Reviewed by Tony Cummings

It's taken a year for Cross Rhythms to review this delightful album, so apologies to all especially our thousands of readers who need to know that a hugely talented singer/songwriter is living in darkest Manchester. Chris has a warm, expressive voice that at times resembles Chris DeBurgh, at others Steven Curtis Chapman and even Ryan Adams on one song yet throughout retains his own identity. His lyrics are devotional but, mostly anyway, eschew the doggerel that clog so many of our modern worship songs ("Lord teach me your own music/So I can sing the songs/That bring me closer to you"). Also, the arrangements, expertly put together by studio maestro Matt Wanstall, are satisfyingly organic, intuitively "right" and once or twice, as on "When You Are Near" which features the renowned Doug Walker and builds to a spectacular climax, quite breathtaking. That, and the fine title track where Chris sings his song of praise to the Lord of Hosts accompanied solely by his trusty acoustic and Chris Sampson's fine cello, are my favourites. Check out Cross Rhythms' article about this gifted songsmith. Then get your order in for an album which brings fresh delights with each play.

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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