Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

As Tony Cummings' recent Cross Rhythms interview with Andy Baker highlighted, the Cheltenham-based creative wears a number of different hats ranging from producing acts like Philippa Hanna and Out Of The Ashes to running the pivotal ministry initiatives like Resound Media and Sound Consultancy. Borne out of a determination to spend more time with God first thing in the morning, the multi-faceted Baker has now let his songwriting skills come to the fore with a collection of original praise songs that, as the title of this debut release suggests, are the initial harvest of a new grassroots ministry called Homegrown Worship. Given the intimacy that early morning quiet times bring and coupled with the fact that these full-bodied songs began life being written on ukulele, there is a delightfully intimate feel to proceedings with the likes of "Heart Soul Mind Strength" and "Trust In You" offering up quiet and personal devotion to God. Overall, things are taken at a gentle leisurely pace with the meditational "For All Who Are Weary" acting as a salve to the tired and the troubled whilst the psalm-like "Have Mercy" lilts away in classic 6/8 worship fashion. Elsewhere, the likes of "Back To Life" and the stirring opener "Fill Up The Skies" up the tempo a bit and Baker - who doesn't put a foot wrong throughout - handles all lead vocal duties on the successful maiden voyage of a ministry that is set to grow and grow.

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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