Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

Now this is something interesting; Judith is English, although she's lived and worked in France for the last 11 years, but the songs were originally written in French, expressing the things that she's seen and experienced. The music tracks were recorded and mixed by French musicians in Paris, with English vocals added at Solid Rock Studios in Walsall. And this Anglo-French cooperation works very well, with Paul May adding his considerable expertise to ensure that it all gels together. Judith is joined on vocals by Mike Parkes, and his light tenor blends well with Judith's clear soprano; the songs themselves are not a little Celtic in feel, with acoustic instruments, woodwinds and drums and things, and they've translated very well with unambiguous worshipful lyrics, and the French musicians do a fine job. "All Your Heart" is inspired by the first and great commandment, with a woodwind and percussion treatment and a beautiful violin solo; "Open Hearts" could be Eden's Bridge or lona in gentle mode, with Judith's multi-tracked vocals and haunting whistle; and by contrast, "Teach Us Lord To Rebuild" has electric guitars and an invitation to the Lord to "breathe into our lives, fill us anew with your fire." Well worth seeking out and an object lesson in how to create a very good product without breaking the bank.

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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