The John Michael Talbot Collection: A Library Of 35 Favorite Songs

John Michael Talbot

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 4, 1995)
• Original Release Date: April 4, 1995
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Sparrow
• ASIN: B000002UEN
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,054 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The John Michael Talbot Collection focuses on his solo work for the Sparrow record label. These widely variant songs are culled from The Lord's Supper, half of the double-disc Mass in D Minor, through to 1990's quietly contemplative The Hiding Place. There are pieces performed in the folk-blues idiom, symphonic and/or choral arrangements, as well as dips into Celtic music, Renaissance-inspired harmonies, ballet suites, and Catholic worship songs. Despite these seemingly disparate styles, almost all are given Talbot's distinctively melodious vocal treatment and nimble picking whether it be classical, rootsy, or a custom blend thereof. There are few others who so thoroughly create the space for reverence and contemplation. And as with his work with brother Terry, the music, much based on biblical text, complex structure, and theory, is heads and shoulders above even today's most winning Christian pop. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Talbot is an exceptional artist, July 12, 1999

By	T. Kevin Higgs (Center Point, AL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

John Michael Talbot began is career in the sixties as a country-rock artist, playing and touring with industry giants. Because of a profound conversion experience, he set out on his own path of writing and singing songs expressing his journey of faith in the Franciscan tradition of the Catholic Church. Over the past twenty-five years, Talbot has recorded an unbelievably broad range of Christian music encompassing many styles, from solo voice and guitar, to orchestra and choir. He has put to music the classic prayers and liturgy of the church, as well as written original material in both acoustic and clasical styles, with a depth of theological and musical integrity. In contemporary Christian music, where glitz and glamor have become an unfortunate by-product, Talbot rises above the commercialization by singing songs, and living a life of humility and service. His songs have been a powerful influence on me and my spiritual journey. I have sung and played his songs in my United Methodist congregation, at church camps, and in my own spiritual retreats. More than anything else, his beautiful music and his life are a witness to the power and presence of Christ. These discs are a collection of his music from across the years. I strongly recommend them to everyone.

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Two good CD's, but not as good as just one of his recent CDs, October 16, 1999

By A Customer

Unfortunately I disagree with the other reviewers. I found this compilation album to be a reasonably good introduction to the music of John Michael Talbot, but by taking snapshots from his long career and large repertoire it does not adequately represented his best music. Talbot himself says that his mid 80's album "Heart of the Shepherd" represents the beginning of his mature music, and that and his later music is what I prefer. I own that album and also "The Hiding Place", and "Meditations in the Spirit". Each of these albums presents a consistent spiritual message and I find that any one of them has more good music, and consistency, than this double CD which is weighted towards his earlier, maturing work. But it is John Michael Talbot, and does have much wonderful music. Three (or maybe four) stars for the music, but I only give it two in the end by comparison with his best work.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Just for Catholics., June 24, 2001

By	Lawrence Ryan (Kansas City, Missouri United States) - See all my reviews

I have been a loyal JMT fan for 10 years now. A very small amount of time considering how long he has been in the Music Business. And I have collected all 30 or more studio albums he has conceived in his 30 plus years. From his Mason Proffit Years rubbing shoulders with the likes of Janis Joplin and many other great singers and bands from the late 60's and early 70's. JMT is far from his roots. You will find this collection a mere drop in a bucket compared to his complete library, but more than likely, not everyone reading this will find themselves owning his complete library. But this is a great start. This I think is a perfect start! It has most all of My personal Favorite songs like..."Lilies of the Field"......"Healer of my Soul"...."Hiding Place"....."The Pleiades and Oriion"...and "Sunrise". I am not Catholic, but I dont believe JMT is directing his efforts strickly toward one denomination. This music is a celebration of Jesus Christ.....it sooths the spririt and allows your life to slow down and realise there is so much more and different to music and the Spirit in which you take it all in. You will find his music has a touch of Brilliance to each song. His Guitar picking is something to be awed at. The String arrangements heard on many of these songs are full and breathtaking and sensative to your heart. His Voice is something I imagine God Himself enjoying from Heaven. Above all.....I cannot get enough of John Micheal Talbot and look foward to each new release.