Reviewed by Dave Harris

'Steppin' Out' has a certain musical pedigree, featuring such accomplished and seasoned session musicians as Steve Brewster (drums), Gary Lunn (bass) and Terry McMillan (percussion/harp). The album contains a number of well arranged, country-tinged vocal harmonies throughout its 42 minutes. The addition of the Budapest Film Orchestra and the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra adds a touch of class and a more expansive sound to such songs as "Keep On Walkin'" and "But For The Blood". John Willis also adds some deft guitar work, especially on the bluesy "I'm Saved". On the negative side: the vocals are nice, but nothing spectacular. The songs themselves, including a contribution from Billy and Sarah Gaines, offer up pleasant words of encouragement and praise, with two standout exceptions. The excellent "She Cries", which tells Jesus' life story through Mary's tears, and "I Love America", a post-September 11 track which made this English listener squirm uncomfortably in front of his stereo. Overall this is simply a nice album. No more; no less. And there is little to set it apart from the plethora of such albums already out there. Another reviewer may have given 'Steppin' Out' a few more squares. But they didn't get this CD, I did. So it is with some sense of apology that it must be . . .

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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