February 2010                    Vol. 19.4

Table of contents

Editorial

Focus on.....THE PAUL POULTON PROJECT

The Paul Poulton Project tour the UK and the US with their own brand of rock, funk and blues. Most of the songs are original and there is always a neat groove for the lyrics to rest on; the band is known for its high quality of musicianship, and incisive lyrics which challenge and encourage. Paul Poulton writes the songs, some of which have received TV and radio success across the world. "Flaky People" reached number two in the WQPR chart and stayed in the chart for three months. Someone said of his guitar playing, "He makes the thing talk". Bass player, Ross Lander's playing is so hot the band use it to make toast in rehearsals. A recent gig review wrote "Paul plays a mix of rock, funk and blues which has become his trade mark. Fabulously lyrical this soulful touch is cemented with quality musicianship by Paul (guitar and vox) Ross (bass and b/vox) and Aron on drums. Paul who plays on both sides of the Atlantic draws the punters into his world not only with his music but also as a raconteur. His self penned 'Everything Is Falling To Bits' and 'The English Way' show his quality while his rendition of classics like 'Waterloo Sunset' and 'Sunny Afternoon' express his ability to redefine works of art and present them in his own form.

www.paulpoulton.com

APPLETREE STUDIOS

24 Track Digital/ 16 track Analogue. Digital editing, mastering and duplication facilities. Tel: 01844 237916. www.appletreestudios.com

CROSS RHYTHMS

Radio, Festival, and more! Probably the UK's biggest CCM Resource & Information Centre www.crossrhythms.co.uk

DIVERSITY MUSIC - Manchester

Independent Christian recording & music publishing. Tel:01254 777380 bt@hismusic.co.uk www.hismusic.co.uk

ESSENTIAL CHRISTIAN.COM

Great value Christian music, teaching and AV Resources. Subscribe now and get 10% off your first order. www.essentialchristian.com

ETERNAL SOUND &LIGHT, HULL.

Available for your event PA (upto 2k), Lights & FX. Church Services, concerts, theatre, disco. Contact: Paul Ganney Tel:01482 212216 www.ganney.net/esl.htm

FIERCE!

Buy Christian music & exclusive clothing online. Great prices and free UK delivery. www.fierceshop.com

ICC STUDIOS

Two high quality recording facility in a peaceful setting just off Eastbourne's seafront. SSL AW900 desk, Protools Accell, Otan Radar II, 2" analogue with Dolby SR, Vintage mics & outboard gear, self-catering apartment. Bookings Manager: Neil Costello. info@iccstudios.co.uk www.iccstudios.co.uk

INTEGRITY MUSIC

For the latest in worship, contemporary and gospel music from Integrity, Provident, Essential, Gospo Centric, Verity and much more visit www.integrityeurope.com

MUSICWIRE

All the best in Contemporary Christian Music - up to 35% discount off the rrp - FREE UK delivery - Digital Download Store coming soon! www.musicwire.co.uk

NEW CHRISTIAN MUSIC

NCM PROMO-DISC is Christian music performers' own platform to get their music out to 500 radio stations and key media people (in the UK, Europe and beyond) on a monthly basis. www.newchristianmusic.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY

www.markpierce-photography.co.uk Yorkshire based freelance photographer with a contemporary style.

REVELATOR

Invest in good Design - web; print; photography www.revelator.co.uk

STOMPBOX STUDIOS - YORK

www.stompboxstudios.co.uk

TOLLBOOTH MUSIC - DONCASTER

Digital multi-track recording & production studio. www.tollboothmusic.com

NEVER FOR NOTHING is published by GEOFF HOWLETT
E-Mail the Editor

NEVER FOR NOTHING is a faith ministry and gratefully acknowledges gifts of support.



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The Happening

THEBIGCHURCHDAYOUT PRESS RELEASE-JAN 2010
MAY 29th 2010, Stanford Hall, Leicestershire
MAY 30th & 31st, Wiston House, West Sussex

What a day it was: on a beautiful sun-soaked Sunday in May 2009 there were 15,000 people drawn together in the most amazing celebration of all that is good. We were all together as one huge family - this was our BigChurchDayOut. And in 2010 we'll do it again. But it'll be bigger, wider, bolder and even better. Also, new for 2010 is an extra day in Sussex and a brand new venue at Stanford Hall (nr. Loughborough) in the Midlands. Each day the lineup includes HILLSONG UNITED, SWITCHFOOT, TOBY MAC (DC Talk), ISRAEL HOUGHTON, TIM HUGHES (Worship Central), BRENTON BROWN, GRAHAM KENDRICK, LOU FELLINGHAM, TOM & OLLY, LZ7, THE KINGS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, STUART PENDRED and TRENT. It promises to be an incredible event as people of all ages and church backgrounds gather together again to celebrate the faith that's bigger than all of us. The event is aimed at all ages, and has a programme from contemporary artists through to classical.
For all event info please go to www.bigchurchdayout.com

STUART PENDRED contacted me to say that his second album is well underway with a three track promo currently being recorded in London with his co-writer Oliver Davis. Now with Kingsway, Ollie and Stuart are really excited about the follow-up album to 'Benedizioni' and it will have the same 'feel' to the album, including their classical take/arrangement on some of the churches most popular hymns and worship songs along with five new original tracks all of which they are incredibly excited about sharing with people. Check out this month's Gig guide to catch up with some live concerts.

After a well-deserved break over Christmas and the New Year, Martyn Joseph returned to the studio in January to work on new material, along with preparing for his annual Winter Tour of North America. He flew over to beautiful British Columbia towards the end of January, for some shows around the province, and then heads over to Nova Scotia and Ontario on the other side of the country. He'll also be playing around the Eastern USA, including a return to New York, and then will finish the tour at the Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis, so it promises to be quite a tour!

With a memorable name (pronounced why Friday?), and an even more memorable ministry, Yfriday never fail to make a long lasting impression. Based in Newcastle - England, the band have always been heavily involved in working towards revival amongst young people, and have been instrumental in many turning to Jesus, many being healed, and many more meeting and falling deeper in love with God. Now after 17 years and 6 albums, Yfriday have announced that 2010 will be their final year.
"It has been my pleasure to see these 4 earnest young men impact the UK with their unique combination of Godly fire and fun. They have always been full on, 6 albums and one DVD later, they have led and been an inspiration to a generation, to go for it In God. It has been Survivor Records privilege to be part of this Yfriday adventure." - Les Moir, Head of A&R, Kingsway.

People in the York area may be interested in "Make Way For The King", a worship night being held at the New Earswick Bowling Club on Friday 19th February. Doors open 7. 30pm. There is a bar open all night, and everyone is welcome. andy@sayners.freeserve.co.uk for more details.

Hull's P&W band, THE REIGN, have a new drummer, in the shape of Kev Sargeson. Kev has previously been a member of local bands such as Destiny Calling and 95 Foot Wave.

NATURALLY SUPERNATURAL will be an inspiring day of prophecy, worship and teaching, refreshing your life and call in God. Led by Gerald Coates - his ministry and commitments are broad and include Insight, a school of prophecy, and the charismatic evangelical Round Table. To be held on Saturday 20th February from 10am - 5pm at the New Life Christian Centre, Bridlington avenue, Hull. Entrance is free, but booking is essential. More details at www.newlifehull.org Tel: 01482 610705

The future musical plans for the three musicians in thebandwithnoname are beginning to emerge. At the band's farewell concert, provisionally set to take place at the Manchester Apollo on 25th September, lead singer Chip K will be launching his debut solo album. He told Cross Rhythms, "Five songs have already been completed and I am currently writing material with Phil Barlow, Matt Hill, Joel Atkins and Neil Wilson. The music on the album will be a departure from thebandwithnoname but fans will still recognise its heart." Thebandwithnoname's other members, David Strafford and Leon Henderson, are forming a new project, Sinister Bleak.

BEVERLY TROTMAN will be making her Prom Praise debut at the Royal Albert Hall on 8th May. She will join classical soloist Joanne Lunn, South Korean pianist Grace Yeo and the All Souls Orchestra conducted by Neil Tredinnick at the Alight For Pentecost event. For booking information visit www.royalalberthall.com.

STOMPBOX STUDIOS was established in York in the summer of last year by Mark Pierce. He's currently offering a 25% discount for churches until 31st March 2010, with the usual day rate of £250 being slashed to £187.50 when quoting "SPRING SALE". This is great news if you've been considering doing a CD of the worship band (a great fund raiser) or have talented individuals in the church who are looking to turn song ideas into completed works. If any of this is of interest to you, or if you know of others who could benefit, then please do get in touch. You can listen to some recent work on the studio website:www.stompboxstudios.co.uk

FUSE is a chilled out evening for young people aged 14-18 at Costa Coffee in Beverley on the 1at and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 7-8:30pm. Event organiser Ali Crompton is looking for acoustic acts to play at the evenings. If you're a young musician/group and fancy a set then contact Ali via e-mail: info@makeanimpact.info

'Galactic Tourists' is the brand new album from Christian punk outfit [CARELESS]. Lead by the ever-so-slightly maniacal leftfield punk Jamie Careless dubbed "The Christian equivalent of Johnny Rotten" by former Stranglers manager Mark Richards. [Careless] have burnt a blazing road for themselves on the live circuit over the past few years. Having toured with the Prodigy's axeman Gizz Butt (English Dogs) as well as numerous supports for his Allternative Metal scene band Janus Stark. The band have extensive appearances across Europe, from venues as wide and varied as Liverpool's famous Cavern Club to the mainstage at the prestigious UK Greenbelt Festival. The album is available from the usual download stores, or you can get more information from www.careless.me.uk

IGNITE is a monthly alternative worship meeting aimed at young people but open to all. The event is being speared headed by Ali Crompton and Pete Barley who are youth workers in the town of Beverley, East Yorkshire. Each evening features worship, chat, discussion and time to respond. Ignite runs from 8-9:30pm at Toll Gavel United Centre, Beverley and is open to everyone who fancies a visit. DATES AND THEMES FOR 2010:

For more information contact alicrompton@hotmail.com

KINGSWAY is proud to announce the release of 'All Heaven Declares: The Very Best of Noel Richards'. One of the church's leading songwriters - and a true champion of supersized worship - Noel has added colour, energy and passion to the church over many decades.

The six-time Grammy Award winning BROOKLYN TABERNACLE CHOIR had a busy weekend at the end of January. The ensemble that recently performed music from their new CD Declare Your Name (Integrity Music) on ABC TV's "Good Morning America" marched across the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan in support of Haitian relief efforts. Aside from the 300 member choir, over 1,200 other people walked with them as they waved purple flags (signifying royalty in the Bible), shared the Gospel, sang songs and distributed tickets for a benefit concert on Sunday, January 24 to raise money for Haitian relief efforts. The following day, the choir held a 3 p.m. concert at Brooklyn Tabernacle's Smith Street headquarters that drew over 1,000 people and raised $80,000 for two daily feeding programs that the church has supported in Port-au-Prince and Jacmel for several years.

Irish rock outfit [crave] will be recording their latest album with long-time producer Trevor Michael. Said frontman Scott McKeown, "No date for release is set in stone yet. Our guitarist Trev B is finishing off a home studio, so we will likely do some extra bits and pieces of recording after the major two week spree with Trev M. We are aiming for an autumn 2010 release."

From one of the world's most talented worship songwriters comes a live DVD and CD that perfectly illustrates why the artist is held in such high regard. 'There Is A Hope' not only displays the depth of skill that goes into Stuart Townend's song writing, but it also shows just what an engaging and perceptive a worship leader he is. March is a busy month for Stuart as he's releasing the There Is A Hope CD + DVD title, plus his digital songbook featuring 50 of his best loved songs, and he also heads out on the second part of his Creation Sings Tour.

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Gig Guide

The NFN Gig Guide is on a page of it's own.

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The Reviews Zone

With grateful acknowledgement to: AUTHENTIC, ELEVATION, EMICMG, FIERCE, INTEGRITY/PROVIDENT, KINGSWAY, McCAIN, ROSETTE, SURVIVOR & VERITY MEDIA ORGANISATIONS.

ALBUM OF THE MONTH

DELIRIOUS? : History Makers - Greatest Hits. (Survivor : SURCD5171)
So, we say goodbye, then, to the guys from Littlehampton, who have been rocking our world with God's music for, what seems like, forever. They've played their last concert together and left us with some fine memories and great songs. This collection of fourteen of their best is, really, just a glimpse of what Delirious? had to offer as musicians. 'History Maker' latterly became quite an anthem, while 'Deeper' sounds just as fresh as it did thirteen years earlier. For me, the boys were at their best with songs like 'I Could Sing of Your Love Forever' and 'Shout to the North'. The latter almost always brings a tear to my eye as I join in the declaration of a most wondrous God. 'Find Me in the River' is a rather touching song, and Martin Smith gently caresses each word. If it's thought provoking words you want, then look no further than 'Our God Reigns'. I certainly sat quietly after hearing this song again. On the downside, the dirge that is 'Obsession' didn't quite do anything for me. Likewise, I was sad that neither, 'Promise' or 'See the Star' made the album but, thanks for the memories guys. 9/10
GEOFF HOWLETT : Golden Days 2. (geoff@geoffhowlett.co.uk)
These days, plying his trade, predominantly, in the world of secular music, singer Geoff Howlett follows up his 2004 tribute album with well known hits of yesteryear. Kicking off with the Dusty Springfield classic, 'I Only Wanna Be With You', Geoff takes us on a journey of musical history, with songs that he covers in his live sets. One early piece of feedback stated that it was nice to hear Gene Pitney's '24 Hours From Tulsa' actually sung in tune, and this version certainly hits the right notes. There's 90 seconds of what became one of Adam Faith's biggest hits, 'What Do You Want?', while Geoff also offers a mini tribute to British singer Craig Douglas, with 'Pretty Blue Eyes' and 'When My Little Girl is Smiling'. One surprise inclusion is the 2007 hit by the Killers, 'Human' but, again, it works well. Geoff hasn't forgotten how to play instruments though, and his guitar playing is highlighted in a thoughtful solo on Robbie Williams' 'Angels'. No Geoff Howlett gig would be the same without a passing nod to Billy Fury, and he doesn't disappoint, singing versions of 'Halfway to Paradise' and the lesser known 'I'll Never Quite Get Over You'. It's an album that you'll enjoy if you're of a "certain age". It's never going to rock your socks off, but with covers of songs by Chris De Burgh, Ronan Keating, and Shakin' Stevens, it's sure to find you singing along. 7/10 Warren Harry.
AARON FERRIS : Solitary Realignment. (www,myspace.com/ferrisaaron)
Here's a new name to the Christian music scene. Winging it's way from County Antrim, comes the debut album from singer songwriter, Aaron Ferris. Now, unlike artists such as Martyn Joseph, and Gareth Davies-Jones, Aaron doesn't weave stories into songs. Instead, he proclaims Jesus as His Saviour, and writes songs that are all based on gospel truths. The first song, 'All I've Ever Wished For', unashamedly stands up for Jesus as savour and friend, while the short 'Heaven Awaits' thanks God for such a friend. It's a, mainly, acoustic sound that is used throughout, with guitar, piano and drums being the most used instruments. Aaron's voice measures favourably with his counterparts and I found the lyrics very easy on the ear, apart from 'Happily Ever After'. Have you ever thought that you don't deserve to be loved by God? Well, Aaron, puts his thoughts on this with a song called 'I Don't Deserve You'. My favourite track on this folk/pop album has to be 'Think on This'. If I've understood it right, Aaron asks the question about making ourselves ready, For the return of Jesus to this earth. It's a bit of alternative praise and worship, to my mind, and I think that Aaron tackles it well. Judging by his myspace page, his music certainly seems to be picking up plays, and that's always a good sign. 8/10
PHIL LEWIS : Movement in Space. (LPW Records : 010210)
This CD starts with a short 20 second track called "Intro" which is a synth track that Pink Floyd would be proud of, then we are into the album proper, which is made up of fairly straightforward pop songs, I say pop rather than rock, but it's not at all like the bland drivel served up on the radio by Cowell and his ilk. The songs on here all feature catchy guitar licks and nice keyboards. Phil's voice is quite an individual one, The only person I can think of to compare it to is Lloyd Cole. There's a certain amount of dry humour in the lyrics too, both the music and the lyrics reminded me of "James". There's not really a bad track on this album, and it will be available to download from Feb 1st from all the usual places. There's a list of these, plus some tracks from the CD that you can hear at www.phillewisuk.co.uk The only thing that lets this down, and I know it's only a minor point, but the track listing is in black lettering on a dark grey background, and it's just about impossible to read through a shiny CD jewel case. 9/10 Andy Sayner
DAVID CROWDER BAND : Church Music. (Survivor : SURCD5162)
GMA Dove winners and former MSN "Artist of the Year" David Crowder Band, release their fifth studio album. Aptly titled, the band hopes their self-produced recording will prompt listeners to recognise the continual development of music within the church. The CD is packed with 17 songs and I've got to say that some of the tracks remind me very much of The Newsboys. 'Alleluia Sing' is almost rock praise, while 'The Nearness' is more aggressive in style, as it tells of redemption. There's some great guitars playing on 'Eastern Hymn', and the song fair races along. I've not been the biggest David Crowder fan in the past, but by halfway, the tracks on this album were beginning to change my mind. 'We Are Loved' is one of those songs that you just don't want to end and, indeed, I immediately played it again when it did!' All Around Me' became rather melancholy, while the electro funk of the title track was annoying and repetitive. But, those were just minor moans, and instantly forgotten as 'Oh, Happiness' drifted from the speakers with it's pop, radio friendly sound. Certainly, this could be the band's best album so far. 9/10
VARIOUS : 'The best new praise and worship songs ... ever! (Kingsway : KMCD3063)
The latest in the Kingsway 'best ... ever' series, this is a 3CD set containing '50 of the most popular new worship songs', and features live and studio recordings of songs copyrighted from 2005 to 2009. Unlike many such compilations, it is nice to see both composers and performers credited against each song, and full lyrics printed. I found a number of tracks to be worth particular mention. It is my view that the Fellinghams (of Phatfish fame) have made some of the most moving and musically satisfying contributions to ccm in recent years (I have actually requested their 'There is a day' to be played at my funeral!), and Nathan's 'This is my worship' is the first strong song in the running order. Whilst featuring golden-voiced wife Lou however, it seems not to be a Phatfish performance as it lacks their usual arrangement inventiveness. Chris McLarney is a particularly able singer who can always be depended on for note-perfect delivery, and songs of his that stand out are the beautifully arranged 'Your love never fails', and 'God of yesterdays'. I find Cathy Burton to be a similarly good performer, and her self-penned 'Redeemer' is particularly strong. Casting Crowns' 'Praise you in the storm' may well be familiar - well written, well arranged, delivered with panache and high production quality. Aaron Keyes' own 'Not guilty anymore' is brilliantly written and well delivered, as is Ben Cantelon's prodigal story 'Coming back to you'. Hillsong's 'Lead me to the cross' features excellent lyrics and a strong arrangement, and Yfriday's 'Saviour and friend' builds nicely and ends CD3 effectively. Amongst the remainder however there are many forgettable tunes, and compression/distortion is much in evidence. Rather than buy this compilation then, I would recommend checking out the artists referred to above - who I would tend to score at 8-10/10. With their help, this compilation probably averages out at a more lowly 6/10. David Deeks
SWITCHFOOT : Hello Hurricane. (Credential : 509992145824)
Well, this album nearly slipped through my fingers. I'd got it out to send to one of my regular reviewer's, and then misplaced it. Luckily, I found it again, and I'm really pleased I did. This has got to be one of Switchfoot's finest releases, and there's been a few! The band have cultured a fine sound over the years, but there's a real, rocky edge to some of these numbers. Super sounding opening numbers like 'Needle and Haystack Life' and 'Mess of Me' fire off this album into high gears. The pounding drums and driving guitars are prominent on 'The Sound', and it's a good one to drive too. The lyrics are all profound, and I particularly liked 'Enough to Let Me Go', and the cry to be set free from a sinful life. If you've been longing for a good Christian rock album, then this one will suit you right down to the ground. 9/10
DOUG HORLEY : Duggie Dug Dug Goes Wild! (Kingsway : KMDVD022)
Ok, first things first, this is a DVD, not a cd and, surprisingly, actually contains very little of Doug's music. In one sense, this is a shame because I'm a big fan of Doug's exuberant, witty and lively songs but in another sense is positive as it paves the way for an informative and humorous TV show style programme. It's not quite as fast paced as more mainstream TV shows but there's plenty in it to keep a young (and old) mind occupied. Set in Noah's Ark Zoo Farm there are some fascinating factual interludes that provide an interesting insight into many of the animals that live there whilst Doug, his assistant Hayley and various other zany characters seek to find the hairiest animal in the wild. The answer? Well, I'm not going to tell you, but there are plenty of laughs along the way coupled with some serious messages to teach your children. It's not a perfect DVD by any stretch, but it is enjoyable and that is by far the most important attribute. 8/10 RobinThompson
SPRING HARVEST : Walking the Way of Christ. (Elevation : ICC1246D)
Here's some live worship for you to get your teeth into. 21 tracks on a double CD package from Spring Harvest 2009. Lots of well known worship leaders on display and it all starts with Ben Cantelon's 'One Way' - a high octane start. Vicky Beeching provides two of the highlights on the recording with her gentle worship on 'Breath of God', as well as the great song 'Jesus is My Best Friend'. I wasn't so keen on the gospel interpretation of 'Friend of God' but the first Cd certainly gains momentum with songs like 'Call the Seeker' (Graham Kendrick), 'Knowing you' (Mark Beswick), and 'Give Us Your Courage' (Tim Hughes). Cantelon's 'Dance, Dance' was rather irritating on first play - too much like a children's song. But, after a couple of plays, I became aware that, after all, we are all God's children, and I started to enjoy it's energetic style Towards the end, Kendrick returns with a lovely song called 'Love Each Other'. Even if you didn't attend Spring Harvest 2009, I still think that you will enjoy the worship. 8/10
Worship Central (various): Lifting High Survivor Records SURCD6161
I have to admit to being pretty chuffed when I received this months CD for review as I had been fortunate enough to attend one of the Worship Central events in the UK late last year & had a fantastic uplifting time of worship. As a bit of backgound, Worship Central is a worship training resource project which was born from Tim Hughes' arrival as Holy Trinity Brompton & his subsequent meeting with Al Gordon in 2006, since which they've been joined by Ben Cantelon & Nikki Fletcher. Their website www.worshipcentral.org is well worth checking out & is packed with resources, information & news about new songs coming out in churches all over the world as well as a stack of hints & tips for worship leaders. Lifting High is a collection of 14 tracks with a variety of tunes ranging from full-on anthemic praise to more intimate times of worship, the majority of which is written by the Worship Central team, with a welcome appearance from Brenton Brown on track 3 "Adoration". Some have already made it onto many a church's song list such as Tim Hughes' "Happy Day" whereas others are more suited to the full-on big festivals events like Soul Survivor. A classic example of this would be the opening track "Give us Your Courage" which I am sure I've had my arms in the air to before- and that's just in the car!! Unless you've been out buying up the solo releases of the artists, you're unlikely to have heard it all before which nowadays is quite a refreshing change. The music is all studio recorded which is as you would expect nicely polished & produced but I personally prefer some of the 'rawness' of live recordings. The only downside I could really find to this CD was the occurrence of a few too many 'stock worship phrases' in the lyrics, but don't let this put you off too much. This is one I'd be happy to listen to over & over again! 9/10 Simon Redfern
MATT REDMAN : We Shall Not Be Shaken. (Survivor : SURCD5136)
Matt Redman has always written from experience - whether the earliest reflections on a childhood where he "didn't have much luck with fathers' to the trials and troubles that often accompany the transition to adulthood - and parent-hood. This album sees Matt in a rockier mood than previous releases, and sees a theme of praising a loving father. The title track really does rock, and makes a declaration of a faithful God. 'You Alone Can Rescue' proclaims that He is an unfailing God and deserves the highest praise, and this is thae start of a real purple patch in the track listing. The uptempo rhythm of 'The Glory of Our King' is one song that I can see making it into worship gatherings all over the country, while 'How Great is Your Faithfulness' swings majestically along. It took a couple of plays to really appreciate the album but I grew to love tracks like the triumphant 'For Your Glory' and the terrific praise of 'Gloria'. Although collaborating with various people in the writing of this album, Matt doesn't disappoint. 9/10
CATHY BURTON : Source of Every Hour. (Survivor : KMCD2956)
This is Cathy's first studio album for 4 years, the pre-release blurb stating that over this time the album has been "incubating steadily" leading to a "fresh birth of new songs and revelation". I'm not so sure that it is quite the change those statements may suggest but it is a strong album nonetheless. I'm a particular fan of the heads-down rock'n'roll style "Saved" and the slightly slower but driving rhythm of "The Way" and these songs are punctuated with the more dreamy numbers such as "Cling to the Cross" and "Purify". There is a welcome variety but the album still has a cohesion that prevents it from sounding disjointed. As I said, I don't really detect any thing really new here in terms of concept or execution - it's less folky and more upbeat than "Silvertown" but still firmly in Cathy's style. Existing fans will be more than satisfied I feel. 7/10 Robin Thompson
ROY FIELDS : Rain Down. (Kingsway : KMCD3052)
Roy Fields may be a well known face to those of you who watch God TV and certain internet stations but, to me, he's a brand new name. His albums 'We Are the Generation' and 'Less of Me' have connected with tens of thousands of listeners, and he and his wife, Melanie, are already travelling the world as evangelists. Most of the tracks on this album have been recorded live but from different venues. Perhaps that's why, for me, the listing didn't really flow too well. The title track is energetic and obviously well received by those gathered. 'I Am Free' is more of the same, in a contemporary praise and worship sort of way, but I found the next few songs to be run of the mill fodder. Roy, sometimes, has a gravel tone to his voice, and it reminded me, in those instances, of a youthful Joe Cocker. 'Less of Me' is a prayer to God, with a thirst and hunger that is undeniable, but I found his version of 'Majesty' to be weak and watery. Some live recordings come over really well but, on this occasion, it feels a bit flat. 5/10

DISAGREE WITH THE REVIEWS?

Write & tell me!

e-mail geoff@geoffhowlett.co.uk

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Prayer Table

The ZEPHANIAH TRUST ask for prayers for sustainable funding - and God's people to work in all kinds of posts.

Please pray for the punk band [CARELESS] as they release their new album. Ask that doors in the media will open for them in all kinds of new and exciting ways.

THE DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES TO BE INCLUDED IN THE MARCH ISSUE OF NFN IS:

20TH FEBRUARY 2010



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