Arthur Stewart - Gazing At The Cross

Published Sunday 14th September 2014
Arthur Stewart - Gazing At The Cross
Arthur Stewart - Gazing At The Cross

STYLE: Roots/Acoustic
RATING 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 153174-22389
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Arthur Stewart is an Aberdeen-based singer/songwriter and this, his second album, contains 12 self-penned songs that focus on Jesus' sacrifice and the power of the cross to change us from within. Predominantly folk-ballad in style, Stewart's work undoubtedly benefits from the production input of Scottish songwriter David Lyon and renowned Foundry Music Lab duo Graeme Duffin and Sandy Jones which takes the man's already strong songs to another level. Proceedings kick off with the infectiously upbeat "You Are There For Me" before settling down to a more placid pace that sees Stewart's invitingly wistful vocals generally accompanied by nothing much more than a solitary acoustic guitar or piano and some accomplished poetic lyricism. The unembellished nature of the likes of "From The Head To The Heart" and the gentle prayer "Endure With Me My God" - one of a number of duets with Clare MacMillan - allows the message of God's faithfulness and mercy to take centre stage whilst cameos like wife Ann's Scots fiddle in "God Is In The Room" and the occasional burst of lead guitar brilliance from Wet Wet Wet's Graeme Duffin add some well-timed variety. Some needed pace is injected with the likes of the rocked up and slide guitar-festooned "We Seek You" and the quirky bossa nova of "Every Step Of The Way" - with daughters Amy (13) and Jenna (10) doing some sterling vocal work - before proceedings end with the atmospheric slow burner "Trust In God" to sum up the musical feel and overriding God-focused nature of this enjoyable release.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Miriam Currie in Leeds @ 15:50 on Oct 5 2014

With beautiful music and intelligently written lyrics, this CD helps to lead me to worship, and I'm sure will do the same for all who listen!



Posted by Michael Ridley in Westhill Aberdeenshire @ 15:29 on Sep 21 2014

Gazing at the Cross wouldn't usually be the style of music I listen to but the diversity between each track really it makes it a great inclusive worship album. It's meditative, often soulful and a lot fun at times.



Posted by Hannah Orr in Aberdeenshire @ 10:02 on Sep 19 2014

Love this album. Great reminder of a brilliant launch concert. "We seek you" is one of my favourites. Love the upbeat ones- write some more Arthur!



Posted by David Wells in Denside of Durris, Aberdeenshi @ 17:34 on Sep 18 2014

Arthur, family and friends have done it again!. You cannot write and play such inspiring music without living close to the Lord. These songs truly reflect Arthur's faith in a loving Father that holds us in each step of life.It will lead any sensitive listener into closer worship and praise. There is a quiet beauty that pervades such art when people, like Arthur, take that God given talent and offer it back to the Father in praise.



Posted by IAN FERGUSON in WESTHILL ABERDEENSHIRE @ 10:32 on Sep 16 2014

This is an excellent album and one worth listening to.
The quality of production is excellent and I have used it often as a vehicle for worship. and I am already waiting eagerly for his next one.
I love the folk genre of the album. This is only Arthur's second album but I am already eagerly awaiting his next.



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