The Collingsworth Family “Brooklyn and Courtney” Album Review

Prime Cuts: At the Cross, Bach Concerto in D Minor/Great is the Lord, You Raised Me Up

Like mother, like daughters.  Three years ago, Kim Collingsworth released her magnum opus "Majestic," a collection of instrumental hymns and songs, which literally personifies the word "breathtaking."  It was an elegant album set in the key of worship.  Three years later, her daughters, Brooklyn and Courtney Collingsworth have followed suit.  "Brooklyn and Courtney," released via StowTown Records, is another beautifully executed collection of 10 instrumental songs. 

While mom's mettle was the piano, daughters Brooklyn and Courtney adopt the violin as their choice instrument.  The record not only finds the siblings putting their virtuoso with the violins on display, but it also finds them weaving new hues to old hymns (such as "At the Cross," "No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus" and "Let There be Peace on Earth"), inspirational pop classics ("You Raised Me Up" and "The Prayer"), and classical pieces ("Bach Concerto in D Minor").

As soon as the first note of album opener "At the Cross" strikes, you know you are in the presence of greatness.  Starting with the intimate sounds of the piano before layered with the sounds of the violin and some heavenly orchestral sounds, "At the Cross" is turned into a majestic epic that leaves you grasping for more.  But never ones to be restrained by predictability, the Collingsworth take a more classical turn with a medley of "Bach Concerto in D Minor" and the Michael W. Smith's "Great is the Lord." If you think Josh Groban has the seminal version of "You Raised Me Up," the Collingsworths really give Groban a run for his money with their effortlessly grand version.

Fans who like songs that are more restrained and contemplative with adore their touching version of Celine Dion's "The Prayer."  On the hymn "No One Ever Cares for Me Like Jesus" the Collingsworth ladies show us that even without words, a song can also lead us into the worship of the Almighty God.  The way the song is nuanced shows maturity, depth, care, and a deep love for the Savior. While some tracks up the ante as far as the concert of strings is concerned, some others are simple and organic. Joseph Scriven's "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," for instance, has a countrified simplicity to it that is purely refreshing.   

Within the matter of 10 songs, Brooklyn and Courtney Collingsworth show that even without words, beauty and worship can be communicated. If you are looking for a record to background your quiet time with the Lord each morning or a record that gently nudges you to worship in your most hectic afternoons, "Brooklyn and Courtney" is highly recommended. 

 

 

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