Quality album

Sh'ma Yisrael, by Barry & Batya Segal. Galilee Of The Nations (Word), CD £9.99/cass£7.99

MESSIANIC praise and worship albums continue to proliferate, but to my reckoning Barry and Batya Segal's Sh'ma Yisrael remains one of the best. First released through Kingsway Music in 1995, it now has a deserving international relaunch on specialist label Galilee Of The Nations. Unlike Integrity Music's pseudo-live mega celebrations, this is a British-made studio recording - quality musicianship in abundance, with production credited to a certain Martin Smith.
From the traditionally-styled Hallelu Et Adonai and Hava Nagila, to the rhythmic Baruch Haba, the beautiful Kadosh, and even the funky rap number Kumi Ori, this is a work of stunning artistry.
Dave Bainbridge, David Fitzgerald and percussionist Martin Neil add some Celtic ambience to the sound, and far from being a distraction from the Messianic style, this serves to enhance the effect. For accessibility, the inlay card provides Bible references and English translations of the Hebrew lyrics.
I remain uncomfortable with the inclusion of a "recording of the Israeli Defence Forces entering the Old City of Jerusalem" in 1967. Though some might draw parallels with some of the Psalms, such an overt association with Israeli military/political achievements and aspirations is surely misplaced on a worship album.
That apart, I can't fault it.

* Peter Dilley is a bass guitarist and part-time studio technician

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