Reviewed by David Faulkner

The list of renowned Christian guitarists includes Phil Keaggy with his classic rock styles, and Bryn Haworth for his blues/roots work. Jason Carter's name should be added to the roll of honour. Like Keaggy and Haworth, he or his music has featured alongside some widely acclaimed musicians: John Paul Jones, Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani, Allan Holdsworth and Larry Coryell to mention but a few. Appearing on the front of his latest CD with a twin neck acoustic guitar and featuring a (baroque) harp guitar throughout, some of this release has affinities with Keaggy's instrumental albums, with sparkling acoustic runs. However, the music ranges wider than Keaggy's conventional western forms. As well as drawing stimulation from European nations such as Germany and Finland (and Carter himself presently lives in France), he also takes in eastern music from places you wouldn't expect to be inspirational for a westerner, let alone a Christian: Afghanistan and North Korea. The opening "Saving Face" even throws in samples from Dwight Eisenhower, Martin Luther King and the North Korean Military Orchestra and Choir. Only one track, "Guten Morgen", contains vaguely 'conventional' vocals. Confusing? No. The whole shebang is sonically stunning. By the end of the CD it seems almost more unsettling that he closes with a reading of "Abide With Me". This is art of breathtaking brilliance.

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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