Over 50 performances, seminars and events at the Greenbelt Tree Of Life festival on 26th-29th August are put under the critical microscope by the Cross Rhythms reviews team.

GARETH DAVIES-JONES - Christian Aid Tent - 3.30pm
Aid has never seemed more colourful. The tables have a montage of multi-coloured leaflets, the Surefish Bowl Café is doing a roaring trade, Christian Aid's Digging Deep: Getting To The Roots Of Poverty posters seem to adorn every surface and the tent is packed with chattering people. Possibly not the likeliest place to hear an acoustic singer/songwriter but Gareth Davies Jones is a fully fledged have-guitar-will-travel journeyman and with his involvement with Fair Trade causes has taken to the challenge like the proverbial water-approaching duck. Songs of faith ("The further I go the more I'm convinced/Someone stood in for me") and justice ("Pay off the debt that's around our necks") ring out. My attention wanders a bit due to a group at a table consisting of a Franciscan friar, a husband, wife and children who talk very loudly through Gareth's songs. But finally they leave and Gareth's "Reflections", as peaceful and tranquil as its title, draws me in even if the babble of noise around my table means I miss some of Gareth's poetic lyrics. Gareth tries a sing-along and soon James Taylor's "You've Got A Friend" has at least some of the chatterers singing. And so the tremendous set continues with the truly haunting melody "If I Was Jesus" with its cutting lyrics and "Streets" with its painful images of street children. The final song, a haunting "what's it all about," is a beautiful low key closer. Great set, shame about the audience.
Tony Cummings

ZEALOUS - Stage 2 - 3.40pm
You could call it ironic that Zealous kick off their set early with "Time" or like everyone else bar me find it completely irrelevant! These guys certainly are a tight outfit, whose tireless gigging across the country has helped hone each track played here today. They also have the novel idea of supplying us with party bags to keep us entertained once the music stops. It does, however, lead to a lot of whistle blowing which quickly gets on my nerves! However most people seem to like it. Their brand of art/Brit-rock is met with mixed reactions but nonetheless it cannot be denied that these fellas are a talented trio, capable of writing catchy memorable and well crafted tunes. Where they do fall short is with their lyrics; this is very much a horizontal band rather thanvertical - although their more recently written songs are from a more Christian stance. Their last song particularly has a much more spiritual element. The band will never be as overtly Christian as were Zedisforzebra (whom two of Zealous were members). However the guys play very well with a high level of professionalism that definitely leaves its mark on the audience.
Greg Sammons

STEVE STOCKMAN - Cabaret: Gold Cup - 4pm
Steve Stockman's talk covers U2's recent Vertigo tour, the Ubuntu theology of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the prophetic impact they could have on our western culture. He is a chaplain at Queens University and author of Walk On - The Spiritual Journey of U2 (Relevant Books). Steve Stockman begins his talk by commenting that U2's songs were increasingly being used in worship, so with this in mind we all sing "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", accompanied by Michael McDermot on guitar, as an opening prayer. Steve comments that both South Africa and Northern Ireland have had a ceasefire for 10 years now and speaks of the Ubuntu theology encouraged by Desmond Tutu and the connection between Ubuntu and the songs and philosophy of U2. He explains that Ubuntu means "I can only be me through you," that we are all interdependent on each other and there should be quality for everyone. When we start to see God in one another we become dependent on one another. To achieve peace in this world we must not break the circle of our dependency on each other. Steve reflects on Bono's lyric "all because of you, I am" which illustrates the Ubuntu theology, although this particular lyric could be interpreted to mean many things. We are treated to accounts of U2's recent tour. He sums up the meaning of the whole tour with one word - "Everyone", again reflecting the philosophy of Ubuntu. The talk ends with an "any questions" session.
Ruth Saint

PAUL CUDBY, NcHANT - Sovereign Lounge - 11.15 pm
Under the title Faith And Doubt After Disaster, this quiet and intimate service is held in the peaceful Sovereign Lounge at the end of the day on Saturday. It is led by Paul Cudby of Divine Space with singing provided by nChant, the group fronted by Paul's wife Alison (older readers will remember the couple in Eve And The Garden). The service is well attended and Paul is very welcoming; explaining that this service is for anyone struggling with faith issues in the wake of recent natural and human-made disasters such as the tsunami and the London bombings, but also for anyone who for whatever reason feels at odds with God. He encourages us to be honest with God in the way we feel, and that this is okay, and to bring our doubts to God in prayer during the course of the service. Part of the opening prayer includes these poignant words: "Do not snuff out our light/Kindle what spark we have left/Hear our complaint, for we do not understand why you have permitted tragedy/Hear our complaint, for we thought you were a loving God/Hear our complaint and do not judge us, as we do not judge each other."

This prayer is followed by a series of short stories reflecting faith and doubt after disaster, interspersed with singing by nChant. Between readings and prayers we are invited to participate in the pouring of water and to leave personal prayers at a display of the empty tomb. An adaptation of the Creed from "Alternative Worship " (Johny Baker et al) is spoken by all and the service is concluded by nChant, with a blessing by Paul Cudby. A very moving service, tenderly led.
Ruth Saint

BLACKTOP - Stage 2 - 4.20pm
From the first strum of the guitars it is clear that these guys are emo through and through (it's just a weird knack I have!), although perhaps their hair and clothes are the best clue! This six-piece include three guitarists, which create a wonderfully layered sound and still leave space for keyboards and duel-vocals too. A well-polished sound that fits every emo stereotype but with one crucial difference - it's positive. Whilst most emo is deeply introspective and negative, most of my friends pass it off as whinging, this band has something worth singing about and how they sing! The duel-vocals skirt between the almost-talking style ala Mewithoutyou and the shrieking style more akin with their contemporaries. Sadly after a while the songs start to blur into one another as they remain close to their well-trodden structure. Some more original moments try to hide their lack of diversity but sadly fail, leaving a narrow but healthy audience enjoying the set. By the time the emo craze has died down in a couple of years I hope these guys have reinvented themselves somewhat.
Greg Sammons

ONEHUNDREDHOURS - North Stage - 4.30pm
Having warmed up last night in the YMCA big tent, Onehundredhours now play their second ever gig at Greenbelt. Fresh from their tour with Daniel Bedingfield, the band are well received. Today the crowd has thinned: After The Fire have finished and the oldies have left. What's amazing about this band is that they achieve such a big sound from what is effectively a threesome. (Tori, the fourth member, provides backing vocals). They play straight-forward North American rock 'n' roll, and I like it. Opening with the well known "Taste And See", the set is easy listening without being boring. Every once in a while Tre Sheppard, lead vocalist and guitarist, does something tasty with feedback or scrunches a chord somehow. "River Wide" gives opportunity for Mrs Tori Sheppard to offer countrified vocals, complete with Stetson. Bassist Mark Sampson's "I Believe In Love" hooks us all - we are told it is his last gig but the tour will continue. "We're a rock 'n' roll band and we're a worship band," says Tre. No harm in that, nor in "Light It Up" which is dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. "King Of Every Heart" is a barnstorming finish to an eclectic afternoon in this field known as North Stage.
Stuart Blackburn

CALLING ALL CARS - Stage 2 - 5pm
The emo on Stage 2 carries on with Calling All Cars picking up where Blacktop left off; that being a blend of emo, screamo and post-hardcore. Fewer guitars gave a much rawer (but in places harder) sound. The vocals are typical of the genre whilst the lyrics seem to deal with staple Christian themes (although I'm not 100% sure every member is a Christian, only half of Blacktop are); the originality needed to impress fans beyond its usual demographic really is not there alas. Judging by the size and the reaction of the audience, this band do seem to go down better than Blacktop. In the fickle world of the music industry, Calling All Cars have less than 12 months to impress before their sound starts to come across as dated. Aside from this rather exaggerated negativity however, this is a quality band with a few great tunes that shine out from the remainder of their rather formulaic set.
Greg Sammons

Superhero

SUPERHERO - Stage 1 - 5.15pm
I really raved over Superhero's self-titled 2003 album and at their recent superb gig in Bolton. I am impressed with their musicianship and the rock textures they create. This was one gig that I was looking forward to. I don't recognise the first few songs and these are not enhanced by the sound quality at the venue. Pete Morrison's guitar and the keyboard are almost completely lost in the mix. The net effect is a wall of sound, the components of which are hard to distinguish. Thankfully Superhero play the magnificent "Blame". This is a stunner of a track but in my head I am filling in what can't be heard. The best of the new material is "Goodbye". Its strong melody is just right for Tim's voice. "Stars", another from the 2003 album, serves as a driving finale. A troupe of demented teenagers form a conga. I don't join in. Superhero have not had a fair hearing. However, this gig will not prevent me from checking out their new album in October.
Stuart Blackburn

Kendall Payne

KENDALL PAYNE - Stage 1 - 6.15pm
I've been fond of Kendall's music for some years. She is usually accompanied by a full rock band. Today she stands simply with an acoustic guitar, an experience she describes as "more fun." Her voice is astonishing. It sounds like falling in love. I'm sure it could guarantee her country music accolades but instead she does what she does. Never have so many spines tingled together. Whether she is whispering or at full pelt, her voice is divine. No post-production, no re-takes. Most of her songs are from her most recent 'Grown' album and how strong they are. "I want to be free to be happy again," she sings. At least we are happy. On "Aslan" she slides up to a note and arrives bang on, even her "yeahs" leave you breathless. The voice could mesmerise you away from the crafted songs which encompass a range of style and tempo. On "Rollercoaster" she strums like a rock star; the beauty of "Pray" slides into your heart to wound like a friend. After she leaves we all stand for a while.
Stuart Blackburn

Secret Archives Of The Vatican

SECRET ARCHIVES OF THE VATICAN - Propagate Inns Lounge - 6.30pm
SAOTV offer a rhythmic celebration which you could call transglobal drum 'n' bass with ethnic trip hop overtones if you were being smart but I'll just say their banging beats incorporate music - played live and sampled - from around the world - notably Africa, India and the middle-east. Playing to an audience of around 50 fans, SAOTV line-up with five musicians on congas/flute, djembes/tamborine, hand drums/melodica horn, lead guitar and bass guitar/rap vocals. The session starts with a slow rhythmic intro and rap vocals to set the mood, picking up pace with African drum beats and an oriental theme on electric guitar leading to a solo on the flute. The audience are then treated to a selection of songs, some using backing tracks and news commentary style "voice-overs" with funk/reggae bass lines and oriental themes on keyboard/synth before moving onto their recent live tune "Fear Of A Black Jesus" - a commentary on the injustices in the world at the hands of western political powers.
Paul Saint

Tree63

TREE63 - Stage 1 - 8.45pm
Taking us from the late dusk to the pitch black of night, Tree63 bring rock worship to a packed and excited crowd. Kicking off with their strongest track from their last album, "King", the band quickly make their mark. However this is apparently their third visit to Greenbelt and most of the crowd are already Tree63 fans of some sort - and so they should be. Aside from the fact that Tree63 sound far too much like Delirious?, and they in turn sound far too much like U2; the band still manage to carve memorable and worshipful tracks that are very much theirs. Despite playing a set that seems far too short (a sign of the crowd enjoying it so much no doubt) they still manage two covers. The first, "Blessed Be Your Name" by Matt Redman, is not wholly unexpected as it appeared on their last album but is lapped up by this British audience who proceed to sing along. The second cover is intended as a tribute to the highlight of Greenbelt 1982, U2. Somehow though, the tribute comes in the form of "Roxanne" by The Police. Still we don't seem to mind, some people probably don't even realise the bizarreness of the situation! Finishing off a little earlier than some would like with "Amazing Grace", some of the crowd grow a little despondent - at the end showing their frustration by booing as the band leave the stage. Sad really but I can almost understand, like the silent majority of the crowd this vocal minority are hungry for more - a good sign for any band!
Greg Sammons

Estelle

ESTELLE - Stage 1 - 10pm
The big act I saw on Saturday was MOBO Award winner Estelle - whom I start off not really caring about, but grow to like as her set progresses. Estelle's funky hip-hop soul owes a lot to the '80s, and listening to her reminds me, in some ways, of tuning in to some of the old soul pirate stations that brightened up London's airwaves back in the day. Estelle herself is all charm - and she is polite enough to alter the chorus lyric of one of her hits from "dance, bitch" to the more Christian audience-friendly (but only just) "dance, chick."
George Luke

SUNDAY

COMMUNION SERVICE - 10.30am
I join the 12,000-ish crowd with a certain unease, not helped by the fact that the combination of searing sunshine and being follicly challenged necessitate me improvising a sun hat, a pillow case tied pirate fashion! The service though quickly grips me. Singer Andy Flannagan and poet Stewart Henderson centre me down while a rendition of "Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven" has most of us praising God. Next up, an imaginative reading of Matthew 13:31-32 complete with congregation participation (would you believe men shouting "Does size matter?" and women responding "No!"?). Then after "Be Thou My Vision" and concise plugs for Christian Aid (Daleep Mukarji) and Trust Greenbelt (Karen Napier) things unexpectedly deflate with the prayer led by Esther Richards. With black irony, an event which so vigourously expounds the theology of bringing the whole Church together in a Spirit of unity, Greenbelt stupidly allow a prayer to be offered in words they must know the majority of evangelicals and charismatics would be alienated by ("Mother God," it begins). Such mistakes show that despite their talk of "a unified Church" and "inclusive language" Greenbelt still has much work to do to win back large swathes of believers from the evangelical and charismatic communities to the event. Things thankfully return to a more sensitive theological keel with a powerful song from Andy Flannagan ("You've bound our wounds with love/You give more than enough") and then a colourful recasting of the crucifixion story is told where the motif of this year's fest, The Tree Of Live, is vividly brought into its centre. Communion starts and I find myself drawn into a circle of strangers-becoming-friends. The bread and wine are served. While the music group play "Oh Happy Day" picnics spontaneously break out all over the site and soon, despite no preparation and no food, I am enjoying sandwiches and crisps with three young families, two of the three couples having become Greenbelters after their parents took them each year to the event. As the children play amongst the crisp packets I wonder whether these will take THEIR kids on this unique annual pilgrimage.
Tony Cummings

Johnny Parks

JOHNNY PARKS, TIM HUGHES, MATT REDMAN - Centaur - 12:45pm
Not surprisingly the Centaur is jam packed with people of all ages for this worship event focusing on the Make Poverty History Campaign. Johnny Parks commences the worship with songs including "Heart Of Worship", "Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble", "Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace" and a song from his album 'Almighty Sound' called "The Lord Is Close". After Johnny, a pastor from Peurto Rico speaks of the work a fellowship of 166 churches across America and the Caribbean are doing. This fellowship is partnered with Christian Aid. He speaks of the sadness of seeing people shot by soldiers just for digging for water because they cannot afford to buy it. He said that after the anger of seeing such injustice you start to develop another type of ministry. Jesus transforms you when you see life through his eyes. The call for solidarity wakens in your heart and soul. These people know they may not live to the end of the day but inspite of their misery they have joy. When asked how people could help to make poverty history he replied to try and be the best at all you do and to build up solidarity. Engage your churches in mission work and do whatever you can in your own community, family and country. He finishes by saying if we all sowed this seed then together we would have the tree of life. Next up is Tim Hughes, leading the worship with songs including "How Great Thou Art", "Shackles" and "The Whole World In His Hands". As we all jump and dance in praise I am struck by the lyrics of Tim's song, which are very relevant to the make poverty history campaign: "We must go, live to feed the hungry/Stand beside the broken, we must go!/Fill us up and send us out Lord!/Keep us from just singing!" Tom Hewitt speaks of his work with the Amos Trust. He is currently working with the 6000 street children in Durban and equipping rescued street children with strategies for working with other street children. He also says that the HIV/AIDS effect is huge in this area and that he is very concerned for the safety of the street children with the run up to the World Cup in 2010 to be held in South Africa as they will be cleared off the streets by the authorities in time for the matches. He encourages everyone to support the Amos Trust in this work. The worship is brought to a close by Matt Redman with songs such as "Everything That Has Breath", "Blessed Be The Name", "Undignified" and "Dancing Generation". Two hours of pure worship - awesome!
Ruth Saint