About the Album: "Journey from Slavery" (length 56 minutes) is a concept album embracing a variety of musical styles, where each track can be enjoyed equally well on its own. The first main section "Jubilee Suite" is based on a four movement piece that Ian wrote for the opening of the Jubilee Medical Centre. The second section "The River" was inspired during a ferry trip on the Mersey which explored some of Liverpool's infamous historical links with the slave trade. This dramatic, moving and atmospheric piece takes you on a journey from before time to the end of history, touching on themes of physical and spiritual slavery. The final section tracks the River of Life from its gentle source to the exhilarating white water ride of a thundering torrent, representing the transforming power of love to bring freedom and hope. The music has been well received by people of wide ranging ages and backgrounds as it can be appreciated on many different levels. Ian has also used the CD as music therapy in his work and has found it to have a profoundly positive effect on many people suffering from emotional trauma and stress.

Cross Rhythms Magazine Issue 64 Sept-Oct 2001 ... Awash with huge sounds, creative string arrangements and ambient noises, this is beautiful music. If you enjoy the epic music of Iona then this will appeal to you. Ian Gilchrist should be applauded for creating something as musically fulfilling and as spiritually challenging as 'Journey from Slavery'. Get hold of a copy, let it wash over you and as it does, take time to be refreshed and hear the voice of the Spirit leading you to freedom. Mike Rimmer. Score 10/10 (www.crossrhythms.co.uk) Please read on...

 

"Sometimes it's not possible to express your hurt in words. Sometimes you just don't want to. This music meets your pain and expresses those feelings for you. It allows you to weep and then takes you forward. You can listen at your own pace; take that journey in your own time." Maria (doctor) "...thank you for the gift of your wonderful CD. I have played it through several times and been enthralled by it. I will treasure it for the rest of my time." Joe (Cancer sufferer) "I'd used all the skills I could muster to engage a rebellious child who caused so much bedlam and heartache. I had your CD and threw it on......for the first time in months he worked independently with concentration, discipline, even a smile! Who says music is on its way out in the curriculum?" Jason (inner city teacher) "The first effect that I noticed was an improvement in my sleep pattern....The second was that I wanted to hear the CD frequently throughout the day. Initially, the beauty of the music brought out the pain I was feeling and I found myself crying a great deal. Because I live with depression, this is not unusual but in this case my tears seemed to be having a positive effect.... I found myself remembering past events and feeling the emotions associated with them and feeling safe to do so.....The third thing I noticed was that I returned to painting. This has been a great love of mine since childhood but for the past few years I have felt too dispirited to paint... it is wonderful to be able to experience the creative process again." Jen (mental health worker) "I want to tell you how much I have valued the music. It has comforted me during a very difficult and sad time. I played it in my car whilst travelling to and fro to visit my father during his last few days. My feeling that God was with me on those journeys was very real. He strengthened me and guided me with an indescribable warmth through the music." Moira (mother of 3) "I do congratulate you on a marvellous work, it is very beautiful and wonderfully atmospheric and exciting." Fiona Castle "The album is a gem among many stones. For me the experience goes beyond just listening to the music to being touched by it emotionally and spiritually." Pete Caulfield (musician/teacher) "It took me to many different places. I found myself not only being lifted to a sense of awesome perspective but also recognising that there is healing intrinsically released by this music." Dr Alex Johnson (teacher in multi-faith school) "I was very impressed with the CD. You have done a first class job in writing, recording and packaging this work and it certainly is worthy of some sort of wider exposure." David Bruce (A&R Director Alliance Music)   Order Form Back to the top