Into Jerusalem

Into Jerusalem is the latest CD from Raymond McCullough, a singer-songwriter based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This worshipful album incorporates influences of Celtic, Bluegrass, Rock, and Hebrew music. All the music and lyrics are written by McCullough, except for "My Lagan Love", a traditional air. The main vocals are by Raymond McCullough, and he and his band play the many instruments on the recording.

McCullough also designed the liner notes, which include lyrics to all the songs and feature photographs of Jerusalem embellished with Celtic art, providing a fitting visual complement to the music.

The songs with the strongest Scottish-Irish influence are tracks one, six, seven, and eight. "I Will Lift My Eyes Up", based on Psalm 121, is backed by fiddle and flute and also has a bluegrass influence. "You are My Inspiration" is rockier, with a percussion and synthesiser introduction, but it becomes more Celtic sounding with the entry of the singers, and ends with an instrumental section reminiscent of a pipe march. "You Fill My Life" is relaxed, contemplative, and inspirational and includes beautiful instrumental sections featuring flute and fiddle. McCullough's voice seems strained in places in "Prayer for Ireland", as if the key was too high perhaps, but the lyrics, about the need for peace in Ireland, are both true and important not only for Ireland, but the rest of the world. The Celtic/rock song goes into "The Pipe Major's Jig", a lively tune written by McCullough in memory of David Warnock.

"All My Needs" comes straight from the bluegrass tradition, complete with banjo and fiddle, and is a cheerful song about having faith in God to supply our every need. "Thank You for Your Mercy" blends bluegrass and Celtic influences, and, though the intonation of the backup instruments is not always perfect, the words to this laid-back song are a fitting close to the album.

Track three is a combination of Celtic and rock, while four and five are the rockiest tracks. "Battle Cry" begins with a flute introduction, but gets rockier as the piece progresses. It is followed by "Lift up Your Heads", a rock anthem introduced by synthesiser and rock-organ and reminiscent of '70s music. "Pray" reminds the listener that God is always there through our every need and that no matter what goes wrong, we need to pray.

Tracks nine through eleven are very Hebrew/Israeli in style. "Ride Into Jerusalem" has a great tune and arrangement, but as with track eight, McCullough's vocals sound strained in a couple of places; however, they are the exception, and only detract slightly from the arrangement as a whole. "Worship the Lord" compels the listener to do just that, and features strong vocals by both Raymond and his daughter, Connaire McCullough. "Oh, Ephraim" is a very enjoyable track, and though the meaning of the chorus is not immediately apparent, the lyrics come from Isaiah 11:13 and 12:1-2; they proclaim that God will deliver his people bringing peace and unity.

On the whole, McCullough presents an enjoyable and diverse collection of music on Into Jerusalem, which is well worth hearing.

Sample tracks from both Into Jerusalem and McCullough's previous album The Great China Bike Ride, as well biographies and other information can be found on his website.