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If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something
Artist: Rebecca St James
Label: ForeFront Records
Time: 12 Tracks / 50:36
Released: November 22, 2005
The title of Rebecca St James' most recent album If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something is taken straight from the words to the number three track "You Are Loved." The song recalls a friendship she shared while growing up in Sydney Australia. The words could be applied to memories many of us have of friendships past;
We were younger then, you and me, full of dreams weren't we?Then as the song draws to a close these poignant words;
I went my way, you went yours, where did you go, dear?
Someone had said you left the life we had lived together then
This is my way of reaching out 'cause I remember…
Not sure if I've made it clear enough,All but one track on this CD are written or co-written by Rebecca St James. The beat of the music reflects the beat of her heart whether she is singing "Love Being Loved By You" the powerful rock worship anthem or the delicate "Lest I Forget" that reminds us that this rocker does indeed have a gentler quieter persona.
It's not my love I sing about
Everybody asks, "Is God good?"
I believe, He is
In fact I know He is.
"Love Being Loved By You" (track five) returns St James to her rock roots with thundering guitar riffs offered up by Rob Hawkins and Matt Bronleewe. The producers twin bassists James Gregory and Brent Milligan. Tony Morra (formerly with Avalon) guests as the drummer.
One of the most creative and entertaining songs from this disc is "Thank You" which occupies the number seven slot. Paul Moak and Tedd T. provide jagged guitar riffs complimenting the vocals of TobyMac and St James. About the mid point in the song a round is created with TobyMac rapping while St James continues to sing.
You will probably have the same reaction that I did when you glance at the CD cover and notice that BarlowGirl appears on the song "Forgive Me." You will likely think this song is really going to rock out! Well you couldn't be further from the truth. BarlowGirl is sans instruments and combine vocals with Rebecca to create a breathtaking sonnet. Cellist Anthony LaMarchina (cellist) and David Davidson (violin) provide a beautiful accompaniment.
While most albums are driven by thundering guitar grooves, piano keys or drumbeats this CD takes a different approach. Sure there are songs on If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something that feature the aforementioned prerequisites but the strings really steal the show. The producers (Tedd T., Matt Bronleewe and Shaun Shankel) have gathered together a collection of some of the music industry's finest with David Davidson an accomplished violinist, concert master and composer leading the way. His lengthy list of credits includes working with Amy Grant, Garth Brooks, Jaci Velasquez, Sawyer Brown and the Indigo Girls. David Angell hails from St James' hometown of Sydney Australia and appears as a violist. His accomplishments in classical music are legendary. Most recently he appeared on Rocketown's Christmas album Gloria. Mary Katherine Vanosdale (Mary Chapin Carpenter) also appears on violin. She too is a concert master. Carrie Bailey (Martina McBride-White Christmas) rounds out the violin players. Cellists include the incomparable John Catchings (Linda Rondstadt, Faith Hill, Michael McDonald) and Anthony LaMarchina (Garth Brooks, David Benoit, KD Lang). Jeremy Bose arranges the strings.
There is so much more that I would like to share with you about this album but alas I have overstayed my welcome so you will just have to belly up to your local cash register and plunk down your dollars.
By Joe Montague, exclusive rights reserved
Joe Montague is an internationally
published journalist / photographer. His ministry is dedicated to the memory
of his late son Kent David Montague who went to heaven at the age of 18.
All copyright and distribution rights remain the property of Joe Montague.