Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Steve's third album "Burning Ember", released in 1994. contains within it the huge turntable hit for UCB Europe - his version of "Psalm 40" which is a magnificent song of worship. More accomplished and better produced than its predecessor reviewed here. Steve's singing and songwriting demonstrated that he's rooted in the '70s tradition of singer/songwriters like Billy Joel and Elton John but with a Canadian twist in the arrangements and a touch of jazz. Consequently a brilliant song like "Never Mind" with its pipe banging rhythm is augmented by some tasteful accordion. Overall it's his tasty guitar playing that underpins much of what is happening here, no more so than on "House Of Peace" which has gentle worship and some understated cello. The whimsical instrumental "She's In Love With Me" is again focussed on Steve's guitar, this time generating a dream-like quality. "I Will Not Be Shaken" is a shuffle and for the first time I start thinking of Paul Simon when I hear Steve sing. The title song is magnificent taking the common metaphor of the love of God burning inside us but somehow transcending the commonplace image and creating a stunning song. Steve has the ability to melt together melodies of beauty with lyrics of power that touch you deep inside which goes some way to explain why when working as an independent artist he has managed to sell over 70.000 copies of his albums. No mean feat! Listen for yourself "and discover how!

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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