Christian Review Magazine Issue 2 - Jan/Feb 2015 | Page 54

Fact: Misty helped start the International House of Prayer in 1999 and has been a worship leader and songwriter here ever since. MUSIC REVIEW M isty Edwards is a senior leader and worship leader at the International House of Prayer, Kansas City (IHOPKC). She has released several worship albums and been featured on number of worship compilations and live event recordings. Artist: MISTY EDWARDS Album: LITTLE BIRD Rating: Genre: Singer/Songwriter, Experimental Worship Label: Forerunner Music Website: www.MistyEdwards.com Reviewed by: Christian St John Release Date: Available Now 54 > CHRISTIAN REVIEW Little Bird, is Misty’s latest album and let me tell you it is very different from what she has previously released. In the past Misty’s music has pretty much fallen squarely into the typical modern worship genre ala Hillsong, United, Desperation Band, Covenant Worship, et al. With Little Bird, Misty steps outside of the box to explore new musical territory. Misty’s style on Little Bird is singer / songwriter. But this album is so much more than your typical singer / songwriter release. Yes there are piano and acoustic guitar driven moments on Little Bird. Yes the music is softer and the tempo is a lot more slower paced on this one . And yes this is a heartfelt worship-filled album. But it’s also eclectic musically speaking featuring music styles that range from 1960s sounding bass driven tunes (“Center of the Universe”more than reminded me of Jefferson Airplane’s ‘White Rabbit”) to old spirituals to ultra modern experimental tracks. In a recent press release Misty stated, “I don’t think there is a line between the sacred and the secular.” I think that Little Bird highlights this idea very well - a very secular sounding album that is filled with deep and thoughtful lyrics that invite the listener to ponder the deeper things of faith and God. “It’s like we’re sitting in the dark, And we don’t know it, Like we’re hidden behind a veil, And we don’t know it.” - Womb of the Morning Little Bird is a very different album that reveals a more creative, arty side to Misty Edwards without becoming self indulgent. I know Misty is a worship leader, but I find it hard to envision the songs on this album sung and played in a church environment. Instead I would expect to find Misty playing the songs on Little Bird in a Jazz club or coffee bar.