STYLE: Roots/Acoustic RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 1307-20777 LABEL: ICC ICC0378D FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RRP: £4.99
Reviewed by Tony Cummings
Kicking off with a rendition of a traditional spiritual “Guide My Feet”, with interjections from a wailing harmonica (blown by the man himself) and a peddle steel, it quickly becomes apparent that Garth is staying close to the folk blues and country influences which have given his music longevity, now that dreams of breaking into popdom have long disappeared. Garth’s strengths and weaknesses are well known: a strength being his passion for the poor and oppressed, enabling him to bring songs of searingly memorable imagery, try “Community Of Love” (written after a visit to a radical church in Honduras) or “The Followers” (about a Baptist church in Nicaragua); while a weakness is his fruity, limited voice and his use of “carrier tune” melodies which are often over familiar and sometimes corny. All in all though, this album, his first for his new label, is his strongest for years and with some excellent production from Paul Field will no doubt satisfy Garth’s followers.
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Product Description
Garth's first solo release in 5 years, `Gospel Singer', is a return to his country and folk roots whilst incorporating his hard hitting social insights. This album builds around the message of the Gospel and reflects on its implications to our world today.