Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Zimbabwe-born Baker Barnes is the worship leader at Revival Fires church in Dudley and was at the epicentre of the Dudley Outpouring which in 2009 saw an extraordinary visitation of the Holy Spirit affecting many thousands of visitors. Now, after some tracks on a couple of live albums, Ryan steps into the Christian retail marketplace with a creatively mature and passionately performed studio album. With so much modern worship sounding increasingly stereotyped, Ryan and producer Julian Kindred (Delirious?, Graham Kendrick) have wisely come up with edgy yet inventive arrangements which steer clear of the layered guitar Brit pop sounds. "I Am Yours" has a retro '80s vibe, "Lord You Are So Beautiful" is a song of tender hearted worship ("I cast aside distraction, to gaze into your eyes/With you my life has purpose, I've found my one desire") while "Here Is A Love" has a moody, minor key atmosphere which will make any listener want to return to it again and again. The epic on the album though is the final track, "I Love Your Presence", featuring a climactic finale where Dan Wheeler's guitars and Joe Clegg's drums take over in a powerful ending coda. All in all, a hugely impressive entrance onto the national scene.

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Ryan Baker-Barnes serves as the Worship Pastor at Revival Fires Church in Dudley, where he has led worship alongside Brian Johnson, Kim Walker-Smith, Kevin Prosch, Michael Larson, Chris Quilala and Anthony Skinner among others.

The Deepest Part is Ryan’s solo debut, featuring musicians Joe Clegg, Dan Wheeler, James Gregory and Micah Wilshire. The resulting 10-track project is marked by the presence of God; a spirit of passion, innovation and adoration, while not being limited to the musical scope of a live performance.

Ryan is involved in leading worship at various conferences and events around England, and encouraging budding musicians, songwriters and performers to seek the Glory of God.