Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Recording at the intersection of folk, jazz and rock, this is a superb, gentle recording that highlights Rachel's gifts as a songwriter and performer. You might have seen her at Spring Harvest or even on tour as part of The Street Bible performances with Rob Lacey or if you're in Cardiff at gigs there. This is an excellent intro to her music where Rachel's quirky songs and performances are dressed in delicate acoustic arrangements. I guess the closest comparisons would be Tori Amos (except Rachel isn't quite so weird!) with a little of a 'Tapestry' era Carole King vibe thrown in. Rachel is an observer of people and emotions and sings about what she sees and feels rather than writing songs directly about God and there is something beautiful and wistful about her songs. Difficult to pick favourites but "Super Glue" written for husband Bill is lovely and "Prayer For My Friend The Romantic Insomniac" has to be one of the coolest song titles you've heard in a while. Oh yeah, and it's a cool song too! Like Martyn Joseph, Rachel deserves to find a broad audience.

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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