Album Notes

Marcille Wallis draws upon decades of performing sacred music to present "A Mighty Fortress" -- the follow-up to her acclaimed 2002 release, "Be Thou My Vision."

"A Mighty Fortress" simulates worship experience: the Call to Worship (the title track) is followed by a prelude (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring). Subsequent hymns are presented at "singing tempo," inviting the listener to participate. There's even a lively and unusual rendition of "Rock Of Ages" for the postlude. In all, there's just under an hour of instrumental music played on solo hammer dulcimer accompanied by guitar, performed with joy and reverence.

Early reviews say, "the perfect background music for daily Bible reading and devotions" ... "every piece is sensitive to the melody or melodies ... they mirror acquaintance with the texts ... arrangements are nice and full" ... "it's gonna be a favorite" ...

Listen to "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" to hear how the dulcimer and guitar faithfully play a centuries-old Baroque piece with a modern folk sensibility. Then try "Babylon Is Fallen" to be immediately transported into a small clapboard church in the Southern Highlands. Imagine yourself in cloistered prayer while listening to "Deus Meus Adiuva Me," an ancient Irish plainsong. Tap your toes to "Farther Along / We'll Understand It Better By And By" and you'll feel as if you're participating in an all-night Gospel sing!