River of Life

Angus McDonell's debut collection is a testament to the vitality of today's church. Eclectic, vibrant and multicultural, River of Life pulses with energy. The 12 original titles mix jazz and pop-rock styles with world beat, reggae, two-beat country, New Orleans style street beat, and even ska, with brilliant arrangements for trumpet and percussion.

The collection includes a tender song in Spanish written by Tom Booth and two songs Angus co-wrote with Sarah Hart, one of them a reverent ballad in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Four songs are based on psalms, including "We Ever Will Praise You" and "With the Lord There Is Mercy."

Featuring an awesome horn section, Latin rhythms, sensational electric guitar work and lyrics in English, Spanish and Swahili, the title track is a rock anthem reflecting the high energy of today's young Catholics. It's no wonder it was chosen to be the theme song for the 2003 National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Houston. The song pleads with Jesus, the true River of Life, to "wash away all that may blind us, wash away all of our sin. Hold us in your arms and guide us that we may follow you again. River of life,...let your graces flow!"

A top-notch debut from a fabulously gifted young songwriter, River of Life is one of the best new releases on the market.

"A promising debut.