Reviewed by Tony May

In the occasionally overheated world of CCM, this man's music always comes with the promise of a refreshing shower of cooling rain. As part of a monastic commune, Talbot's music emphasises simplicity and purity of content and delivery. Allied to a wonderful clarity and richness of vocal and guitar work, his contribution to the health of Christian music has been incalculable. The notes he has written call for us to "slow down and return to a life of real spiritual quality", possibly unacceptable to an age which confuses volume with anointing. These songs lead us down prayerful, quiet, liturgical, reflective paths with beautiful, new, Scripture-based material to deeply touch the thirsting spirit tired of more soulish worship. Very powerful in its gentle way, and truly moving.

Also reviewed in CR24:
In a far too noisy world what a relief to find the excellently produced 'Meditations In The Spirit' from one of USA's leading exponents of meditative music. Extremely scriptural with simple, well orchestrated arrangements. These 12 songs are designed to slow down the pace of life long enough for us to listen to what God is saying to us. During the recording we are taken on a journey beginning with an invocation of the Holy Spirit from whence we journey through psalms, canticles and traditional prayers to be finally sent out as Christ's apostles with his blessing. In one of the songs John Michael sings, "The time will come when those of this world will surely abandon God", if we follow the path this recording takes us down we will surely be drawn closer to God. I fully expect many liturgical dances and mimes to draw on these songs to enrich their liturgies. Well done JMT and Phil Perkins!
7 squares
Mike Stanley

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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