CD Recommendation

Several months ago, I bought a CD from iTunes called Beginnings by Fernando Ortega. He is one of my favorite artists for a variety of reasons.

1. His technique--he sings softly and in tune with a pleasing vibrato.

2. His renditions of hymns are very straight-forward; he doesn't take too many liberties, a tactic I typically find annoying.

3. He is an excellent pianist

4. His accompaniments are amazing and quite unique (he even uses accordion in a couple of his songs)! He is a classically trained pianist as well, and I respect his musicianship!

5. He is of Hispanic descent and incorporates Spanish into some of his songs.

I believe that I love this album more than I have ever loved any album. Here are the songs it has:

1. Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing

2. Nothing But The Blood

3. Praise To The Lord The Almighty

4. As For Us

5. Con Que Pagaremos

6. Softly And Tenderly

7. What Wondrous Love Is This

8. Teach Me Thy Way

9. Mi Abuelito

10. Morningstar

11. Chimayo

12. I Love To Praise Your Name

13. Night Of Your Return

14. Living Water

15. I Need Thee Every Hour * Just As I Am * Come Ye Sinners, Poor And Needy (Medley)

16. Nearer My God To Thee

17. Here Is Love

18. God Made Them All

19. My Song Is Love Unknown

20. I Remember Well

21. Road Song

22. Family

23. Now That You’re Gone

24. Creation Sings

25. Green Pastures

26. Near The Cross

27. Jesus Lover Of My Soul

28. Sacrifice Of Praise

29. It’s Your Love

30. Stricken, Smitten And Afflicted

31. Brethren, We Have Met To Worship

32. O Sacred Head Now Wounded

33. Tossed On The Wind

34. This Is My Father’s World

Here is what Amazon has to say about Ortega and this album:

About the Artist

Classically trained in piano at the University of New Mexico, Fernando comes from a family of weavers and farmers who, for eight generations, have lived in Chimayo, a small village on the western slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, north of Santa Fe. His music celebrates this heritage in songs that are filled with spiritual longing and a deep reverence for His Lord.

Fernando’s music unites virtuoso piano skills with tender, authentic vocals. The rich accompaniment of cello, accordion and strings allow the songs to resonate with a simple yet sensitive quality that gently touches every listener’s heart.

Product Description

BEGINNINGS - the premiere collector’s edition of early Fernando Ortega recordings (1993 – 1996). Included in this comprehensive compilation are selections from Fernando’s first four albums produced by Randolf Productions, Inc. (RPI),

Meditations Of The Heart (1993)

Meditations Of The Heart – Encore (1994)

Hymns & Meditations (1994)

Night Of Your Return (1996)

Here is a Youtube clip so you can hear a little of this album. Let me know what you think!