Reviewed by John Daniels

Anglican worship pastor and music executive John Chisum stands up in front of his peers at Music Minnesota and this is the result, the latest in the Live Praise Worship series. John leads the worship, and with acoustic guitar his chosen instrument the album understandably has an unplugged flavour. 12 tracks include seven new songs, some of which I'm sure we'll all be singing in church by this time next year. The album opens with the upbeat "Praise You, God!", but it's the following tracks that hit the spot for me, "Your Great Love", and Wes Tuttle's "We Are Blessed", which is surely inspired by black gospel. "Jesus Loves Me/So Deep" is a beautiful melody blending the voices of Sandi Patty, John himself and his eight year old daughter Aly. (This you could argue is a little too precious.) Here the album changes down a gear or two, with a few of the older songs, including the title track, the delivery of which is reminiscent of Art Garfunkel's solo work (except perhaps for the frilly ending). Of the remaining new songs "The Way Of The Cross Leads Home", a Celtic folk anthem, is the best of the bunch. Although here as with "We Are Blessed" the difference in style is not emphasised enough, which unfortunately gives the album a certain sameness. Of course there's nothing to stop you working your own arrangements in your church.

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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