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'Treasures' is a studio recording of songs by this well known songwriter marketed as 'The Definitive Wayne Drain Collection'. The band and production crew say a lot about the support the American singer, songwriter, worship leader and pastor has in the UK - including Les Moir on bass, Mal Pope on guitar, Caroline Bonnett on keyboards, Sue Rinaldi on backing vocals and Dave Bilbrough and Noel Richards as guest vocalists! As expected, the performances are all solidly competent (whilst not fully realising the potential of those involved, suggesting that studio time may have been an issue here) and they form a transparent conduit for Wayne's songs. On first hearing the album I was hard pushed to define it musically - imagine a cross between Billy Ray Cyrus and John Lenon! The truth is, and I hope this won't offend anyone, 'Treasures' is a little bit like a bottle of fine red wine; after the initial taste subsides, a variety of other, quite unexpected flavours begin to emerge. Perhaps this is to be expected when the driving force behind this album appears to be more about the songs than the artist (a good thing) and continuity of style is secondary to the communication of the message (another good thing). In all, it's a solid production with some subtle surprises that will please those familiar with this powerful and prophetic songsmith.

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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