Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Jamie Anderson is, so his website tells us, the son of John Walker of the '60s group The Walker Brothers(!) as well as of Julie Anderson, who with her later husband Rod, are pastors and well-known leaders of a prayer movement. Jamie met his wife Alisha while studying in the States and together they form worship band JamieLish, along with four musical friends. This is their debut recoding, which was birthed in their hearts during a fast held in January 2008, and recorded five months later before 250 worshippers in the historic St Marks Church in the heart of Mayfair, London (a church known for its music for over 200 years - yet since sadly closed by the London Diocese in favour of a health spa!). The aim of the evening was simply to worship the Lord. "There was no hype, no planned responses, no re-takes on the night, in fact if anything we were oblivious to the fact that it was being recorded; we just worshipped the greatest name of all: Jesus." The 11 songs are a mixture of their own compositions and those of one or two popular, and less well-known writers alike (three, in fact, are Hillsong tunes). There's a good mixture of upbeat pop-praise and flowing adorational songs. It quickly transpires that a real sense of "anointing" attends this set. It's not so much that particular songs or musical skills are utterly standout (though they are certainly most competent) - but there's a real worshipful flow and a sense of holy passion. Including a few spontaneous moments, it makes for a highly engaging hour plus worship experience. I love 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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