Reviewed by Simon Carpenter

This CD is a gem. Beautifully produced, wonderfully played and profoundly spiritually sensitive. Alex Robertson is an excellent classically trained (Oxford University and Royal Northern College of Music) violinist, one time member of the Brodsky Quartet and a regular on the BBC. Here nine out of the 10 tracks are his own compositions, expressing his spiritual journey and his relationship with God - spirit to Spirit - in varying musical styles. The success of the result is due to the marrying of his considerable musical gifts to an equally considerable spiritual sensitivity that is tangible from the opening sounds of the first track. It can be argued that this CD takes "playing in the Spirit" to a rare level of sophistication - though I am not sure what Alex himself would say to that! The 10th track, and my personal favourite, is a stunningly beautiful arrangement of "There Is A River" where Alex is joined by vocals and guitar. The other tracks are also backed by different instruments according to their style. My advice is simple. Scrape together a tenner somehow, buy this CD and be inspired and uplifted by an outstanding gift to the Church.

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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