Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Reyach Records founders Norman and Elaine Sealy are behind this seven-track mini album of studio recorded worship music. Radically different from the gospel garage project previously released on the label. The couple have a background in jazz and gospel and occasionally Elaine's vocals betray that history, however the songs also feature a number of different vocalists, some from the Reyach stable. There are several things that I love about this CD. Firstly there's a fresh feel to the worship expressed here, a passion that takes this beyond the territory of a lot of contemporary worship albums that just feature the same old songs. So here are seven new songs! Despite being a studio recording they've managed to capture a live feel and I can imagine that songs like the upbeat celebratory praise groove of "You Alone Are Worthy Lord" and the understated worship of "Have Thine Own Way" would both go down well in local church. "Power In the Word" is strong, encouraging gospel and "If It Had Not Been The Lord" features some intricate vocal arrangements. I particularly love "Question Is" (not the Winans song) and the new version of "The Lord's Prayer" soulfully sung (I'm guessing) by Paladino. There's even a rather wonderful hidden piano instrumental to close out the CD which features some gorgeous free worship. Like I said, there's something special about the vibe of the worship captured across the CD which makes it stand out but I also have small reservations that occasionally the vocals are on the weak side probably because of time constrictions and lack of budget. Generally though, this doesn't spoil the beautiful worship and Reyach are to be applauded for developing something rare, a British gospel worship CD. Oh that more British companies would support black majority church worship.

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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