Apple Music
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Great Is Thy Faithfulness (4:16)
  2. Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken (4:58)
  3. Give Me Jesus (3:57)
  4. How Great Thou Art (5:51)
  5. Were You There (3:39)

 

 JFH Album Sample Player

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

Search JFH




This Friday, November 8, 2024
ALBUMS
Gabby Barrett Carols and Candlelight [Warner Music Nashville]
CXMMXNS CXMMXNS Chapter 1 - EP [Essential Worship]
New Hope Oahu There Is One - EP [DREAM]
Neal Morse & The Resonance No Hill For A Climber [InsideOut]
TAKE Time Bomb [Resuscitation Records]
Lauren Talley A Lauren Talley Christmas [Horizon]

SINGLES
Cory Asbury I Hope You Dance - Single [BEC]
Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story Approach, My Soul - Single [Getty]
Sam Bowman & GLADDEN Misfit Toys - Single [DREAM]
Wavorly Enemies - Single (independent)

VINYL
Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Vinyl [Rocketown]
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Vinyl [Frontiers]
TAKE Time Bomb Vinyl [Resuscitation Records]

DVD
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Blu-Ray [Frontiers]

Next Friday, November 15, 2024
ALBUMS
Dolly Parton & Family Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables [Owepar Entertainment]
The Lore Family Faith Over Fear [Horizon]
Fernando Ortega For All the Saints - EP (independent)
Earnest Pugh Worth is the Lamb
We Are Messengers Rejoice! (A Celtic Christmas) - EP [Curb]
Paul Wright III Reverie [United Alliance]

SINGLES
Big Dismal Here In My Heart - Single (independent)
Hannah Kerr It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Single [Curb]
Olivia Lane Silent Night - Single [BEC]
Tasha Layton Wake Up It's Christmas - Single [BEC]
Jamie MacDonald A Million Chances - Single [Capitol CMG]
Ronnie Martin On Christmas Morning - Single [Velvet Blue]
Hunter Plake Daylight - Single [BEC]
Jordan St. Cyr Christ is Here - Single [BEC]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Divine Discontent Vinyl [Word]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images