Grapevine - Grapevine 2007: Momentum

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Grapevine held at Lincolnshire Showground on August Bank Holiday weekend has become one of the most exciting events on the calendar with its mix of radical teaching and strong worship. Over recent years, the worship has taken on a whole new shape as the event has invited in guest worship leaders. This year's was no exception so this live recording features songs from Mark Beswick and Geraldine Latty. But it's also a place to showcase some home grown talent and Howard Williams and Chris Bowater are doing a great job pulling together a huge worship band and encouraging emerging worship leaders and musicians. That means you get to hear material from Graeme Clark whose song "Awesome God" stands out for me as being just as good as anything coming out on the Survivor Emerge imprint. Godfrey Birtill is always a treat and this year he delivers up a complete gem "R U Ready" which was the song of the weekend. Inspiring us to experience the glory of God in every corner of our lives the song is set in a '50s rock'n'roll style with a fab trumpet solo from Raul D'olivera. Only one quibble, what's the point including live versions of Tim Hughes' "Happy Day" and Hillsong's "Mighty To Save" on here? Aren't there enough versions of those songs already? Why not make the space to feature more talent from the Ground Level Network who put on the event?