Reviewed by Dave Massey

Etta Cameron is one of those singers that leave you 'feelin' good!' and although she is no Mahalia Jackson, her at turns soaring and husky voice is all these gospel songs need to shine. Having said that though, I did expect a little more, especially from the Ellington song, "Come Sunday", but Cameron's interpretation - dwelling on consonants like 'L' and 'M' grated on me somewhat and turned what could have been a flowing gospel ballad into a painful experience. If anything, many of the songs are understated, "How Great Thou Art" being a case in point, where that marvellous chorus could have been built on but in the event I was always left wanting a little more 'umpfh'. The sax solos (Jens Sondergaard) were much better than I expected, revealing to me my own bigoted musical standpoint! "Strange Man", the twelfth track on this disc is a gospel 'tour de force' full of soaring and grinding vocals offset by a very restrained backing choir. Quibbles aside, I loved it.

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.

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