Reviewed by Alan Smith

Having recently finished a tour with Texan trumpet/flugel/flautist Fletch Wiley, my ears are pleasantly tuned to receive this emerged Nashville production style. Like Fletch, the Williamson/ Hogue arrangements are big, broad and beautiful. You know, that sort of lush, ethereal sound which makes novice sound-engineers push all the faders up together, because everything's so good. Although I get an instinctive yuch feeling when I see a Family-got-it-together sleeve, and then discover that the recording comes from the Southern States of America into the bargain, y'all, I realise just what a bigoted, prejudiced and jaundiced Christian I can still be. I mean, the Jacksons were good, weren't they? And certainly baby Williamson does just as good, if not better, than Jacko did when he was but a few hours old. "Stand Strong" does just that. Excellent production; tasteful and meaty. No outstanding melodies or lyrics or anything though "I'm Done With Pretending" is cheeky enough to be rehashed for a secular single release. The rapped, scratched and, if I "Shake The Salt" is simply dreadful. It's Not Worth considering these minor negatives, though, when there is one track which would warrant buying the whole album just for a Spirit-gem. "All Hail The Power", yes the ancient but far from mouldy classic, is completely reborn conquerable help from friends. The First Baptist Church Ensemble, Franklin, Tennessee, whose cumbersom title shouldn't put you off looking for an album of their own right, are just superb. They suddenly come in from nowhere on a change of key with this Stevie Wonder-type melody. Edward Perronet would leap in his 250 year old grave to hear his words proclaiming Christ's Lordship in this way. With a Coda of "All Hail King Jesus", I would defy any believer not to be moved to tears.

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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