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It is Scott Dyer, Worship Pastor, you hear leading the Texas church on "Still Amazed: Live Worship at Bent Tree." And oh, are they having some church!
It still thrills me to hear someone moving out in their gifting, their appointed place of worship and service, and Scott Dyer is right where he’s supposed to be, it’s very clear. His heart for the church is all over the songs he’s written on “Sill Amazed” and his leading through the many familiar hymns and contemporary songs covered on the album. Dyer is a strong leader, both vocally and, from what you can tell on “Still Amazed,” spiritually. Recorded live at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, the album starts off with an air of jubilation, cooking to the upbeat cover of Lincoln Brewster’s “Let the Praises Ring.” Scott Dyer keeps the energy levels high, moving quickly into Brenton Brown and Paul Baloche’s “Hosanna,” the rhythm section as brawny as their leader. The guitar-driven “Great is Thy Faithfulness” keeps things on an upbeat note, and when Dyer’s first original song appears, the ambient “Ancient of Days,” you’re just ready to move into deeper worship. Both this track and the following “Not I But Christ” are great Sunday morning songs, the latter reminding us dramatically of Who this is really all about. Simmering electric keys and soft acoustic guitar gently supports the song’s strong melody line, building to a fervent climax of worship. Guest artist Anja Lehmann joins the band for the lovely “Out of the Depths I Cry to You,” and fellow leader Wayne Cagle steps up for another powerful church song, “Son of God,” dripping with adoration. The good people of Bent Tree move on to yet another example of how fresh and moving a familiar hymn can be, given a new perspective. The rousing rendition of “Come Thou Fount” will lift you from your seat in exultant wonder, and the relaxed acoustic take on Newton’s most classic of hymns, "Amazing Grace," will surprise you with its deep power. Dyer’s additional well-written lyrics on "Still Amazed" are both respectful and stirring, leading directly into adoration. Dyer includes an interesting element of ambience on his cover of “In Christ Alone,” adding to the hymn’s already powerful ardor. The Bent Tree team leads the church into enthusiastic exultation, splashy drums only aiding the general delight. I don’t know that the last two tracks maintain the energy progression, but they are not problematic either. One more positive note on “Still Amazed: Live Worship at Bent Tree”: all proceeds from the indie album go to support overseas missions projects. Scott Dyer’s heart for the church shines through once again. Makes me wish I lived within driving distance on Sunday morning.
The copyright of the article Scott Dyer's Still Amazed: Review in Christian Music is owned by Kevan Breitinger. Permission to republish Scott Dyer's Still Amazed: Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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