Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Whilst Rochester, NY-based singer/songwriter Jim Drew was the worship pastor at his local Crossbridge Community Church, he became part of an established Christian rock group called GForce and this live recording from 2004 is testimony to the band's energy, passion and skill. Recorded in front of an enthusiastic crowd, this rocked-up time of worship is a breath of fresh air that still sounds great today. There is an overriding '70s blues rock feel to proceedings with the explosive riff-laden opener "Everybody Praise The Lord" - complete with a great vocal from Drew as well as some fantastic interplay between lead guitarist Chuck Hebing and Dave Costello on Moog - setting the tone and aim of the album in rollicking fashion. Carrying on in the same vein, the punchy "Put My Trust In You" sees drummer Jimmy Fox take on vocal duties whilst the late Hebing lends his voice to self-penned numbers like "Sweet Lovin' Jesus" and "Touch Me". Alternating vocalists obviously helps shake things up and more considered numbers like Drew's "Prayer" add further light and shade to an already diverse piece. Delightfully, the band are keen to use everything at their disposal to praise King Jesus whether it be a drum solo, prog rock keyboard intro or even a snatch of "Jesus Christ Superstar" and the in-between chat highlights the fact that the band are both genuine in their faith and out to have a great time in the name of the Lord. A storming sanctified version of the old Grand Funk hit "Some Kind-A Wonderful" followed by a rendition of Matt Redman's "Better Is One Day" closes this endearingly unique live worship release in style.

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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