Reviewed by Doug Holland

The challenge for the performer wishing to reach an audience with material which is very personal to them is how to retain the intimate, almost private feel and at the same time give the audience something with which they can identify and to which they can relate. If there is nothing in it for the audience then it simply has to accept the performer's assertion that the material has value. This is a challenge which for many people this recording probably does not fully overcome. The CD title suggests the 14 solo violin tracks here (total music time 33 minutes) are spontaneous improvisations, and the Scripture giving rise to each piece is noted in the sleeve. Missing, though, is any explanation of the journey (spiritual, practical or other) that Potter went on before settling on the notes she selected, and without that it is difficult for the listener to generate any bond with the music. Stoke-on-Trent-based Megan plays very well (as far as this reviewer can tell!) and there are some delightful passages of music included. However, one suspects that the tracks here are more helpful to Potter for moving into God's presence than they will be for those listening to this CD.

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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