Geraldine Latty - Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace/Devoted

Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

This repackage from the Bristol-based worship leader sees 'Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace' from 2000 and 2003's 'Devoted' put together as a double CD. Since these albums were originally released and, mainly down to her involvement with Spring Harvest and FocusFest, Latty has become a familiar name in the field of worship and her songs feature on countless worship releases today. Her debut album 'Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace' sees Latty finding her feet as an artist and is heavily reliant on other people's songs - Robin Mark's "Take Us To The River" and Dave Bilborough's "Come To The Table" to name but a few. Of her own songs, "Lord I Come" has certainly stood the test of time as one of the great worship songs of this generation and her rendition of the title track to the setting of the Prayer of St Francis shows Latty's gentle but soulful voice in top form. The second part of this package sees Latty step up a gear, largely thanks to Nashville producer John Hartley's helmsmanship and almost all of the songs being self-penned. It is a much more varied and enjoyable listen compared to the somewhat pedestrian nature of its predecessor and highlights include an atmospheric reworking of "Lord I Come" as well as a fantastic R&B take on Frances R Havergal's classic hymn "Take My Life" - complete with new chorus and a cameo from the London Community Gospel Choir. Although this is no substitute for a new album, this release keeps things ticking over for the sister.