Over the past decade, God has used WorshipTogether music ministries to bring a bountiful supply of worship songs to the church. Based in the UK, some of the most noted and celebrated worship leaders in the world are represented by this label, and year after year, they've released some of the most anointed tunes the church has ever seen.

Well, they've done it again, with one of their latest releases entitled Live From Canada: Jesus Lifted High. It's a live recording of some of the worship sessions during the conference WorshipTogether hosted in Waterloo, Ontario in the summer of 2001. The songs captured on this disc really live up to the standard WorshipTogether has earned for itself, bearing some truly fresh and moving tracks.

I had the awesome privilege of attending this conference, and when I first listened to this CD, it immediately brought back the same joy, intimacy, solemnity and exuberance I felt when I was there. You can literally feel the presence of God in every wave of sound, and I believe anyone will be immensely blessed when listening to this disc, whether you were at the actual conference or not.

Some of the bands and worship leaders featured here are the Stoneleigh Band with Stuart Townend, Robin Mark, Brian Houston, Noel Richards, David Ruis and Canada’s own Capstone. With such a talented and diverse assemblage of personalities such as this, there is bound to be something for everybody to enjoy.

The Stoneleigh Band, headed by Stuart Townend and Louise Fellingham, bring their own brand of rockin’ praise with a Latin feel with the song Let God Arise, written by Louise’s father David Fellingham. Also included is one of their trademark modern-day hymns entitled In Christ Alone, a track that almost always manages to cause a lump in my throat when the masses shout in praise and wonder as the words "then bursting forth in glorious day, out from the grave He rose again!" are sung.

Many of the listeners wouldn't know Brian Houston by name, but I think he is one of the hidden treasures of Ireland. Leading worship all alone on the huge platform, just him, his guitar and his matching denim jeans and jacket (which he wore for all four days of the conference), he really brings the house down. It’s amazing the sound he gets from his guitar; it sounds more like a full band, with his voice ringing out like a silver trumpet. This CD includes two of his original tunes and, in his own words, these songs are "songs of reality". He really hits home because he sings about hard times and desert places in the song Could You, which we’ve all experienced. But he also sings about the pure desire just to worship God and to be intimately close to Him with his song Miracle in My Heart. I personally love having quiet times with his songs.

Capstone gives a typically vibrant performance with their rendition of His Banner Over Me. For musicians who are so young, it's really astounding how talented they are, and it really gives God a lot of glory when they use their gifts to create such wonderful and developed music for Him.

But, for me, the real highlight of this album is Lily Of The Valley led by David Ruis. It's something that can’t be described adequately with words. To me, this track is the pinnacle of worship. It encapsulates what praise is supposed to be. It’s not so much in the melody or the lyrics; it’s simply the spirit and the power behind it all. It’s a truly remarkable track that you would be remiss to pass over.

This CD is such a strong release that I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking to add to their worship CD collection. It is a clear front-runner on my list of best worship albums of 2001. My only sore point regarding this CD is that it’s too short! It only has twelve tracks, surely leaving room for one or two more. Or maybe it just seems to go by so fast because I enjoy it so much.