Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Subtitled 'The Spiritual Odyssey Of A Man', this is a hugely ambitious concept album released in 2006 but, to my shame, only now coming to my attention. Bob Kilpatrick is the composer of the '70s worship classic "in My Life, Lord, Be Glorified" but saying that is a bit like saying Barack Obama is the author of Dreams From My Father: true as far as it goes but not really doing justice to the history and achievements of the man. Bob is a recording artist, record producer, record label owner, journalist, broadcaster and author. Over the years his Fair Oaks Records has released more than a dozen Kirkpatrick albums taking in everything from acoustic Jesus music, worship songs and instrumental ambient albums. But it's this rock concept project which is, I believe, Bob's masterpiece. Deftly avoiding the pitfall of overblown indulgence that has scuppered so many concept albums, instead Bob takes us on a fascinating musical journey as he charts key moments in the life and the lives of his loved ones. The death of his spiritual mentor in January 2004 had plunged Bob into a time of reflection on death, mortality and the futility of life. What began as a musical catharsis over nearly three years, ultimately resulted in 'This Changes Everything'. The skilful selection of songs takes in gutsy blues rock ("Testimony"), wistfully tender acoustics ("This Changes Everything"), a joyful celebration with whistling ("Under The Sun") and the Eastern sounding "Name Of God" (complete with sitar). Possibly my favourite song is "Pebble In My Pocket", a clever song pinpointing the load each of us carries ("I've got pebbles in my heart/Little worries, little cares") where husky-voiced Bob is offset by a ricocheting electronica accompaniment. Even the sound montage intro "Change Oratorio" where fragments of speech, music and interviews are mixed together is a fascinating listen you'll want to hear more than once. It's a scandal that this creative gem didn't get picked up by the CCM industry for a big national push, but that's Nashville for you. If you want music bristling with both creative innovation and a sense of the head-spinning wonder of a life illuminated by God's presence, this is an album you should search out.

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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