Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Surely one of the hardest working men in America's CCM industry; film scores, pop gospel, praise and worship albums, Tom's done it all. But presumably, these instrumental albums, which he commenced with Maranatha's Colours series some years back, are closest to his heart and this, to my ears, his most satisfying so far. At times there's a hint of jazz, it could almost have been Art Tatum on the opener, more often it's a relaxed, meditative approach, partly recalling his classical musical roots (witness the Bach-style fugue on "Joseph's Magical Parade") and partly the film scores of a Henry Mancini. His deft arrangement of the old hymn "Wayfaring Stranger" worked particularly well. The piano embellishments are never overdone and never descend to Richard Clayderman territory, while the string and woodwind orchestrations are used sparingly to keep it the right side of muzak. Use it as an aid to meditation or superior background music. 'Beyond The Barriers' (complete with a fine sleeve painting) is excellent. But it's a long, long way from those Jesus rock days he once spent with Larry Norman.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.