Reviewed by Alan Smith

I reckon Tom Brooks is the guy that makes this latest Deep South, US of A praise and worship bash work. He is the linkman that is making the 'old school' team work under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. This is a Godly way of working; Randy Rothwell fronts, the excellence of masters Abraham Laboriel, Danny Bridgens and Bill Maxwell bring up the rear with skill and taste coming in from the sides. But Tom is credited with arrangements, production and keyboards. All three functions are of the highest order and he must get maximum marks in every area of these, often unrecognised, talents. Long, loping tone wheel Hammond, Tarnyesque synth, including Laboriel's bass lines sometimes a 4th up - and exciting and perfectly executed arrangements. There is an uncanny balance between white rock, black gospel, Nashville simplicity, jazz/blues scat vocals and live event. It works. There is a broad, powerful choir throughout under the baton of Steve Bowersox and some tasty dulcimer and mandolin playing. Some of the 14 songs are played segue, like the Don Harris/Martin J Nystrom "Let The Heavens Rejoice" into "We Praise You, Jesus" by Kenny and Lindsey Drain. There is the odd fade out from clapping audience and back in again, which does tend to break continuity and a dull patch in Gerrit Gustafson's "Lord's Prayer", which is somewhat directionless and monotonous. But the overall effort is great to worship God to, the eclectic styles smacking of EDP, Rossini and the Berlin Phil. A penultimate "Be Magnified" injects a kind of Stevie Nicks passion and warmth from Kelly Willard which puts Randy in the shade with this beautiful song. An interesting study in synergy, this. Mr Rothwell will be well pleased.

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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