"ENCOUNTERING JESUS," by Michael McLean, Shadow Mountain Records, $14.98
In his latest album, "Encountering Jesus," Michael McLean uses his creative license to explore perspectives of some people who lived during the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Reminiscent of McLean's "Forgotten Carols" and "The Garden," the music gives expanded accounts of those who encountered and observed Jesus of Nazareth from the New Testament and shares what listeners may learn from their stories. Each account is historically based and told from a first-person perspective.
"Who Does He Think He Is?" shares the tale of the money changer in the temple where Jesus turned over the tables and chastised the people. It shows the money changer's anger and then a possible change of heart as he learns more about Jesus and who he is.
Another song, "Can't Keep It In," shares the story of one of the lepers healed by Jesus who was told to tell no one of the miraculous healing, yet he struggles to keep such a wondrous event quiet.
Other songs explore the stories of John the Baptist, the woman who was mocked for anointing the Lord with ointment, a servant of the high priest and "doubting" Thomas.
All the words and music are by McLean, who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with orchestrations by Kurt Bestor. Vocalists include Tammy Jensen, Kirk Kirkland, Tabitha Fair, Terry White, David Wise, Luke Brown, Shelley Jennings, Kerry Patrick Clark and Shane McConnell.
Perhaps the pinnacle of McLean's album is the song "The Message That Can Change the World Hasn't Changed," imploring listeners to understand that the stories of Jesus from the Bible are still relevant today.
McLean's expert storytelling and thoughtfully beautiful music can captivate listeners as they reflect on the life of Jesus through the eyes of those around him. The lyrics and music weave unforgettable stories from well-known accounts from the four Gospels of the New Testament.
"Encountering Jesus" is produced by McLean, Tyler Castleton and Steve Dady.
Each account is historically based and told from a first-person perspective.
What's new: McLean's 'Encountering Jesus' spins a musical historical fiction view of Christ's ministry
Preview of Michael McLean's "Encountering Jesus"
Wendy Jessen is a regular contributor for familyshare.com and frequently does media reviews. She blogs at mormonmomofsix.blogspot.com. Twitter: WendyJessen Email: wendyjessen26@gmail.com