Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

A totally different approach for The Kry as they take a mixture of classic-songs and some new ones and present them in a stripped down style. This fresh approach allows the songs to shine through in the thin spotlight of an unplugged recording and there is some good stuff here. Band members Jean-Luc and Yves Lajoie and Pete Nelson are joined by producer/keyboardist John Andrew Schreiner for sessions recorded "live" in a Nashville studio back in 1995. So it's taken a while for the album to see the light of day but there is enough here to justify public consumption. Occasionally joined by The Kry Khoir to add a bit of vocal beef (check out "Everywhere" which cooks!), there's a certain joie de vivre contained in the music here. The classic "Wild World, Empty Heart" and "I Can't Stop Thinking About You" chug along effectively with acoustic poppy zippiness. "Be Still My Soul", the traditional song, is laid bare as a laid back act of worship, simply presented and effectively touching. The seven minute epic medley of Darrell Mansfield's "Jesus Is Coming Soon" begins with a bluesy mood until the Khoir kicks in gospel style for Andrae Crouch's "Soon And Very Soon" to allow the album a celebratory climactic close. Terrific stuff! However, the one song which really touched me most was the rendition of "He Won't Let You Go" featuring an emotional vulnerable vocal performance from Jean-Luc Lajoie over a delicate piano from Schreiner. One of those wonderful musical moments that touches the heart and will find its way onto my radio programme!

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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