Martin Smith, Nathan Fellingham and others guest on Matt Redman's latest

A DUET between Matt Redman and Martin Smith of Delirious? is just one of the tracks on the new Matt Redman album "Intimacy". The album reflects Matt's long-term passion for intimacy with God. He told Cross Rhythms, "I think it is important that we had "The Friendship And The Fear" before 'Intimacy' as people might think we're going a bit over the top in mushy sort of worship, but it's just a passion to come close to God."

As well as the Redman/Smith duet, the album, produced by Andy Piercy, includes contributions from Terl Bryant and Psalm Drummers, the World Wide Message Tribe's producer Zarc Porter, Nathan Fellingham of Phatfish as well as Matt experimenting with some new sounds. "We've got a bit of Melotron, a few little Beatles influences and we've got some ethnic sounds happening. I met a Zulu choir so we've got them singing on the album and Dave Clifton hired an electric sitar for one of the sessions."

Towards the end of recording, the sessions were hampered by Matt's ill health. He has been suffering from tendonitis, which has hampered his guitar playing. Matt is currently under treatment and is slowly on the mend. Worship leader 17-year-old Tim Hughes has been playing at many events in Matt's place.

Star Song have released an American debut album which features five songs from "Passion For Your Name' remixed by Andy Piercy and eight tracks from 'The Friendship And The Fear", taking the latter as its title. Redman comments about his new American label. "I'm really impressed with them, because not only do they want to get the albums out, they also want to resource the Church with worship songs."

1998 will be a busy year for Matt. He is marrying former World Wide Message Tribe member Beth Vickers on June 6th. After six weeks of quiet, he will be storming the summer festival circuit playing at Soul Survivor A and B, New Wine, Harvest and Cross Rhythms festival. In addition, he will be involved with producing the "Soul Survivor Live' album and then in September he travels to South Africa to play there.