Reviewed by Peter Dilley

After 15 albums and a career spanning a quarter of a century, many artists would be tempted to sit back and take it easy. Not Randy Stonehill, for whom The Lazarus Heart' marks a fresh and energetic new beginning. Dropping the Christian name may be just a symbolic change, but setting up the Street Level label (which also carries Julie Miller's 'Invisible Girl') is a bigger step. With Stonehill himself in fine form, the album becomes even better with guest appearances and support from many of the great and the good: check out Phil Keaggy's meaty guitar work ("Under The Rug"), Christine Dente's vocals ("I Turn To You"), besides the stalwart backing throughout from the likes of Jimmie Lee Sloas, Rick Elias and the seemingly ubiquitous Jerry McPherson. Musically, Randy may have mellowed a fraction, but as a lyricist he has lost none of his edge and insight, squaring up to matters of faith and doubt, of hidden sin and the need for real repentance, with characteristic directness and sensitivity. The name may be shorter, but the talent remains undiminished.

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