The most exciting thing in my last year in music has been the discovery of a lot of great worship leaders. My list has jumped from the sum total of Don Moen and Darlene Zschech to many more like Paul Baloche, Darrell Evans, Delirious?, Lenny LeBlanc, Paul Oakley, etc etc..... Lenny LeBlanc was one artist I just stumbled onto only recently. I’d seen the Above All tape at my music store many times and had even listened to a few bars on a few occasions, but I never bought it (Don’t ask me why?!)Finally I stumbled onto the album in a friend’s room and borrowed it. I must say I was impressed.
This live album is a great experience and a must for every true live worship music fan. The Vocals are mainly Lenny all the way. He has this characteristic twang that punctuates his singing. The music is good. The best part is the lovely acoustic guitar that is so prominent. It is an absolute treat to an acoustic guitar fan like me. The mood in this album is one of intimate acoustic worship especially in the latter part. It has a peppy start that slowly fades into softness. Lenny kick starts by proclaiming the reason he sings.That’s why I’m here is a lively song and a great way to start the album, stressing on the fact that he is here to lift up His name.... to glorify Him He then swings into 2 catchy numbers that have a lot of similarities and an almost childish tune.
What a Wonder and You are the One I Love sung very upbeat and keep your feet tapping! The peppy mood then continue into Love You Forever The music then softens to usher in the title track - Above All It is a touching heartfelt song co written by Lenny and Paul baloche. This song has featured in many of the other compilation albums including Celebrate Jesus 2000, Wow worship 2001 etc. Like a rose trampled on the ground You took he fall and thought of me Above All.... The quietness then continues into There is none like you. The highlight of this song is the marvelous guitar plucking. The album then peps up briefly with Closer before going into what I’d label an acoustic guitar fan’s delight. The last four songs are beautifully performed. They are intimate yet powerful.
I was particularly impressed by A Shadow in your Light. The lyrics complement the music and the mood. You can almost feel the crowd closing their eyes and raising their heads heavenward.... and worshipping!!! I haven’t seen any other Lenny LeBlanc album at the store, but I’d love to get my hands on more!!
Some info on Lenny: Lenny LeBlanc was born in Leominster Mass. June 17th, 1951. In 1955 his family moved south to Daytona Beach Florida. It was there at the age of 15 his fascination with music became more than just a dream. The man whose voice and instrumental talent graced the recordings of stars like Roy Orbison, The Supremes, Hank Williams, Jr., Crystal Gayle, Joan Baez and Sawyer Brown, also had a pop career of his own, as part of a duo and as a solo artist.
Discography: 1999 Above All, Hosanna! Music 1996 The Bridge, Integrity Music 1994 All My Dreams, Integrity Music 1991 Pure Heart, Hosanna! Music/Integrity 1991 Prisoner of Love, Maranatha!/Benson 1990 Faithful Heart, Maranatha!/Benson 1984 Person to Person, Heartland/Benson 1983 Say a Prayer, Heartland/CBS-Priority 1980 Breakthrough, MSS/Capitol 1978 Midnight Light (as LeBlanc & Carr), Atlantic/Big Tree 1977 Lenny LeBlanc, Atlantic/Big Tree Production Credits: 1999 Above All, Hosanna! Music 1997 Shout It Loud, Hosanna! Music 1996 Revival At Brownsville, Hosanna! Music 1995 Come As You Are, Integrity Music Airplay: From the album All My Dreams: ’’Carpenter’s Son’’ #1 Christian Country ’’Silent Stars’’ #2 INSP ’’Born To Worship’’ #5 AC, #7 INSP ’’All My Dreams’’ #6 AC ’’The Savior’s Hand’’ #8 AC ’’Everybody Needs Love’’ #10 AC From the album The Bridge: ’’River Of Forgiveness’’ #9 AC Recognitions: 1996: Dove nomination for Country Recorded Album of the Year - Come As You Are (Susie Luchsinger, Lenny LeBlanc, Producer) Country Recorded Song of the Year - ’’Everybody Needs Love’’ 1995: Dove nomination for Country Recorded Song of the Year - ’’For Pete’s Sake’’ as performed by Susie Luchsinger 1989: BMI Millionaire Song Award for ’’Falling’’ (denoting one million radio plays) as performed by LeBlanc & Carr