Reviewed by Theo Bowyer

The veteran singer/songwriter often acknowledged as the father of the modern worship movement returns with a new album. 'The Banquet' is a feast of beautifully crafted worship songs from Starter Course, through to Dessert. The menu-style lyric sheet certainly gives you enough 'courses' to choose from. Co-produced by guitar virtuoso Dan Wheeler and America's Nathan Nockels, the album has a sensitive feel, capturing a classic worship sound. Notable tracks are "Love Each Other" taking one of the most important Biblical commands to, 'love each other as he has loved us.' The more sedate, "Stand Up" proves that Kendrick can write gritty, edgy, frontline worship material. The theologically water tight "I Know He Lives" is hymn-like, with a drum driven backbeat and a middle 8 section that emphasises Graham's strong, harmonic sensitivity. The Celtic-inspired '"Merciful" is a real gem with Mike Haughton's recorder motifs, underpinned by the thankful lyric 'How can I not be merciful/when God's been merciful to me. The album culminates with "The Peace" and aptly the prayerful lyric, 'may God's face shine upon you always and give you peace.' After hearing this album you will feel filled up yet hungry to come back for more helpings.

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The latest album from one of the founding fathers of modern worship music, Banquet sees Graham Kendrick return to his acoustic roots.

Before all the anthems that inspired millions to march in the name of Jesus, and before the songs that united the content of the great hymn writers with the accessibility of contemporary sounds, Graham was a folk and acoustic artist. Songs were his medium, and the stories they told were the heart of the action.

Returning to the craft, Banquet sees Graham reflect on the idea of the church gathering together in unity and celebration. Across these twelve new songs – recorded in Nashville and Atlanta with Nathan Nockels and Dan Wheeler - Graham’s gifting has never been clearer.