Adoration: Solo Piano Hymns

A Review by Daria Fedorovich Murphy... "My first impression of David Nevue's Adoration is that it is NOT what I had expected my reaction to be. Really. I had anticipated for his music to “blow me away.” Instead, I found myself TRANSFIXED. From the moment I heard the very first chords of the "Prelude" I was drawn in and became immersed in glorious musical notes! I marvel at how David masterfully gets the listener’s immediate attention in a whisper. Each track is as beautiful as the one before and I remained in my seat utterly captivated for over four hours. His arrangements leave me spellbound! Listening to and thoroughly enjoying David's fantastic previous CDs (for hundreds of hours - at least) l did not expect to be surprised with his art - yet I am stunned!! The audio in this recording is so pure that it allows David's incredible technique to shine and be heard crystal clear. It is so distinct that I can actually visualize as he touches and releases from each key to create such perfect tonal nuances that I am reminded that the piano is indeed a STRINGED instrument! Although I am not familiar with most of the hymns, I am delighted to find striking similarities in their tone and structure to my native Ukrainian sacred music. Those unaware of the content of this CD might feel that David’s new album is made up of love songs because he performs each piece with such tenderness and earnest passion. David succeeded in transferring his love and devotion towards each hymn straight to my heart. And, having initially described myself as being ”immersed” in the beauty of these pieces is not accurate. What I actually feel while listening to Adoration is EMBRACED… embraced by God’s divine love! If I were asked to describe my impression of Adoration in one word? MASTERPIECE" A Note from the Artist... What does it mean to adore God? The American Heritage Dictionary defines the phrase “to adore” as – to regard with a deep, often rapturous love. That very well describes how I feel about my Lord Jesus. I am in awe of him in every way, not only because of his continuous, overflowing blessings on my life, but simply because of who he is; he is the one… “…In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” – 1 Colossians 1:14-17 Without Jesus, we are lost. We strive alone and in the darkness. We suffer for nothing. With Jesus, we have purpose. We walk in the light and when we suffer, it’s for his glory. I adore my Lord Jesus because he saved me, both from spiritual death and from hopelessness. His love for me has overcome all my failings. For that, I cherish him, and I want every moment of my life to give praise to him. I think the writers of the hymns understood what it meant to adore God. Just read through the lyrics in your hymnal sometime. The hymns are more than just music; they are poetry, instruction, encouragement, wisdom, exhortation and precious letters of love. They are songs of repentance, songs of victory and songs of praise. They reflect the light of God’s Word, and remind us to take our eyes off ourselves and put them on Jesus where they belong. When I read them, I am moved, and when I sing them, my soul is stirred. What a joy it has been to work on these arrangements, to wrap my heart and hands around these melodies that have praised God for generations. I hope that in some small way, this album helps keep these songs alive and present in the hearts of modern worshippers around the world. Look up, always look up, and give him praise. In the darkness, give him praise. Through joy or suffering, give him praise. Never cease to praise him. Yes, I adore Him… and often with a deep, rapturous love. David Nevue September 2007 About the Artist... With a piano style somewhere between Chopin and George Winston, David Nevue brings melody and heart back to instrumental music. Perhaps Heartsong Review said it best when they described his music as "hauntingly romantic." David's music introduces us to a wilderness of musical ideas which the listener becomes anxious to explore. Interestingly enough, if you ask David about his musical background he might surprise you. He comes not from a background of polished piano music, but grew up a typical 1980's teenager strongly under the influences of such progressive rock artists as Rush, Pink Floyd, and Kansas. David pursued rock music as a career throughout his college years, playing keyboards for a number of garage bands. It wasn't until David's college roommate introduced him to the piano music of George Winston that he began to consider a career as a pianist. "Prior to hearing George Winston, my idea of 'solo piano' went no further than classical music, a form a music I've never felt much connection with. Winston's impressionistic style was at that time unlike any music I had ever heard. My roommate played Winston's music all the time, and it just sort of seeped in. As a result, I found myself playing around with a few melodies at the piano and I just never stopped." In 1992 David released his first album, 'The Tower.' "At the time I recorded The Tower I was listening to a lot of the band Renaissance. I was really going for that very poetic, artsy, dramatic piano sound." David promoted 'The Tower' via mail order and at performances. Building on the support of his small but growing fan base, David put the profits from 'The Tower' back into his music. His efforts eventually resulted his next project, 'While the Trees Sleep' released in 1995. Since that time, Nevue has released several more CDs, including 'The Last Waking Moment,' 'The Vigil', 'Postcards from Germany' and a 'best of' collection called 'Whisperings.' Today, David markets his music almost exclusively via the Internet. He is the author of the book 'How to Promote Your Music Successfully on the Internet,' and founder of the Music Biz Academy, an online resource for independent musicians selling music on the web.