Reviewed by Stephen Luff

The Keynotes originate from the earliest days of British CCM/Jesus music though I'm not sure whether they ever got to record back in the '60s. Thanks to Tim Anderson (from early '70s band Out Of Darkness) the veteran musos now make a belated entrance to the world of recorded music. Their unexpected re-formation is for the purpose of raising funds for the charity Water Aid. Contained here are many traditional songs with stripped back arrangements such as "Gospel Train", "Michael Row The Boat" and "Tell Out My Soul". There are some great moments contained here, Tim delivers some great blues harp on "Amazing Grace/Just A Closer Walk" and the guitar playing throughout the album is a joy. Admittedly lead vocals on some tracks are a little wobbly in places, such as on the ending of "Oh Sinner Man", but such is the warmth conveyed in this relaxed set that the listener can easily overlook such blemishes while a guest appearance from tenor Seamus Kinsella on the enjoyable "Wayfaring Stranger" works well. This approachable collection proves there is still plenty of life in these old songs and the veterans who performed them.

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