Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

A '70s CCM star with his band Fireworks, plenty of hits as part of the First Call trio. Marty has been a little quiet over the last couple of years since First Call disintegrated. Now a solo project sees him taking the Matthew Ward route into inspirational/worship territory. But the top thing about this album is that it is a million miles away from everything we have ever heard from Marty. A combination of Celtic and Early Music sounds make this compelling and unusual listening and yet the beauty of the arrangements and instrumentation seem to match a spirit of meditation that accompanies these songs. These are worship songs to still the soul and quiet the spirit and focus attention on God not through rousing anthems but gentle reflection. Songs like "Caedmon's Hymn", "O Taste The Lord". "Icon" and "Enough" are examples of pieces that create tranquillity in the soul. The Celtic title tune has some stunning strings adding emotional intensity beneath the surface and a stirring pipe and drum coda while lyrically it gives snapshots of images that sum up the heart of Christian faith. "Angels" has an Early Music celebratory feel complete with some fine recorder playing. All in all. McCall has endeavoured to catch the genuine feel of this unusual music and it's credit to him that this is a worship album with a different fresh sound. Slightly left field, it's true, but there's something special going on!

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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