Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Back in 2010, before current members Ray Wolffe and Nadine Christine Duggin joined, Los Angeles gospel blues collective Little Faith released this mostly instrumental debut album that saw them tackle some songs from the vast canon of African-American spirituals. Very much the glue that holds this release together, founder member Jack Maeby's charismatic organ playing is central to proceedings with the respected session man taking centrestage on the likes of an experimental version of "How Great Thou Art" and a slightly rambling version of the much-covered "Just A Closer Walk With Thee". Generously, Maeby lets other lead instruments share the spotlight to add the kind of variety any music-only release requires to shine with some great down home violin from Leah Zeger on a moody version of "Wade In The Water" whilst James King's baritone sax creaks and gurgles away to good effect on a Mardi Gras-tinged take on the old Albert E Brumley hymn "I'll Fly Away". Elsewhere, the occasional trombone, pedal steel and cameo vocal (courtesy of Maggie Malyn on a reprise of the aforementioned hymn) grace an enjoyable release from a formative incarnation of a band that is currently doing great things.

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