Reviewed by Andy Long

Opening with an atmospheric version of "The Lord's Prayer" Dave Prince's debut recording for Chapel Lane immediately marks itself as being several steps ahead of his previous privately recorded release. Produced by Rob Ash, who also plays all guitars, 'Noonday' brings together some line session musician's from South Wales, making for a much fuller and more polished sound, accentuating Dave's gentle worship songs well. "In His Hands" is one of the album's outstanding songs, having what I thought of as quite a Celtic feel, but what Dave described as a Jewish beat, as a song it would lend itself well to congregational singing. Several songs contain references to sight. "Out Of The Darkness" for instance states, "I see such beauty on your lace" and "Open My Eyes" describes a longing to look upon God. These references are particularly poignant when you consider that Dave is blind, having lost his sight in 1987. "He is With Me" is the track from which the album lakes its name, a beautiful and moving setting of the Shepherd Psalm.

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