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Album Review: Revelation
David Nevue
Cover image of the album Revelation by David Nevue
Revelation
David Nevue
2009 / Midnight Rain Productions
70 minutes
Review by Kathy Parsons
Revelation: Solo Piano for Prayer & Worship is the follow-up to David Nevue’s 2007 release Adoration. Where Adoration was mostly Nevue’s arrangements of traditional hymns, Revelation is made up mostly of improvisations on hymns and contemporary praise songs plus three Nevue originals. What is especially interesting is that just a few years ago, Nevue was not entirely comfortable with his improvisational skills. Recording the album in Joe Bongiorno’s Piano Haven Studio was so comfortable for Nevue that he just relaxed and let the music flow. The results are spectacular and nearly as personal as an album of original compositions. Revelation contains a whopping nineteen tracks and a running time of more than 70 minutes, but there is no filler or any weak tracks - a great album from start to finish!

I obviously don’t have the space to tell you about all nineteen tracks, so I’ll pick some highlights. Revelation begins with a rousing version of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Energetic with a catchy bass rhythm, this arrangement oveflows with joy. “Sing Hallelujah” is one of my favorites. Very dark and introspective, the deep emotions expressed communicate in a very personal way. “Softly and Tenderly” is almost fragile in its delicacy - lovely! “In the Shadow of Your Wings” is also very dark and searching, but then “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” swings the mood all the way back up to joyful and optimistic. “The Mystery and the Glory” is the first of Nevue’s originals on this album, and was recorded as it was being created - there are no edits or changes. Very thoughtful and very comfortable, it’s a deeply personal beauty! One of the surprises is “Blessed Assurance,” a very traditional hymn transformed into a semi-jazz interpretation. Light and carefree, it’s a great arrangement that dances with joy. “Your Word” is a worship song written by David’s friend Allison Long, and his solo piano arrangement is soulful and stirring. “Holy Holy Holy” is another standard hymn made fresh and new with improvisation and a joyful state of mind - an energetic delight! “The Lion and the Lamb” is a song Nevue wrote years ago and a favorite composition of his. Gentle and loving, it’s a wonderful piece! “Amazing Love (You Are My King)” has a quiet but passionate message that reaches deep into the heart. “The Steadfast Love of the Lord” serves as a peaceful benediction to close this inspiring and heartfelt album.

Revelation is available from davidnevue.com, Amazon, CD Baby, and iTunes. Very highly recommended!
January 16, 2010
This review has been tagged as:
Hymn Arrangements