Reviewed by Stephen Luff

Gayle is the wife of Roy Salmond, who has an established history of production (including the wonderful 'Pray In The USA' album by Morgan Cryar), and a musician who has worked closely with Carolyn Arends, who has a not dissimilar style to Gayle and who provides harmony on a couple of tracks here. This is Gayle's debut album following a period of teaching and there is only one cover here, Gillian Welch's "Orphan Girl", which, impressively, compares favourably with the version by Emmylou Harris on her 'Wrecking Ball' album. Gayle's own compositions are of an equal high standard, with memorable melodies and eloquent, often poetic lyrics. Outstanding tracks for me are "Sophia", a hymn to wisdom, and "The Lorica" based on the prayer of St Patrick. If you're looking for finely crafted, Americana-tinge pop from a thought provoking singer/songwriter, look no further.

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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