Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

This is acoustic melodic music that is finely crafted and beautifully executed by a man who has a large cult following in the USA without ever making it huge. Respected as an artful artistic and thoughtful songwriter, it comes as no surprise to find him signed to Michael Card's Covenant Artists label. "Small Graces' shows Bob at his creative best presenting us with some gentle inspiring songs that are full of vulnerability, humanity, humour and a sense of the reality of God. Easy on the car without ever descending into MOR blandness. Bob's voice has a distinctive texture reminiscent at times to English hippie folkie John Martyn. I love the title tune with it's focus on those blessings that we often forget. Other standouts include the story song "Lonestar State" which contains some great one liners like "She picked the lock of her prison cell with a shiny wedding ring" and the wonderful ""Jesus In Our Time" which places the simplicity of desiring to find the reality of Jesus in the midst of modern church practice. This is an excellent recording, mellow, reflective and deserving your close attention. Bennett remains an underrated songwriter but one listen and you'll be hooked on this mellow selection.

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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