Jimmy Needham's "The Hymns Sessions Vol. 1" Turns 10

Jimmy Needham's iconic album The Hymns Sessions Vol. 1 turns 10 this year. Released on September 10, 2013, the album was produced by Needham himself. Needham released the album originally as a thank you gift to his fans who contributed to his kickstarter.com campaign.

The response to the album was so strong that it encouraged Needham to release the project as an independent. The album showcases ten songs that include eight traditional hymns and two original tunes from Needham, which feature his unique musical style and makes this project not your ordinary "run of the mill" release.

Needham writes, "10 YEARS AGO! I originally made this album as a gift for my Kickstarter supporters as a 'thank you!', then ended up releasing it to the public. Crazy low budget. Lots of the songs just recorded with a couple buddies, cutting my vocals in a guest bedroom closet. I was blown away by the reception! Some of my most listened to songs! Funny how God works. Hopefully one day I'll have a volume 2 for you." 

The Hymns Sessions - Vol. 1 launches with Christos Anesti ("Christ is Risen!" in Greek), a short hymn for the celebration of Easter, and segues into "The Gospel." The song is from Needham's 2006 release, Speak, but the lyrics have been rewritten exclusively for this album. Needham's other original composition is "It Is Finished," a beautiful ballad that features his wife, Kelly, on violin. Other standout performances include the hand-clapping and percussion based, "Rock Of Ages," "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" with guest artist Kevin Jones, "Holy, Holy, Holy" with Shane & Shane, and Trip Lee once again joining Needham for the hip-hop infused rendition of "How Great Thou Art."

The Hymns Sessions - Vol. 1 is a new musical direction for these traditional hymns, while at the same time still embracing the powerful lyrics of our historically, rich faith. "With every record I release", Needham says, "my goal is to wet people's appetite for the God of the gospel. I think the answer to all of our deepest questions can be found at the foot of the cross of Jesus, so my art is always an attempt to take people by the hand to that place."

 

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