Reviews
REVIEW: Listen to the Sound
Christian Week Online
Listen to the Sound,
by Lianna Klassen (Dawntreader, 1998),
is reviewed by Debra Fieguth.
 f ever we wondered whether Canadian Christian talent could rival that of our urbane American cousins, we need wonder no more. This is a truly gorgeous album, with complex arrangements, exotic instruments, lyrics rooted in a strong faith and, tying the package together, a beautiful voice.
Lianna Klassen of Abbotsford, B.C., wrote both words and music for all 11 songs on her second album, Listen to the Sound (the first, Swept Off Your Feet, was released in 1995). Some, like "nBeautiful" and "Morning Call," based on Psalm 5, are meditative and worshipful, while the title track is joyous and filled with wonder, concluding with a Celtic-influenced instrumental section that will make listeners want to get up and tap-dance.
But two pieces in the middle, "Shekinah" and "Pilgrim's Progress," are the most alluring. "Shekinah" opens with a mournful Middle Eastern sound, setting the stage for lyrics describing the building of Solomon's temple. The music builds magnificently-one can almost visualize the throngs of worshippers approaching the temple, in awe of the holiness of God. And just when the rhythm reaches a peak, it stops abruptly, and a tingling hush ensues while the singer whispers "Shekinah glory!" it's stunning.
Klassen's voice sparkles in "Pilgrim's Progress." There's a definite Loreena McKennitt feel to this piece, both in the vocal and instrumental tracks. The song has a somewhat dreamy quality to it, but it is anchored by the certainty of the lyrics: "The Pilgrim's Progress falters time after time./But at the end of his days, you will hear the Father say, Well done faithful servant, you are a child of Mine."
For all the seriousness of her subject matter, this is a singer who also has fun, as evidenced by the quirky, muffled miking and gutsy singing in "Romans 8."
One huge advantage for Klassen was working with an impeccable producer and immensely talented musician like Roy Salmond, who plays many of the instruments, from rain stick and accordian to acoustic guitar, keyboards and snare. His touch is brilliant throughout the album. Noted percussionist Sal Feraras and violinist Spencer Capier are among the other fine musicians who helped out on the project.
Listen to the Sound is an example of contemporary Christian music as it should be: excellent musicianship and deeply spiritual, solid lyrics. Watch for more from this wonderful young artist.
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REVIEW: Listen to the Sound
BC Christian News
Listen to the Sound,
by Lianna Klassen (Dawntreader, 1998).
A review by David F Dawes.
 HE WAVE of gospel music being produced by British Columbia artists shows no sign of abating. Last year, in our June and December issues, we featured some 40 releases from B.C. musicians which fit - if one defines the category very broadly - within the realm of praise and worship music. Here are some more.
This outstanding CD, impeccably recorded in Richmond and Vancouver, features Abbotsford's Lianna Klassen singing 11 of her own compositions. She is accompanied by superb instrumental and vocal backing, featuring such talented locals as Spencer Capier on violin, Steve Otterbein on vocals and Celso Machada on percussion. Klassen cites diverse scriptures and figures - from John Bunyan to C. S. Lewis and Pope Gregory I - as inspirations. These influences give her lyrics strength and conviction; her singing conveys encouragement and solid faith. The inventive arrangements incorporate some rather exotic instruments, such as djembe, tablas, rain stick log drum and erhu. Some fine fiddle playing gives 'Trust in His Hand' a nice country feel; 'Pilgrim's Progress' has a Celtic atmosphere reminiscent of Loreena McKennit, or Enya, or maybe Iona in the Christian market.
The high point is the magnificent 'Shekinah,' which combines pounding drums, a reggae beat, middle-Eastern riffs and majestic vocals. Other standouts include the title song, 'Lord You Have Searched Me' and 'Morning Call'
Producer Roy Salmond contributes substantially to the album's success, supplying backing vocals and playing on over a dozen instruments; he even manages to throw in a glockenspieL It's good to see him back at work locally, after a sojourn in Nashville.
All told, this is a resolutely Christ-centred and inspiring album.
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REVIEW: Listen to the Sound
Cross Rhythms
Listen to the Sound,
by Lianna Klassen (Dawntreader, 1998),
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer.
 op isn't quite the right word to describe the contents of this album which is a combination of World Music influences and straight forward adult Pop. Got to say when I first heard it, I wasn't sure, but now we've had the opportunity to become fully familiar with one another, I can report that this album is a real beauty! An eclectic feast of moods and rhythms, this is a broad worship album with a strong production sound topped off by Lianna's excellent songwriting and fine voice.
So what do you get for your dollars? The opening title cut is an immediate indicator that we're in the presence of a woman who can write a compellingly catchy tune and bring us into the presence of God simultaneously! My dictionary of reviewers' buzz words suggests that the correct term for this is "anthemic" and that sounds fine by me!
Lord You Have Searched Me is built around an understated ambient little groove over which Lianna worships to a theme from Ps 139; Trust In His Hand goes New Country and Salvation begins with a percussive build up, ethnic sounds and an acoustic guitar over which a strong celtic tune is sung. just a great combination of sounds!
Shekinah is a bold retelling of the story of the glory of the Lord falling in the temple featuring some huge TerI Bryant style drum riffs and an epic chorus!
Romans 8 is a sassy piece of CCM demonstrating that even the straight forward pieces of music on this album are delivered with aplomb by Ms Klassen and her wonderfully catchy tunes!. (watch out for the way it breaks down two minutes in!)
Midst Of It All is a moving balad of reassurance and hope. The album closes with a couple of moments of gentle worship - Beautiful and Psalm 5. Occasionally reminscent of Carolyn Arends, possibly because of the inclusion of her sideman Spencer Capier, this is a top quality release you should chase down.
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