Reviewed by Allan Clare

David Thomas (not to be confused with his namesake in the group Take 6) is, in fact, the brother of UK gospel pioneer Tyndale, and musical talent is clearly in the Thomas family gene pool as this really is an excellent album. Gospel music is incredibly popular in Germany and the artist, having made his home there in 1990, has made a name for himself recording a series of gospel albums and working in stage musicals. This is a live recording from 2004 in Hamburg (it's an English language album, by the way!) and it begins dramatically enough - much like a prelude to a stage musical - with horns building up to live gospel praise. It's the title track and it's a great tune, with splendid musicianship and an enthusiastic audience making it a spectacular opener. "His Promise" is all funky blues and Hammond organ riff, while "A Change" reminded me of late '80s soulster Alexander O'Neil. "Falling In Love" is a great funky pop song, rhythmic brass and guitars join Thomas' and the gospel choir's excellent vocals. It's incredibly catchy - David has an eye on pop music's sensibilities and so this is an album for those who don't think they like gospel. It's hard not to appreciate an album full of tunes - whether "Only Believe" with its café-jazz style mellow piano or "Falling In Love" with funky rhythm and blues. An artist who deserves wider recognition.

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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