Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Scottish singer/songwriter Yvonne is well known on the UK folk circuit, often performing alongside husband David, a worship songwriter in his own right (who also contributes to this set) and colleague, Gareth Davies-Jones, who also appears on the credits. Yvonne's previous solo discs (including a couple under her maiden name of Whitty) have been most warmly received, with high praise from the likes of Bob Harris and Radio Scotland's Iain Anderson. 'Ashes & Gold' sees Yvonne take on several upbeat folk pop songs, such as "Feel The Light", which searches for hope in the midst of pain and sorrow. "Lonely Road", on the other hand, has a Celtic/country jig-like feel. Several other tracks are totally stripped-down affairs - simple, pensive, poetic. "Someday" and "All Is Not Lost" are fine instances of Ms Lyon's image-provoking aptitude. "Hollow Sound" has nothing more than gentle piano to guide as it contemplates some paradoxes of the spiritual life. Such spiritual references are always subtle, becoming clearer on the closing tracks, "Undone" and "I Am Loved" ("When it all falls apart/Like it tends to do sometimes/I am loved"). Throughout, Yvonne's clear, delicate vocals are ever to the fore, and it all makes for a deeply involving listen.

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