Customer Reviews

This Bright Hour

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Fernando captures the heart of the believer and draws us to worship and praise God with him as he sings. Children Of The Living God makes you want to sing along. The lyrics inspire you to take time to reflect on what God has done for his children. Don't Let Me Come Home A Stranger, I Will Praise Him Still and Hear Me Calling Great Redeemer all point to what is really worthwhile, relationship, worship and following the leadership of God. He's awesome! I can't wait till his next release. His CD's are a must in this stress filled fast paced world to help draw us aside...to be still...and to take time to "sing to the Living God". If you like the worship and praise of Twila Paris and Michael Card, you will love Fernando Ortega.

If you like variety in an artist you will enjoy this cd. Fernando will take you to a song that has an Amish story behind it. He will also take you to 1225 and sing songs from St. Francis. If that isn't enough he does a Spanish song that is very touching. One of my favorites is "Grace's Waltz" which is an instrumental. There is a song on this album that everyone will enjoy.

Upon finally getting hold of this CD, I was rewarded with thoughtful lyrics that reflect the difficulties believers face along with the hope and strength we can find in Christ in the day to day -and not just in the time to come. The music could be labeled "quiet" but it's been a terrific refuge for me in the midst of some upheaval. The arrangements are simple and yet at times so full that I found myself quite touched as in "Anita's Heart", as was my 10 year old daughter who listens with me. His renditions of "How Firm A Foundation", "All Creatures" and I Will Sing of My Redeemer" lend new life to my old hymnal. This collection is indeed a standard my personal library of Christian music!

This music is so very peaceful- I can feel the love God has for me...Peace in a world full of pain and tears ..like Angels from Heavan singing. Close your eyes and listen with your heart....Feel the love,the hope ,and the peace... It has a Folk ,Celtic sound . Enjoy!

I have heard "stronger" voices sing of the spiritual life, but I have heard none more "moving." When Fernando sings, "Lift me over the San Gabriels..." he transports me over, all right, all the way to throne of God. What a glorious album. Fernando's "easy" method and "gentle" energy lift me into the Lord's presence. I look forward to more from Fernando.

I know this would be a great gift for a believer; I also think it would be a great gift for a seeking unbeliever.

This is simply an incredible recording! I don't tend to listen to much Christian music - being from a bit more of a liberal stance than the content of most recordings. But I have found this an irresistable work. If a CD can wear out, this is one of the first that will. The quality of the compositions and hymn interpretations is stunning and rare. "I Will Wait for My Change" is my favorite (it's not listed in the tracks above - I hope it wasn't reissued without it). It's a deeply moving interpretation of passages from the book of Job, and one of the most creative musical arrangements I've heard in a long time. Everthing else is excellent. I enjoyed his recording of "Don't Let Me Come Home A Stranger", which I originally heard performed by Robin and Linda Williams on "Prairie Home Companion". A group of us performed this one mostly acapella at our church and people were mesmerized. BUY THIS ONE NOW!

I first heard Francisco Ortega on his album "Hymns & Meditations", and found it to be not only very enjoyable to listen to, but found that he helped me to worship. His vocals are disarmingly sincere --which helped break through the wall of cynicism I have to most "Christian music"-- his playing impeccable, and his arrangements are fresh and interesting. The only thing I can recommend more highly that "This Bright Hour" is his earlier "Hymns and Meditations".

Nobody is making music for the glory of God today quite like Fernando Ortega. A strongly talented vocalist, pianist, and musical interpretator, and a really nice guy. On this album, "Children of the Living God" is a particular favorite. Also moving is the haunting "If You Were Mine," a song written to a child who never was (if you have ever struggled to 'make a baby' or lost one before birth, this will really speak to you as it did me). This great music that will calm and relax you on one song, inspire and motivate you on the next, and always move you to praise God.

Every track is excellent. Good, worshipful, contemporary music, with traditional hymn, celtic, and hispanic american influences. No, that's not a set of contradicions. This is truly beautiful music.

Words are not enough to describe this album. It is medicine for headaches, stress, and spiritual turmoil. Fernando's singing runs my emotions deep, calm and refreshing. His music takes me to the throne of GOD and beyond. Every beliver needs to experience this music. Honest and intelligent lyrics. Completely irresistible.