Cross Rhythms Wednesday, July 18, 2018
“Lenny Smith: Writer of “Our God Reigns,” influencer of Danielson Famile
__________________________________________________
Jesus Freak Hideout March 16, 2017
“You Are My Hiding Place” Album Review
“Do you enjoy music that seems like the sounds of a family reunion? If so, Lenny Smith has got the stuff you’ve been looking for. His sound is reminiscent of The Welcome Wagon or a weathered Sufjan Stevens with a pinch more of that hometown grit. His latest release You Are My Hiding Place is a conglomeration of heartfelt songs of praise and prayers to the Lord….” Read More.
———————————————————
Worship Deeper April 20, 2017
“You Are My Hiding Place” Album Review
“I typically don’t do album reviews.
But when the writer of the classic worship song “Our God Reigns” asks you to review his album, you say yes.
Anyway, this is my review of Lenny Smith’s 2016 release “You Are My Hiding Place” released by Great Comfort Records. In it, you’ll find a healthy dose of Old Testament stories, Scripture, and worship that might remind you of being a kid again…….” Read More.
———————————————————
Let Us Make A Record
After his parents split in the mid-’50s, 12-year-old Lenny Smith found solace in the Catholic church. This led him into the seminary, where he started writing scripture songs. Seven years later, he left the seminary and began teaching high school. This didn’t work out, as he got fired from four schools for “being too outspoken about Jesus.”
Lenny became a carpenter but kept writing songs. In 1973, he wrote “Our God Reigns,” which became a worship favorite and a turning point in his life. Here, Lenny tells the story.
Who Was And Is And Is To Come
Cross Rhythms – Veteran worship man Lenny Smith records new album:
VETERAN singer/songwriter Lenny Smith, who in 1974 wrote one of the most popular worship songs of the era, “Our God Reigns”, has released a new album. A press release wrote about ‘Who Was And Is And Is To Come’, “26 songs were recorded in the initial sessions, and 13 of these make up ‘Who Was. . .’ (the remaining material will be released in a follow-up album later this year). The writing of these songs range from the 1970s till now and the ensemble, comprised of all five Smith children, dear friends and a gaggle of grandkids, represents an impressive marshalling of forces (two drummers, two bassists, a pianist, two organists, three guitarists, a violinist, a ukuleleist, and a heap of vocalists). At the helm of it all is 70 year-old Lenny Smith singing and playing his heart out.”
Reviewed by Paddy Hudspith:
Best known for the international worship standard “Our God Reigns” (dating back to 1974), Lenny Smith, now in his 70s, has continued to compose constantly although recording has been less prolific. The press release accompanying ‘Who Was And Is And Is To Come’ suggests that this is because his organic, honest folk/country style fell out of fashion in the 1980s but that a resurgence featuring the likes of Johnny Cash in the 90s (which, one could argue, continues to this day with the critically-lauded likes of Mumford And Sons) renewed interest in his work. This is his first release since 2001’s ‘Deep Calls To Deep’, and the 13 tracks here are apparently just the first of a total of 26 coming our way, recorded during some very productive sessions with an ensemble of musicians in which his own children and grandchildren were heavily represented. The folksy, down-home instrumentation holds up very well; he has talented offspring! The songs are strong, catchy worship offerings for the most part, usually quoting Scripture very closely, which can make for some slightly unwieldy scanning such as on the Song of Songs-inspired “Leaning On My Beloved”. Smith’s voice holds up very well, shades of Glen Campbell at times. Repeated listens reveal quite a few “growers” and a depth of integrity which is powerful. Welcome back, Lenny!
———————————————————
Worship The Rock – Artist Spotlight – Lenny Smith
Deep Calls To Deep
All Music Review by Kurt Morris
If nothing else, when listening to the 15 songs on this album, it helps to see where Danielson Famile‘sDaniel Smith gets some of his influence. Although primarily known for his gospel tune “Our God Reigns,” Lenny Smith shows that he has many good-quality songs that run the range from pop to folk to gospel on this, his debut release. Contrary to how some of his songs may be played in churches,Smith makes the songs lively and adds drums, bells, banjo, and strings throughout the various pieces. Fans of contemporary Christian worship songs would certainly do well to add this to their collection, as Smith has created some wonderful songs, some surely familiar and others certainly new for listeners of the genre.
Trouser Press by Brad Reno
Smith family patriarch Lenny, a longtime hymn-writer, steps to the fore on Deep Calls to Deep, on which he is backed by Daniel, Palladino and other Danielson cohorts. An altogether more straightforward and worshipful religious folk music album than the ruckus his brood kicks up, dad’s Deep should still be of interest to Danielson fans.