Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Danielle Ewert-van Es is one of the growing legion of Dutch pop gospel artists. There is some British input too: Paul Field contributes lyrics and backing vocals, Neil Costello is one of the engineers (together with the splendidly named Bart Rap) and Chris Eaton and Julie Costello also join in with backups. Some tracks were recorded in Leeds and all are sung in English with only the slightest trace of a Dutch accent coming through. And what of the songs? They are good. Track one, "May Your Ways Be My Ways", for example, kicks in with a strong drum sound. Danielle's voice is pure and clear and blends well with Tommy Riekerk in a classy duet. Things get even better when a choir joins in and, just as you think there is nothing more to add, Robert Riekerk comes in with a guitar solo. A strong opener, followed up well by the remaining four songs. All are well produced ("slick" is the word that springs to mind) with interesting arrangements and thoughtful lyrics. For want of a better description, imagine a 'Euro Amy'. Track four, "Paradise Garden", features some of the best pop cello since ELO took their final bow. This, for me, is the best song, although perhaps not immediate enough to stand out as a single. Indeed, this is where your reviewer is left wondering. Five songs, timed at under 20 minutes, is a long EP, especially without an obvious radio track. Likewise, 20 minutes is far too short for an album. However, if it is intended as a sampler to raise interest in an undoubted talent, it works. As and when a full length album comes out lovers of good, clean, professional CCM can form a queue behind me.

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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