Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Changes are afoot at the annual celebration, Grapevine, held at Lincolnshire Showground. The existing formula, tried and tested over a number of years now, was indeed becoming just a bit too samey. As this CD of the 2010 event shows, changes are afoot. Personally I find it a little sad that we no longer get familiar contributions from veteran worship leader Chris Bowater (though son Dan still acts as main soundman). Andy Bromley is nowhere to be seen or heard. And past Grapevine's regular interjections from Godfrey Birtill, and, less often, Geraldine Latty, have also disappeared. What we have in their place appears to be a more decidedly youth-oriented approach. The album lets rip with a string of upbeat rock worship anthems - from the pens of the likes of Ben Cantelon, Tim Hughes, Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman (who co-wrote three of these dozen songs). There's also a deliciously funky version of Lincoln Brewster's "Give Him Praise" (a real match for the original). All these are rendered by a highly proficient team, including, on lead vocals, Howard Williams, Dave Bell and Hannah and Jo Holland. Only a couple of songs here are home-created - "Healing Is On Its Way" being co-penned by Dave Bell and Chris & Abbey Eaton. The new version of Grapevine is, judging from this CD, a success and the worship here is fresh and incisive.

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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