Reviewed by Philip Woodward

Live albums, eh? Through the ages the good, great and not-so great have partaken in the fine art of the live album, eager to capitalise on the success of sold-out tours and legendary events, making memorable shows that little bit easier to remember. Here then, is 'Joy Of The Redeemed', as New York singer/songwriter Mark Giacobbe presents recordings from the 'Songs of the Nations' benefit concert in September 2002. Giacobbe features four times with three previously released tracks and a haunting rendition of the hymn "My Goal Is God Himself", an add-on at the close of the album that is certainly its high-water mark. Regrettably, that speaks volumes for the 13 tracks that precede it. Like Vietnam, a live album often loses its resonance if you weren't there, and this set certainly limps into this rank. "Vermont Folk Song" by Vesper is precisely that and could send an insomniac to 12 hours of blissful slumber, whereas Christy Tennant's "Valley Of Dry Bones" sounds like Alanis Morrisette since she stopped selling records. Of course there are up-sides, in "Inescapable" the strong guitars of Wesley Watts compliment his angst-ridden vocal, and Sarah Lentz provides a pleasant end to the concert with the uplifting ballad "My Friend". Too little, too late however and one goes away from the album feeling far from bedazzled.

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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