Focusfest with Geraldine Latty - Focusfest 2002: Celebration Of Joy
STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 7930-7691 LABEL: Kingsway KMCD2426 FORMAT: CD Album RELEASE DATE: 2002-09-20 RRP: £4.99
Reviewed by Tom Lennie
With a focus on joy, it's inevitable that some strong celebratory praise songs should rise from this recording, marking the 10th annual Focusfest event. In fact, these constitute around half the playing time and include two from each of the Hillsong and Phatfish camps. While carrying great pathos, I find Ms Latty's distinctive high-pitched vocals a bit overpowering on these upbeat tracks - virtually launching into orbit on the closing classic "There Is A Day" anthem! (where she duets with Alison Bates). I'm much more taken with her take on the Celtic "Christ Be Before Me" and the gorgeous layered harmonies on Redman's "Friend Of Sinners". Oddly, Geraldine makes use of only one of her own songs on this set, while Joanne Hogg provides guest solo on a lesser known 19th century hymn and one of her own brand new compositions. Overall, some appealing sounds, but not outstanding.
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