STYLE: Gospel RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 154808-22752 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
UK-born and now Canada-based worship leader Theo Bessem's new album sees the singer/songwriter offer up a collection of God-centred songs that cross a number of musical boundaries to good effect giving her pleasing vocal style a chance to shine. Co-produced with multi-instrumentalist Pedro Mota, Bessem shifts from the upbeat soul gospel of the opener "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus" to some tender balladry in the worshipful "One Voice" with everything including a great reggae version of Israel Houghton's "Hosanna" and some fun calypso ("He Turned My Life Around") in between. Adding to the variety are some great instrumental flourishes ranging from some Santana-like lead guitar in the blues-tinged "Incredible God" to Mike Parlett's old school sax on the soulful title track and it all comes together in an accomplished jazz reading of the Fanny Crosby hymn "Pass Me Not" which contains a superb late night vocal from Bessem as well as some exquisite piano and guitar solos from the talented Mota. Only the cod gospel of "Let Go, Let God" lets the side down - it sounds wooden and forced compared to the other material found here - but this is nonetheless an enjoyable and versatile offering from the British Columbia-based singer.
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