Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Jason's amazing testimony - near fame and fortune in a mainstream rock band; drug abuse and homelessness; conversion and restoration; and heading up with his wife an Atlanta ministry which cares for the battered and broken - was recently published by Cross Rhythms. This is Jason's second album and with renowned producer Billy Smiley behind the recording desk, it has all the production sheen you'd expect. Jason's songs, mainly worship-orientated ones, are pretty good too: "You Gave Me A Reason" is a '90s sounding pop ballad with ex-Newsboys frontman Peter Furler delivering some BVs. In fact an equally recognisable CCM voice, that of Leigh Nash, makes an even more prominent contribution on the duet "Family (Unplugged)" which with its Americana vibe is a charming reminder that the Church puts us all in a special family ("I was made for you/We were made to help each other through/This life together you and me/You're my family"). Those expecting more full tilt rockers on 'I Fall In' considering Jason's hard rock roots and that he is also a member, along with Billy Smiley and John Schlitt, of classic rock revivalists The Union Of Sinners And Saints, will have to wait until track eight to hear the pumping rock praise of "We Rise". As it turns out though it's the album's one cover, Hillsong's "Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)" which is the absolute standout. The original on the 'No Other Name' was good but this version - a wonderful duet between Jason and Jillian Edwards is absolutely classic as a fragment of Newton's timeless lyrics are effortlessly segued into the Australian worshippers' assurance that "he can take all your problems/put them all to good use." Although there are plenty of good things on this set "Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)" is the track you will definitely want to stream or download.

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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