Psalmody Album
Twelve of the biblical psalms (KJV translation), word for word, are set to contemporary music in various musical styles.

Produced by John Piper


The Year’s Best Music… top picks for 2001… Many of us have waited a long time to hear a contemporary Christian recording like this…

Paul Buckley

Religion Editor

… this to me is the most significant recording to come out in many years — secular or Christian.

Joshua Martinez

Jesus Music

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Reviews of Psalmody
This is a marvel: a contemporary Christian CD devoted to nothing but psalms. And not just a few psalm verses lifted out of context for a simple chorus, but whole psalms sung from first verse to last. Like meat in your music? Here it is.  read more

Dallas doctor, David Albracht, the mastermind behind this recording, began setting the psalms to music in 1988 during medical school. His tenor is reminiscent of Yusuf Islam (the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens). The ensemble backing him includes keyboards, percussion, cello, bass, and mandolin. (See www.psalmody.net)

The standouts are Psalm 111 (“Praise ye the Lord”), with its irresistible Latin American sound, and Psalm 3 (“Lord how are they increased that trouble me”), a ballad that graduates from fear to faith. The musical styles, though admirably varied, are not all equally convincing. A bluesy Psalm 123 moves along with a sassy, insouciant swing that seems at odds with a plea such as “Have mercy upon us, for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.” But that criticism should not detract from the disc’s merits. Listeners are likely to find, as Luther did, that a good dose of the psalms makes other songs seem tepid. The psalms are the original praise and worship music, after all. Hats off to the people behind Psalmody for the reminder. Perhaps other artists will follow their lead. Until then, this recording will remain the most significant contemporary Christian disc of the year.    See source review

     

     

Paul Buckley
The Dallas Morning News
April 14, 2001

Think of great lyricists, who comes to mind? Graham Kendrick, Martyn Joseph, maybe Cross Rhythms’ very own Phil Thomson? But, with the greatest respect, all of these fade into insignificance compared with two giants of the prophetic worship lyric. Yep, warrior king David and muso Asaph are the unsurpassed heavyweights of the genre. So when this assemblage of Texas players were brought together by singer/composer David Albracht to record new versions of some of David’s and Asaph’s Holy Spirit-inspired words, they were already off to a good start though, you may observe, it takes more than scanned Scripture to make a great CD.   read more
As it turns out, this is a great CD because everything blends so beautifully, David’s rich, expressive tenor voice; rhythms that mix musical influences ancient (the Messianic-tinged “Psalm 108”) and modern (the fluid Texas blues of “Psalm 123”) but always with a deftness of touch and sensitivity of arrangement. Throughout, there are musical moments to delight, for instance the gliding cello of Pierce Meisenbach on “Psalm 1” or Jeannie Perkins’ vocal interjections on “Psalm 126”. The production (and guitar work) by John Piper too is exemplary. By the close I was not only convinced I had heard one of the most outstanding albums ever made without the help of a record company, but also an album with the genuine potential of leading us to the God of David and Asaph, you and I.   See source review

     

     

Tony Cummings
Cross Rhythms Magazine
July 1, 2001

“… this to me is the most significant recording to come out in many years — secular or Christian. The lyrics obviously cannot be critiqued and the music stands up to the test of even the most finicky listener…”

     

     

Joshua Martinez
Jesus Music
August 2001

 

The Year’s Best Music… top picks for 2001…

Many of us have waited a long time to hear a contemporary Christian recording like this…    See source review

     

     

Paul Buckley
The Dallas Morning News
December 29, 2001

A Beautiful Album!

It’s rare that I come across an independent project and truly enjoy it from track to track. I’m definitely not a fan of “underground” music, not because I don’t appreciate the hard work that these musicians have, but I have yet to find a project that truly inspires me. That’s why The David/Asaph Project’s Psalmody sat on my desk for over three months. I have a hard enough time keeping up with the major label releases as it is. But I finally sat down and put the CD in, thinking I would least use it as background music while working. I wound up sitting back, and literally soaking in this album.  read more

Vocalist David Albracht’s incredibly unique and peaceful voice is a perfect companion to the deeply introspective instrumentations from a back-up band that features everything from acoustic and electric guitars to mandolins and cellos. The music ranges from folk to rock to classical, but the overall mood and theme of the album is never lost. The most beautiful part of this album lies in the lyrics, which are pulled word for word from the Bible. What could be more inspirational then some of the most beautiful Psalms, sung with passion and beautifully orchestrated? The album’s mission, according to their website, is to inform us of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs from many walks of life, different languages, and diverse cultures which celebrate and honor the Lord Jesus Christ. Although I can’t speak for everyone, it sure brought some much needed peace and tranquillity to my daily “fast-food pace” lifestyle. I give this album a long due A.    See source review

     

     

Kevin McNeese
TSRocks.com
July 15, 2002

Psalmody offers a new, modern treatment of the timeless Psalms. David Albracht’s CD is worth a listen not only because of his new and updated approach to the Psalms, but also because of the strong instrumental music behind the melodies. This is a great CD that can help all of us pray the Psalms with memorable, singable music. Psalms 111, 66 and 133 are my favorite tracks for the simplicity of the songs and the beautiful accompaniments.   See source review

     

     

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Reviews
May 7, 2001