Review

Paul Wilbur. Classically trained tenor with a guitar. Nah, MUCH more than that! Those of us who have worn out his albums, heard his teaching, or shared coffee with him know that this man is a special instrument of God for these days. Beginning with the days of Israel's Hope, each of his albums, have been powerful markers of God's help in the lives of those who love Israel and the Jewish Messiah who died for the redemption of both Israel and the Gentiles. Watchman is destined to be another milestone, a touch point, in the journey. Watchman is a call to the body of Christ "to take up their place on the walls of their lives, congregations, cities, and nations- to be faithful, prayerful, and watchful during this most prophetic hour."

Paul Wilbur. Gifted, talented, skilled, prophetic yet real, grounded, and founded. Crafter, leader, exhorter, teacher, lover of life, lover of God, writer, player, singer, exuberant praiser but above all, worshipper. Superlatives are in order here.

Watchman answers the questions that form in my mind whenever I hear that Paul is planning another album: "How can he add to what he's already done so well? Can he possibly top the last one?" Yes, he can. Watchman brings Paul's signature style to yet another "recorded live" project. Listen, as carefully crafted arrangements wend their way through your soul, enticing you, demanding that you enter in. Listen to the shofar, the Mosaic trumpet, as it calls us to assembly for worship, as it stirs your spirit-man from the first seconds of the album. Listen for infectious laughter and joy. You'll find yourself hanging on the words of the lyrics, agreeing and "amen-ing" as your heart sings with his. This is not an album for casual listening. It will capture you and you'll find yourself lifting your hands in surrender-in worship.

The album is about 71 minutes of music that ranges from very vertical to subtly horizontal. There is dancing music, thinking music, and some simply awe-filled time. Bring your Hebrew along; as with most of Paul's albums, there are significant reminders of Paul's Jewish heritage and God's love (and this reviewer's) of things Hebrew. The music is thoroughly laced with scriptural allusions and quotes; the selections are interspersed with a few, choice, spoken scriptural exhortations. The arrangements are full of musical reminders of the Middle East. Acoustic, electronic, and folk elements are woven together to provide a delicious and tantalizing time with Paul as he leads a processional to the courts of our Lord.

Of the fourteen songs in twelve cuts, thirteen are new to my ears, and the fourteenth is a freshly arranged part of a short medley to joyfully finish the album dancing and jumping. Part of Paul's heart is to bring new and fresh music to the body of Messiah (I'm glad). I especially enjoyed the deep and intimate moments found in "Holy, Holy, Holy", "Worthy", and "A Resting Place". Paul has done a number of "Holy" songs over the years and each of them is a delight to my spirit. It's amazing what one can do with one word repeated three times. The four living creatures in Revelation 4 who never cease to say, "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY" will not tire of those words for all eternity because of creative souls like Paul Wilbur who give their all to glorify their God.

Review by Dean Thomas