Reviewed by Susan Lumsden

Andy Read makes no secret of the fact that he belongs to the Studio of the Front Room. On the inlay card he thanks his next-door neighbours for their tolerance. Yet 'Welcome To Truth' is entirely un-homespun. It is smoothly mixed and softly tuneful. Unassuming, it makes its mark. Read's mellow vocals tend naturally in a jazz direction, although his work recalls artists like Prefab Sprout and The Christians as well as Al Jarreau. Although he claims to have written half the songs one afternoon he was off sick from work, it is clear some considerable thought has gone into the arrangements. The melodies are catchy without being irritating. Lyrics can be simplistic in places, but striking lines show promise: "It feels so hard to open your eyes/And turn the pages of life." The title track is particularly creative, working with the deep concept of truth in the Christian life. The album is strongest when it experiments, lyrically and musically, and weaker towards the end where it becomes more devotional. But it is well worth looking into - some thoughtful music making in spite of what the inlay card would have you believe.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.