Heaven & Earth - A Tapestry of Worship

One of the most underappreciated releases of 1999, Heaven & Earth features some of the most exciting and creative female talent in the Christian music world. Michelle Tumes's worshipful ballad "For the Glory of Your Name" leads off the release, and could be one of her better recording efforts. Producer John Hartley, who wrote and managed this pleasing project, magically segues Tumes's wistful number into Jennifer Knapp's Celtic-oriented "Whisper My Name." It's a device tastefully used throughout as artists Nichole Nordeman, Margaret Becker, and Rebecca St. James blend one into the other. The seamless threading of Tumes's "My Dwelling Place" into St. James's "River of Life" explains why these singers are so well drawn together. Although stylistically different, each woman approaches the music in a spirit of worship. This is so much more than a collection: it's truly a well-woven celebration of talent.