I confess that Terry MacAlmon is new to me, but he quickly extinguished any concerns that I was in for a series of grandiose piano gymnastics. His classically arranged compositions do include drama, of course, but the focus is strictly vertical. The title, in fact, is illustrative of MacAlmon’s intentions, for this rich, fertile music does direct your attention toward the Lord. MacAlmon’s ability to do so without lyrics is indeed indicative of his prodigious composing skill and talents on the ivories.
Accompanying Terry MacAlmon on “Holy!” is the Prague Symphony Orchestra, and together they make their way through two classical worship suites. Immediately, the hushed reverence of opener “Prelude- For You Are Holy” grabs your attention. MacAlmon’s artistry shows up quickly on the dramatic crescendo of “Call to Worship- Lord, I Live,” although the intensity arrives just a bit too soon for my taste. The warm flugelhorn of “This is the Time,” with its rich strings, adds to the track’s strong emotive power, and MacAlmon shows much more sensitivity and restraint on his tender rendition of “Holy, Holy, Holy,” giving you a chance to get lost in your own reveries of God’s holiness.
The second portion of the album is equally sensitive, the achingly sweet violin of “He Will Satisfy Your Soul” adding to the composition’s rich ambience. The joyous overtones of “Even So” are easy to get lost in, as is the lush “Worship Medley.” If you are new to this genre, and this experience of worship, Terry MacAlmon’s “Holy!” is a great place to start.
