Reviewed by Simon Eden

The remarkable Jane Tomlinson inspired many with her incredible athletic feats during her battle with cancer; Karen, who will be known to UK festival goers for her appearances with Tony Loeffler And The Blue Angels, has used her music in a similar way. As a posthumous debut solo album, the context in which this album was written and recorded is startling. Karen's struggle with two cancers has strongly influenced the lyrical content of this album in a very positive way, with songs of hope and encouragement, reassurance that God is our Healer and a refuge in the battle. One of the few tracks not written by Karen is the Kari Jobe track "I believe you're my healer, I believe you are all I need". Easy to sing maybe when you are young and healthy, but far harder to sing in the midst of a terminal battle. Kind words are the norm at funerals, but the outstanding line in her biographical information is that "she taught us how to die with dignity". Musically, this has a traditional style of acoustic guitar with piano/organ backing and bluesy lead guitar. Sax solos bring a contemporary jazzy feel to "I Have To Believe" or "When Heaven Sings" in which her old friend from 35 years of prison ministry Tony Loeffler joins in duet. This album contains one classic track, the opening title song. It is a beautiful acoustic ballad of profound spiritual depth and it alone makes 'Deeper Still' an album to search out.

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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