Album Notes

The themes of God’s love from Scripture, with highlights from great Christian writers, are illuminated and energized in the contemporary album "Held by Love." People of all ages are being moved by this outstanding collection by Songs In His Presence. The powerful lyrics of its songs are deeply prayerful, set in primarily acoustic yet diverse musical styles. Fresh and distinctive for its repeat "listen-ability," it features six excellent solo vocalists, choir, and fifteen instrumentalists collaborating on richly-textured arrangements.

"Held by Love" opens with three songs of unabashed joy in God’s fatherly love: “So Bless the Lord” from Psalm 103, an ultra-joyful Latin/rock setting of Psalm 63 and the heart-swelling "How Profound Is Your Love" featuring harp, French horn and violin. The mood of the music deepens with the captivating fourth and fifth songs, Deb Mantel’s tender “Around the Throne” (our total worship of God) and Roger Holtz’s gripping choral feature “Surely He Has Borne Our Griefs” (Isaiah’s prophecy of Christ’s Passion and Death) which includes solos by tenor David Fischer. The subsequent four contemplative songs by Ed Conlin convey our response of gratitude and willing surrender of self. “Can It Be, Oh My Soul” describes our astonishment at such a treasure, but its high cost, selfless love. Hushed reverence begins and lights the sparks in “Lord Enkindle Me.” The fire ignites with “Living Flame,” a guitar-based setting of the penetrating poem by the sixteenth century monk, St. John of the Cross, recognizing God in the pain of life and inviting the purification He gives. Love's willingness to share sufferings is one reflection also portrayed in the CD photo design. Lighter, lilting tin whistle echoes all through the Celtic-style "Here Is My Life" and Deb Mantel sings her simply beautiful love for the Lord in “You Alone.” The songs of the five composers of "Held by Love" present a fresh invitation to become humble and open and make a space for Christ. "Abide, O Lord” (an invitation to God to make his home in me) and the album signature song “What Costly Love” (we are changed by God’s love), continue the "Held by Love" cover theme and are both interpreted through Inez Gavrilides and harmonists. The energy of the CD climbs again with its final two songs, "The House of God" and Amy Righi’s “We Have Been Blest,” both heralding our call to be the Body of Christ, bearing His love to the world.

This is a long-playing CD: fifteen tracks and an entire hour sharing the breadth and length of God’s love, performed by the gifted brother and sister artists of Songs In His Presence. Superbly arranged and edited, "Held by Love" is among the best uplifting contemporary Christian worship music. You will have a hard time picking just one favorite song or singer on this CD. Songbooks are available at www.SongsInHisPresence.com.