Reviewed by Dave Brassington

One of music's delights is to 'discover' an artist who was previously only another name amongst a welter of other new artists. Imagine my surprise to listen to this fine singer 'live' as the support act on the recent Crystal Gayle tour just accompanying himself on guitar, singing songs full of meaning, some of which he had written himself. I dashed out during the interval and had the pleasure of meeting this friendly man and bought a CD. I've hardly stopped playing it since! Not overtly a 'Christian' album, but there is definitely something very spiritual underlying the whole album which is perhaps what made me listen to him so attentively on stage in the first place and which also comes across in the liner notes to the CD. Eight of the 10 songs here were new to me, the exceptions being "Rockin' The Boat" (Ricky Skaggs) and "Evangelina" (Hoyt Axton). Such thoughtful tracks as the title song, "Fellow Travellers" and the Indian lament "Hoha Hey" are outstanding. Country music has always been at its best with songs of real life, and "Knowin' when to leave the past behind", about facing up to life after divorce, and having the courage to admit his own mistakes, is one of the most emotive pieces of writing I have heard in a long time. Whether Wayland 'makes it' in the rat race that is modern country music is open to question. What cannot be denied is that this is one fine album!

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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