Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Since the release of the dual artist project 'Reward' with Martyn Layzell in 1999, the rise in popularity of worship output by Tim Hughes has been nothing short of spectacular. The Holy Trinity, Brompton worship leader has had three solo worship recordings since that debut, but now, for the first time, we're presented with a full-length live recording from this amiable musician. And much is it welcomed - for though all of his studio releases have been highly acclaimed, it's only in a live format like the present disc, plus his many live moments captured on annual Soul Survivor outputs, that the full passion and energy of Tim and band can be experienced. This event in fact marked the first in Tim's Worship Central UK Tour in conjunction with fellow HTB musician Al Gordon. The tour was a great success, several dates being sell-outs, not least in Edinburgh where I was delighted to get to see them, and to quickly lose myself in worship, as the talented yet humble duo ably directed us into the presence of the King. That performance, like the Shepherd's Bush experience - the entire hour-long video of which is included on accompanying DVD - comprised a delightful blend of Tim's best known and eminently worshipful songs - "Here I Am To Worship" (co-rendered here, as on the original, with Martin Smith), "Consuming Fire", "Beautiful One", "Be My Everything" and of course, "Happy Day". Of the relatively new tracks, "When I Survey" is actually over 300 years old(!), but Tim's version does include an added, crescending structure and it's a moving performance. "Dance" first appeared on Soul Survivor Live 2007. Of the two newest songs, the opening "Jesus Saves" was co-written by Nick Herbert and is both vibrant and congregationally friendly; while the other newie, and one of Tim's own favourites, "Give Us Your Courage", is an emboldening song, but personally I find the "Whoa-oo, whoa-oo" chorus a bit corny. Wonderfully, as best suits live sets, Tim allows several anthems to build in intensity, and to transmute into compatible choruses, in what comes over a truly Spirit-led worship experience ("Here I Am", for example, flows for almost seven minutes). Hughes gives an informal talk about this type of "Song Flow" on one of four Worship Central Teaching video clips to be found on the DVD, where he also gives fine impromptu acoustic renditions of several tunes, and where, also, can be found creative "Worship Visuals" of five Hughes' songs. Musical ability, passion for Christ and real spiritual joy all ooze from this audio/visual offering - an excellent demonstration of Tim and co doing what they do best.

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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