Reviewed by Tony Cummings

A CD from 2005 which demonstrates that musical talent alone isn't enough to make a good album. Mr Martinborough is a black American who here seems to be trying to fuse classical musical elements with African American gospel sounds. But though John possesses a beautiful, high tenor and is willing and able to track his voice in intricate multi-harmony walls of sound aided by a few excellent musicians - Sam Archer's keys and April Roach's violin and cello are impressive - the overall effect is florid and directionless and once, or twice, pretentious. The material here is all from the hymnbook and of the classically-orientated tracks Spafford's "It Is Well" probably works best while John's reading of Newton's "Amazing Grace" would impress trad gospel fans. But too often 'Coming Home' meanders in a vacuous middle ground so that when the musicians do momentarily get funky on a neo-reggae version of "Sparrow" the relief is almost palpable. John, as I said earlier, has huge vocal talent. But as this confused and muddled offering shows, his talent doesn't extend to production.

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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