Fertile Ground

Fertile Ground

Reviews - Details - Chords - Lyrics

"Though his name is relatively new to the worship 'scene', this is actually Godfrey Birtill's fifth album, and like the others, was recorded live. A highly prolific writer, Godfrey's first release was made in his home town of Preston, North England, a result of his being deeply impacted by Pioneer group's 'revival' meetings in London in '96. Described as more a 'prayer minstrel' than a worship leader, there is certainly more to GB's music than adorational worship - it carries a 'prophetic' style kind of in line with releases from Morning Star Ministries or some past output from Kevin Prosch.  
Judging from it's recurrent theme on this disc, it's evident that Mr Birtill has an especial burden to enkindle passion among Christians in preparation for a glorious coming awakening; indeed, in relation to such a revival, he asserts that 'It's here and it's on it's way' (a claim most UK church leaders would be unlikely to endorse!). On this track - 'Breakout' ('this is the year of the breakout') - and on various others, Godfrey himself 'breaks out' into a bold musical style endued with raw energy, unpredictability and fiery lyrics.  
Elsewhere the sound is considerably gentler (almost reduced to a whisper on 'Adjust to the dove'); yet even here the chorus takes on a gently-swaying anthemic form, where both Godfrey's vocals and his style are comparable to that of fellow Pioneer muso Noel Richards. The album's only non-original track is the Wesley classic, 'Jesus, the Name high over all' - rousingly delivered and great to sing along to!  A diverse and stirring collection then, with Birtill aided by a well-honed music team drawn from various churches around the country. He's a 'pioneer' in more than one sense, and if you like your worship to be both highly adventurous and compelling, in all probability you'll be well taken with "Fertile Ground"! "   
- Tom Lennie (Gold USA)

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