Reviewed by Rebecca Mason

This is Alex Bowler's first solo album and as the title suggests it is a Spanish themed collection. The album has been designed as an evangelistic tool. Alex has formed his own evangelistic association and is obviously very committed to using his skills to preach the Gospel. The overall feel of the album is very summery and had me imagining myself sittting on a veranda on the Mediterranean looking out to a glimmering ocean! The very first track "The Stranger" opens with a neighing horse and Zorro-like galloping Spanish guitars! I fully expected the masked crusader to appear over the horizon! Alex has composed his own tunes for the hymns "There Is A Green Hill Far Away" and "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross". I particularly like Alex's use of bass and electric guitar, along with acoustic. The way these are fused together is very effective and creates a much fuller sound. "Two Guitars" features Spanish acoustic only and is very relaxing to listen to. There is nothing more beautiful and soothing than Spanish guitar, in my humble opinion. Unfortunately the use of '80s sounding keyboard and backing vocals on "Honeymoon In Andalusia" sounded cheesy and ruined it for me. The '80s keyboard showed up again in the last track "Homecoming". Overall, though, beautiful Spanish guitar music worth searching out if you want to get in the mood for your summer holidays.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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