Marti Dorner – Marti

Marti Dorner

Originally from Nassau, Bahamas, Marti entered the Christian music industry after coming to the attention of Orlando, Florida-based industry insiders. Since she has worked with artists in the gospel and Christian music categories – from Ron Kenoly to Babbie Mason to the Gaither Vocal Band – it’s not surprising her album is a blend of both.

Marti is someone to be appreciated not only for her singing but also for her songwriting. Her sweet spot in both is the inspirational ballad. She gives her message songs an AC pop construction, such as “He is Able,” a love song to God that Marti renders lovingly and warmly, the vocals like hot cocoa on a winter’s evening.

The album’s lead single, the worship ballad “Even Now,” was written the day she miscarried her first child. Despite the emotional pain that brought it into being, “Even Now” communicates a tenderness and generosity of spirit in surrendering to God’s will.

The gospel-focused pieces are the R&B-charged “Shouts of Victory,” and “Endless Grace” features a sassy side of the artist.

Marti also demonstrates a fondness for praise and worship ballads, as evidenced by the Caribbean-tinged “Clap Your Hands,” on which she sings with the praise party passion of Martha Munizzi, with whom she’s worked. Others are the meditative “Communion,” which features lovely piano work by Jonathan Wolliston, and the hypnotic “Sacrifice,” a simple song over which Marti’s vocals float and soar.

“I Come to Worship” is exactly what its title suggests.  It is humble and prayerful, two words that are also fitting descriptions of the album.

Three of Five Stars

Picks: “Shouts of Victory,” “He is Able.”