Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

Mo Leverett is the executive director of Desire Street Ministries, which is based in one of the poorest areas of New Orleans, one which was particularly hard hit by the ravages of Hurricane Katrina, in fact, the whole neighbourhood ended up under six feet of floodwater. The ministry was founded in 1990, and since then Mo and his team have created a community of hope and healing and part of the ministry of the Desire Street Fellowship, which was established in 1997, involves music. On this CD, all songs are Mo's own compositions and it's full of echoes of the musical roots of the Deep South - gritty vocals, mean and swampy guitars, bluesy horns. Whilst it's not an easy listen (there's too much sadness, pathos and even anger etched deep into the lyrics for that), the determination that pervades everything that Mo and his team are doing to make a difference in the lives of the hurting comes over loud and clear. If the listener is moved sufficiently to get involved, then 'Blades Of Love' has achieved its aim. Go seek this out.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.