Press On

The rendition of "Were You There" makes me cry every time I hear it. First tears of pain and sadness for Jesus' death and then tears of joy and for His resurrection.

This past Saturday, I was blessed to see Selah perfom live at River Valley Ranch in Carroll County, MD. I have been also anxiously awaiting for them to tour close to where I live. As soon as I discovered that they were coming, I bought tickets right away. I was in awe of their powerful voices, they sound even better live! The neatest unplanned thing happened at the concert. Todd and Nicol were talking about growing up in Africa and an entire group of people in one section cheered very loudly. It turned out they were all native to Kenya and had moved to the USA. Later on in the concert, Todd invited the whole group up on stage to sing "Yesu Azali Awa" in their own language (which is Swahili, I think). It was joyous! After that, Selah sang the song in Kituba with the entire group still on stage. By that time, the entire audience was singing along and praising along with them!

At the end of the show, Allan sang "In My Life/If We Never Meet Again", wonderfully! That one also brought tears to my eyes, as my grandmother had passed away a few days before.

Nicol sang a song off of her solo album which proved her powerful voice is as strong as ever. (I think that CD will be my next purchase!)

As I said on my review of "Be Still My Soul", God has blessed us with Selah!

Buy this CD and see them in concert if you can! I'm hoping to see them again!

J. Ward

Hampstead, MD


Highly Recommended   June 12, 2001
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Monday, June 11, 2001

I have been privileged to play viola with Selah on both of their "Live from the Lamb's" radio broadcasts, and I cannot recommend this group or their new album highly enough. "Press On" contains an abundance of riches, including classic Selah-style hymn arrangements, stirring praise choruses, soulful, driving gospel numbers, and a powerful guest appearance by Russ Taff on "Were You There?." Concert fans of Selah will also appreciate the inclusion of the joyful Kituba praise chorus "Yesu Azali Awa" that Todd and Nicol learned when they were growing up as missionary children in Africa. This album will encourage and uplift you, while inspiring a spirit of reflection, reverence, and worship. This CD is officially released tomorrow, but place your order today, because Amazon will have trouble keeping an album as good as this one in stock!

Selah's vocals are characterized by emotional projection, rhythmic freedom, power, and impeccable intonation. Their harmonies and arrangements are fresh and original without abandoning or distorting tradition. Allan's piano accompaniment and Paul Mills string arrangements support the vocals in a way that can only be described as genius.

The song order and key scheme is such that each song logically leads to the next, and if you have the CD on endless repeat (and you will), the final string reprise of "Oh Draw Me Lord" leads right back into the a cappella version that opens the album.

Selah attributes their talents, synergy, and success to the grace and power of God. They pray about each song as they work out the arrangements together in the studio. Is it any wonder that each track projects a powerful message that speaks directly to your spirit?

Five stars aren't enough.

Doc Wallace, faculty at the Juilliard School & Sarah Lawrence College


Highly Recommended   June 12, 2001
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

Monday, June 11, 2001

I have been privileged to play viola with Selah on both of their "Live from the Lamb's" radio broadcasts, and I cannot recommend this group or their new album highly enough. "Press On" contains an abundance of riches, including classic Selah-style hymn arrangements, stirring praise choruses, soulful, driving gospel numbers, and a powerful guest appearance by Russ Taff on "Were You There?." Concert fans of Selah will also appreciate the inclusion of the joyful Kituba praise chorus "Yesu Azali Awa" that Todd and Nicol learned when they were growing up as missionary children in Africa. This album will encourage and uplift you, while inspiring a spirit of reflection, reverence, and worship. This CD is officially released tomorrow, but place your order today, because Amazon will have trouble keeping an album as good as this one in stock!

Selah's vocals are characterized by emotional projection, rhythmic freedom, power, and impeccable intonation. Their harmonies and arrangements are fresh and original without abandoning or distorting tradition. Allan's piano accompaniment and Paul Mills string arrangements support the vocals in a way that can only be described as genius.

The song order and key scheme is such that each song logically leads to the next, and if you have the CD on endless repeat (and you will), the final string reprise of "Oh Draw Me Lord" leads right back into the a cappella version that opens the album.

Selah attributes their talents, synergy, and success to the grace and power of God. They pray about each song as they work out the arrangements together in the studio. Is it any wonder that each track projects a powerful message that speaks directly to your spirit?

Five stars aren't enough.

Doc Wallace, faculty at the Juilliard School & Sarah Lawrence College