The Gillian Grannum Project – Perfect Peace

The Gillian Grannum Project
Perfect Peace
Rain Down Melodies (2010)
www.gilliangrannum.com

Perfect Peace is a collection of sacred songs written by Gillian Grannum over the past decade and performed with panache by a team of singers and musicians. I say sacred songs because the selections cannot be classified as gospel, although some of the vocalists clearly have gospel training. What is here is so much more, a veritable feast for the soul.

Exquisitely rendered songs on the album include “Crucify You Again,” with the talented Nneka Best on lead, and “As I Draw Close to You,” on which Chiquita Green takes the melody. Green handles lead on several tracks, including the effusive “I Love to Love You,” which is backed by a lithe jazz combo.

“God Be Praised” is the project’s magnum opus. It is a brilliant piece of modern choral literature that features a gospel-style lead by Dianne Johnson and support from a classically-trained chorus. The sum is breathtaking in its drama and majesty. Similarly, “Hallelujah” weaves contrapuntal praises around the classic hymn, “All Creatures of Our God and King,” and cries out to be performed in a high-ceilinged cathedral for the echo effect. High school, university and senior church choruses will find these two compositions ideal for their repertories.

Carol Frazier’s piano on the opening prelude (which she wrote) and “God Be Praised” is extraordinary. Her touch alternates between aggressive and delicate, and in so doing, she transforms the arrangements into things of beauty. Tim Spady also contributes his estimable keyboard skills to several of the songs.

Native Philadelphian Gillian Grannum cannot have asked for a better showcase for her songwriting than Perfect Peace. It quite simply offers some of the loveliest sacred music you will hear on one CD.

Five of Five Stars

Picks: “God Be Praised,” “Crucify You Again,” “Hallelujah.”