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 Since
the release of his Myrrh debut in 1997, Fernando
Ortega has risen to critical and popular prominence as a singer-songwriter
of immense sensitivity and charm. At the heart of his appeal is a complex
combination rare in contemporary Christian music, Ortega is a storyteller,
worship leader, artist and vocalist of unparalleled talent. As a vocalist,
he's been described by critics as gifted, unusually engaging, and refreshingly
original. As a worship leader, he has established himself as a champion of the
classic hymns of the church, insisting that our praise needs to carefully
balance experiential and theological reflection. And as a story-teller, Ortega
has written and recorded songs that are both unnervingly intimate and
universal in appeal, lifting listeners both into and beyond themselves, moving
them into stark personal reflection, joyful adoration and praise.
More rare, however, than the combination of his talents is the thoughtfulness
with which Ortega approaches his craft. Indeed, it's difficult to imagine a
more focused, careful performer. Following in his family's long tradition of
artistic excellence-born from a long line of New Mexican artisans and weavers,
Ortega has emerged as one of the most articulate and gracious advocates of
creative and spiritual renewal in Christian music. His concerts are unique
excursions that balance contemplative worship; buoyant, sometimes funny,
sometimes heartbreaking storytelling; and extraordinary musical performance,
this year, for the first time, with a band. All of this is reflected,and
perhaps even perfected, in Home, his third release for Myrrh, and the most
musically and thematically aggressive collection of his career.
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