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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: Deeply moving arrangements for fans of spiritual and new age music, August 6, 2008 By  Monica J. Kern (Lexington, KY United States) - See all my reviews       "This I Know" is a collection of hymns arranged by pianist Jeff Bjorck, who is a leading composer in the genre variously known as "contemporary instrumental," "adult instrumental," or "new age." Six of the tracks are remastered versions of pieces that appeared on previous albums by Bjorck, but the remaining 9 tracks are all new, for an impressive 70+ minutes of beautiful music. I am a primarily a fan of new age music and discovered Bjorck through his other albums ("Impressions in Black and White," "Pure Piano Portraits," and "Pure Piano Panoramas," all equally excellent albums). Bjorck has created lush, romantic arrangements of classic hymns in this album that should please fans of both new age and spiritual music. All of the tracks on this CD are strong; my favorites, though, were "Fairest Lord Jesus," "Jerusalem," "Be Still My Soul," and "All Creatures of Our God and King." "Jerusalem" in particular was simply outstanding: The song begins with a call and refrain of a long, rumbling bass note that you feel deep in your chest followed by a delicate sprinkling of high treble notes spelling out the melody. The song then transitions into chords that inspire and challenge. Oh, it may also be worth mentioning for the benefit of other listeners less familiar with spiritual music that--while "Day by Day" is very pleasant--it is not the song from Godspell but another hymn. ;) In all, an excellent album and one well worth purchasing, especially for those who are looking for a more contemporary take on classic hymns.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful: From MainlyPiano.com, January 3, 2008 By  Kathy Parsons (Florence, OR United States) - See all my reviews       "This I Know: Ageless Hymns of Faith" is the fourth in Jeff Bjorck's "Pure Piano" solo piano series. The first three albums begin and end with favorite hymns, and this one does, too, but on this one, all fifteen tracks are Bjorck's arrangements of hymns that have been and are important in his life. A clinical psychologist, researcher, and professor at Fuller Seminary's Graduate School of Psychology (Pasadena, CA), in addition to being a composer/arranger/pianist and avid humanitarian and hang-glider, Dr. Bjorck brings a wealth of experience and emotional depth to these timeless classics, making them his own and presenting them as deeply personal expressions of his faith. The excellent liner notes put into words what each of these hymns means to Bjorck and why he chose them for this collection, giving insight into the origins of the music and revealing much about Bjorck himself. The fifteen hymns include the six from Bjorck's previous releases, three that were recorded between 1995 and 2005, and six new recordings that were done in 2007. There are a lot of collections of favorite hymns out there, but very few reach this level of personal expression, artistry, and passion. It is very obvious that Bjorck has lived with this music for most of his life and that his interpretations of the songs come from his soul as well as his heart. All of the selections on "This I Know" are an inspiration, but I'll mention a few of my favorites. "'Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus" is a beautiful arrangement that clearly expresses the peace of "letting go" and trusting completely. The simple melody is accompanied by a flowing left hand that is occasionally punctuated by deep bass notes. "Fairest Lord Jesus" was one of the first hymns Bjorck learned as a young child, and his arrangement reflects a childlike innocence and unwavering faith. "Holy, Holy, Holy" was the hymn Bjorck and his wife chose for their wedding processional - obviously a very important song for them. This arrangement has a quiet peacefulness that is intended to be meditative and calming. "Jerusalem" appeared on Bjorck's first album, and was a favorite of mine then. I had the privilege and pleasure of proofreading Bjorck's sheet music of this piece recently, and just love this arrangement. "O, The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus" is my favorite track. The haunting melody and rolling left hand accompaniment are both passionate and compelling. I also really like "Be Still My Soul." Beginning very simply in the treble with the melody only, the emotional depth of this piece is amazing. The piece fills out as it progresses, but Bjorck keeps it uncluttered and direct, a song from the heart. Bjorck concludes this collection with a sweet and gentle version of "Jesus Loves Me," a perfect ending. "This I Know" is a wonderful recording for anyone who loves the classic hymns, but will also be a joy for anyone who loves deeply-felt piano solos. A rich and satisfying experience awaits the listener. Sure to be a favorite for 2007! Very highly recommended!  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful: Great performance - great production...GREAT CD !!!, February 14, 2008 By  R. Hendee (Norcross, GA USA) - See all my reviews    I found out about this CD in one of the recording forums on the web. I'd never heard of Jeff but feel fortunate to have happened upon his music. After listening to several soundbytes of this disc that were posted on the gearslutz forum, I knew immediately it was something I wanted to add to my collection. The songs on the disc are billed as a collection of hymns, though many won't be recognized as such due to Jeff's creative interpretations. The production, engineering and recording of this CD will blow you away...it's as if you're sitting in the room with Jeff as he plays. The only thing that overshadows what producer Bill Pearson did in the studio with the knobs is what Jeff Bjorck did in the studio on the piano. This is just a great collection of soothing solo piano music played by a very talented musician and captured by a top notch producer. And it keeps my blood pressure down while sitting in traffic in Atlanta! Truly the best $15 bucks I've spent in awhile.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)