Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Bryn Haworth seems to be getting even better with age! His current focus on prison ministry has led to excellent releases where the marriage of his compassionate heart to those who are behind bars and the diversity of musical styles gives his latest release a powerful impact. Accompanying the veteran are a great many Haworth stalwarts who add to the quality of the project, including bassist Les Moir, drummers Phil Crabbe and Henry Spinetti and keyboards from Mark Edwards. And I always love it when Bryn adds a horn section into the mix, here supplied by Steve Gregory and Raul d'Olivera. 'Rebel Man' offers a combination of Haworth originals and a few traditional songs and there's plenty to enjoy here with Haworth's trademark slide to the fore in both acoustic and electric guises. "Dancing With The Father" and "Love Me Like You Used To Do" have the horns adding some extra punchy power whilst his version of Bobby Charles' "Why Are People Like That", which has been a live favourite for a while, has a great vibe. Bryn even throws in a reggae groove with the title track (which wouldn't have sounded out of place back in his days on Island records) and features some delicious guitar licks. Another couple of highlights are a return visit to "Moments", a song first featured on 'Grand Arrival', and a gorgeous solo instrumental "Only Believe" which is reminiscent of his earliest work on 'Let The Days Go By'. Overall 'Rebel Man' is Haworth on top form.

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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