Reviewed by Doug Holland

This, the first CD from The Livingstone Collective, reveals little of substance about the personnel involved and is ultimately rather unsatisfying for this and a number of other reasons. The band itself appears to comprise in the main San Francisco-born writer, performer and producer Busbee, with the brother leading the singing (he has a powerful and effective voice), playing and programming the keys and producing the CD. Of the 10 tracks (total music time 49 minutes) six are penned by Busbee or by others in or associated with the band, and four are worship standards from the Thankyou Music catalogue. Overall the sound is epic in the Delirious? style, but marked by occasional piano and brass flourishes and interludes. The fact that the opening song is not their own sets the tone for a somewhat conservative effort, with the producers quite literally playing safe for most of the time. Efforts are made to spice up the known songs and introduce surprises into those unknown, but in actual fact there is little here that has not already been heard from the likes of Redman, Tomlin and co. One is left with the sense that if the band (and Busbee) were left to their own devices something significantly new and of value may result - the second album may be more interesting.

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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