Review

The Anaheim Vineyard. For many years, this was the focal point of all things Vineyard. John Wimber was the pastor and most of the influential Vineyard worship leaders and songwriters either spent some time there, or at the very least, played and taught at seminars and conferences there. There is rich history in Anaheim, and more than a few of us look yearn for more of the same.

Some of the values that the Vineyard has always taught with regard to worship are to sing to the Lord, to ask for His presence to come and to wait expectantly for Him to meet with us. The Vineyard movement sprang up concurrently with a wave of "contemporary" worship music. However, saying you play contemporary worship music is not the same as saying you play Vineyard music. The Vineyard has always sought to have an intimate relationship with Jesus. And it has always strived to keep songs simple enough that any church, at any degree of competence, could play and worship to.

I say all this as a way of introduction to this new album. To me, it harkens back to the values that John Wimber embraced. Simple songs of love that are easily learned and played. That's not to say that they are not extremely well done; it's just that you can strip them down to a guitar or piano and still worship to them. That's what Wimber wanted from his worship leaders; to equip the Church to lead us in worship.

The three worship leaders are Jeremy Riddle, Tony Sanchez and Cindy Rethmeier. Jeremy's voice is so incredibly good! He brings to mind Mac Powell of Third Day. And Tony Sanchez is very similar. They both have deep, rich tones and sing with such passion. But, for me, hearing Cindy Rethmeier sing again was like going back home! Her voice is so unmistakable, and I was instantly transported back to one of the many worship conferences I attended where she led. I can still see her up on stage, hands thrust our sideways, almost cross-like, head tilted up to heaven, singing "Meet Us".

Cindy's first song on the album, "Great Thanks" is the epitome of what I'm talking about. It is simple, certainly nothing new theologically (as if anything is, right?) and you can start singing along almost immediately. My four year old daughter made me play it over and over again while we were driving, she loves it so much.

Jeremy Riddle has four songs on the album, but none better than "As Children". This is pure Vineyard. Check these lyrics:
As children we come with arms open wide
So desperate for You, so in need of Your life
May our praise fill Your ears, may our cries touch Your heart
We need Your presence to change who we are, so we ask
Come Holy Spirit, come in Your power
Come inhabit our praise
Come and reign in our lives...

The song is kind of in the "Dwell" mold, rhythmically. And, even though it can be played simply, as the basic chords suggest, he is obviously playing something else. Have fun learning!

Tony Sanchez, who delighted us last year with "Bless His Name", gives us three songs. My favorite is one he wrote with his wife, Carla. It's "Great Are You Lord". It's another simple song, but very poetic. And, again, the chords are simple (if you capo), but a lot of fun to play in the key of Bb, if you dare!

All of the Vineyard CDs are enhanced, meaning they provide, for free, the chord charts and overhead masters. The Vineyard is committed to "from the Church, for the Church". They WANT you to learn their songs, and they make it easy to do it.

I am thankful that this album is out. It brings me back to MY roots. Thank you, Anaheim Vineyard.

Review by John Ausmus