Mainland Europe often perceives the UK as the centre for Gospel activity after the States yet there are some real gems to be discovered from our neighbours.

The Netherlands has long had a strong running affection to various ‘black’ music forms and Gospel music is hitting a renaissance there with this release. Of Indonesian decent, lead singer Gilbert Thera recorded this album live at his home Church ‘Maranatha Ministries’ in Amsterdam which has hosted some of the big US Gospel names in the past.

In terms of recognition value most of the songs featured are some of the firm favourites from the last four years. Hits like “He Reigns” (Kirk Franklin), “Friend of God” (Israel Houghton) and “Light of the World” (Tim Hughes). The live recording and arrangements more or less stick to the original format of each song but done so to a high degree of musicianship which sets Gilbert and his band in very good light indeed.

He does, however, have a three song succession where he pens contemporary Worship ballads that can easily become stable Church numbers worldwide. His cover of Martha Munizzi’s “Say The Name of Jesus” reaches a crescendo of Worship tempo for the project which soon becomes an outtro celebration with another firm Israel Houghton favourite “You Are Good”.

This album will serve the purpose of gaining exposure in the international market and put the Netherlands as the next European hotbed for Gospel music.
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Gilbert Thera was born in Indonesia and his father is an elder at Maranatha Ministries in Amsterdam where this album was recorded.  Gilbert started playing keyboard in worship services at the age of 11, and joined his first band at 18.  In 2000 he started the band  Praise in Unity who were the opening act for Winans Phase II at their concert in Amsterdam and his group Nu Sound opened for  Israel and New Breed in April this year.  Forever is his second solo album.  This is a wonderful album for many reasons.  Firstly, it affirms that the praise of God is universal and breaks language and cultural barriers and comes from all corners of the earth.  Secondly, the quality of the music and vocals on the tracks is exceptional.  Gilbert’s voice is soulful, melodic and pleasant to listen to. There are covers of popular songs such as Friend of God, Lord You are Good, Forever, Kirk Franklins’ He Reigns, Lord I Lift Your Name on High, Here I am to Worship, and Say the Name of Jesus.  All of the Praise is a powerful worship song sung with passion.  Highly enjoyable, here’s hoping Gilbert and Nu Sound become widely known as an outstanding worship band across the waters.
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Here comes another artist from the heart of Haarlem —but with a difference. Not the Harlem in New York, but the original Haarlem, the one in Holland. Gilbert Thera & Nu Sound pour their all into a live praise and worship session, Forever, recorded at Maranatha Ministries in Amsterdam. Influenced by luminaries such as Israel Houghton and Kirk Franklin, Thera and crew put their own spin on recent classics such as "Friend of God" and "He Reigns" and "You Are Good". Production quality is excellent.

On the original "All Of The Praise", Thera trades lead vocals with members of his group in a rapidly-intensifying ballad that glorifies God. Sensitive vocal rendering, great chord changes and a stellar band performance demonstrate that this group has been wonderfully gifted. "Jezus Ik Wil Heel Dicht Bij U Komen" is sung in the Dutch language, and then melts into the praise chorus "Here I Am to Worship".

With plenty of other great interpretations on this project (including "Say The Name of Jesus", "My Tribute" and "Lord I Lift Your Name on High"), together with "We Welcome You In This Place" penned by Thera, Forever is an album that deserves plenty of attention.
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