Music Review
of the Artist: Sammy Horner
by: christianmusicreviewed.com Note: Visit this artists at: http://www.myspace.com/sammyhorner Review: Inspired to worship This Belfast born artist strung an amazing collection of lyrics and melodies together to give us Inspired to Worship. His song writing skills seem effortless, yet well balanced and constructed as the music flows smoothly together with his vocals and acoustic rhythms. Passion and experiences are weaved beautifully throughout this whole project. The song Victory in Defeat, is my song of the year award from this collection. That song along is worth the price of the whole project. The Lyrics: When everything
is uphill
He is captivating. His vocals are contagious. The album has an organic flavor and is not over-produced. Sometimes I think God just smiles when people find the talents He has placed in us used so well. The song I see the Lord, has a theme done endlessly before, yet when this artists brings his song writing talents to it and his other songs in this collection; they simply glow. The Lyrics: On the rainsoaked
streets of Glasgow
The song When All is Said and Done is an awesome wrap-up song on the project. It leaves you wanting more. Phil Maderia is such a gifted Producer, and along with Phil Keaggy and artists Chris Donohue and others, they have given us a Sammy Horner project to embrace. This is a CD that you will want to share with your friends. Encourage others to purchase this CD an in turn support a gifted artist making a difference.
ANOTHER REVIEW FOUND OF THIS PROJECT: INSPIRED TO WORSHIP
This latest solo album from Sammy Horner is
a wonderful example of how great songwriters can mature into even greater
songwriters. Sammy is probably best known for fronting Celtic rock
band The Electrics, and although his solo career may be well established
this album is definitely his best to date. Even on first listening,
these worship songs have a recognisable and catchy quality about them.
Often simple themes can lead to a songwriter churning out the same old
stock Christian phrases; but in this case, the lyrical approach is fresh
and the narratives are captivating. The production approach here
is also superb, allowing the songs the freedom to breathe within spacious
arrangements and delicate musicianship. It may be a far cry from
the brash and energetic vibe of The Electrics, but here the Nashville sound
really comes into its own. Trust me – this is a great
song smith who’s maturing nicely.
ANOTHER REVIEW FOUND OF THIS PROJECT: Sammy Horner: Acoustic Celtic Praisen
ANOTHER REVIEW FOUND OF THIS PROJECT: Anyone who has been following Sammy's career down the years will know that this Belfast-born songsmith is a fine composer whose lyrics often tease out spiritual insights from whatever subject he is addressing. Singing-wise, nobody would suggest Sammy is Britain's answer to Mac Powell, though his rough and rugged tones do convey a raw passion. This set was produced and recorded by Phil Madeira at his wonderfully named Nashville studio, Planet Of The Tapes and Phil's intuitive feel for roots/acoustic music keeps the vibe warmly organic. Look out for some fine BVs too from the marvellous Jill Paquette. Maybe Sammy has recorded his classic "The Blessing" once too often to be fully effective but when everything fits together like on the joyful opener "Just A Little Drop Of Water" or the marvellous duet with Phil Keaggy on "I Will Be Free", a song originally heard on The Electrics' 'Visions And Dreams' album, one truly is inspired to worship. Horner’s Scotland-based Celtic rock band, The Electrics, has been a long-standing favorite in the United States, and now singer/songwriter Horner is traveling as a solo act. He has played and headlined at many of the major festivals in the world, including the Edinburgh Festival, Glasgow Garden Festival, Cornerstone, Creation, Greenbelt, Spring Harvest, Summer Madness, Christmas Rocknight, Rock in the Ruins, Owen Teck, Flevo and Slab Rock. His most recent album, ‘Inspired To Worship,’ includes a track a duet with guitar virtuoso Phil Keaggy, and “I Will Be Free,” a song originally recorded by The Electrics. Horner grew up in Belfast in Northern Ireland. His first guitar was bought from a local music shop owner shortly after the store had been destroyed by a bomb during the religious Civil War. He later moved to Glasgow, Scotland, where he and guitarist Paul Baird formed the Celtic rock band “The Electrics.” In addition to his recording and touring with The Electrics, he has nine solo albums and two children’s books, and has played with Buddy Miller, Julie Miller, Rick Elias, Mitch McVicker, Jeni Vernadau, Wig Wam Bamz, Jesus Freaks, Rodney Cordner, Nina Astrom, Stuart Trotter, Glen Kaiser and Rich Mullens. He has also produced albums for Chris Mercer,
Carolyn Stillwell and Stuart Trotter.
Solo Discography: 2005 Celtic CD: Sammy Horner - Inspired To Worship 2003 Celtic CD: Sammy Horner - Acoustic Celtic Praise 1999 Roots/Acoustic CD: Sammy Horner - Celtic Praise Vol 4: See & Touch & Hear 1999 Dance/Electronic CD: The Seanachaidh - Ceilidh Electric: A Time To Dance 1997 Celtic CD: Sammy Horner - Celtic Praise Vol 3: Quaich 1994 Celtic CD: Sammy Horner - Celtic Praise Vol 2: T-Allt Ruadh (The Red Burn) 1994 Children’s Cassette: Sammy Horner & The Wonder Kids - Country Parables 1993 CD: Sammy Horner - Pub Praise 1992 Celtic CD: Sammy Horner - Celtic Praise: With Every Blessing 1992 Children’s Cassette: Sam Horner &
The Wonderkids - Obey The Maker’s Instructions
Band Discography: Old New Borrowed and Green (Asaph / TYTP) 2004 Reel Folk ‘n’ Rock ‘n’ Roll, The Electrics (Pliegtegier) 2002 The Electrics, The Electrics (5 Minute Walk) 1999 Danger Live, The Electrics (ICC) 1998 Irish Invasion, The Electrics (Pila) 1997 The Whole Shebang, The Electrics (Pila) 1995 Big Silent World, The Electrics (Pila) 1993 View ‘n’ Blues, The Electrics (independent) 1989 The Electrics (independent) 1988 Infrapenny (independent) 1983 Additional background materials attached below. Also see http://www.myspace.com/sammyhorner (music can be heard here) http://www.sammyhorner.com/
As a debut album 'Visions And Dreams' has all the Celtic freshness of a winter dip in Irish sea. The title track is seemingly much influenced by the Waterboys folk-rock fusion and works well enough to stand the comparison. All the songs have strong and memorable hooks from the tried-and-tested "Mercy Mercy" to the searing criticism of "Disciples Of Disaster". This is going to be an album that sticks in the mind. Produced with a warm and vibrant 'live band' feel, the album exudes a joyous charm while influences abound, from the Cajun-tinged "The Turning Tide" (watch out for Alan Hewitt's pumping accordion) to the swamp blues sound of Robert Johnson's "Hellhound On My Trail" 'Visions And Dreams' is an album well worth getting if you're fed up with pop pap and fancy a recording with more depth and a lot more freshness.
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