Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

Having been introduced to Keith's music in the '80s I remember being subsequently challenged when reading No Compromise. Still an uncomfortable read today, particularly for the complacent in the Church, Keith's get-fired-up message is as relevant now as it was 25-30 years ago. The world is still today turned off by what Keith here calls "churchianity" and we are all supposed to be much more like a "little Jesus" to those around us. There have been numerous collections of Keith's studio recordings released since his death but this is the first major live collection I have seen and gives some insight for those of us who were not there. The sleevenotes indicate that it's taken several years to source and re-master the songs from the decaying analogue tapes and the result is a pretty clean sound. We are given 16 songs of Keith and his piano and a few short messages compiled from various concerts, and his passion for his message shines through in songs like "Asleep In The Light" with those classic lines "Jesus rose from the dead/You can't even get out of bed" and Annie Herring's uplifting "Easter Song". Never does the singing evangelist seem sanctimonious, but humble and honest regarding his own fallibility as in "My Eyes Are Dry". May we all, like Keith, "repent of anything" in our lives that has not provoked others to "sell out more completely to Jesus."

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.