STYLE: Country RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 3905-636 LABEL: Word 7019446604 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RRP: £4.99
Reviewed by Norman Smith
From the safety of a "live" gig at a Nashville recording studio, the artist delivers a selection of his material from over the last few years. It is a neat, competent set to essentially an invited audience and seeks to embrace real life issues, some of which are not perhaps often associated with Christian music: eg, "Sometimes Miracles Hide" addressing a couple's dilemma when their unborn child is diagnosed severely handicapped. Other strong songs include "Shadow And Light", a comment on the contradictions within the human heart, and the best is saved for last with "I Know Where I Stand". The other highlight for this reviewer is the inclusion of the remarkable Kelly Willard on backing vocals^ she lifted those early Vineyard worship tapes and certainly raises this collection. Two niggles however: firstly, there is an increasingly typical vocal interruption during "Simon Peter" when Brucie chats with the audience mid-song. Unnecessary, indulgent, or simply a consequence of being born in the USA? Secondly, a medley of older material is too concise to be effective. Nevertheless, this is a satisfying, melodic mix from a talented singer/songwriter.
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