Reviewed by Michael Durrant

A worship project started by singer and songwriter Scott Metcalf in San Francisco, Cede brings together a collection of nine highly accomplished musicians with impressive CVs, some of whom have worked with acts like Chris Tomlin and Coldplay. The 12 tracks that result on 'New Beginnings' are an extremely diverse mix consisting of guitar-driven praise ballads, gospel choir-led songs - complete with 'amens' and 'hallelujahs' - along with some quieter bluesy numbers and new versions of old hymns. There are some special moments on this album such as the fantastic version of "Trading My Sorrows" and "We Will Reach The Other Side" which ends with a full-on gospel knees up. Musical influences clearly abound on this eclectic set but one of the most evident is on the song "Shades Of Grey" which carries more than a few shades of Jars Of Clay. All in all, this is impressive stuff and is recommended if you are open to a wide sweep of musical genres.

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