Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Jim Drew from upstate New York is the kind of rugged singer/songwriter whose courageous tenacity to overcome every obstacle in bringing his finely crafted songs of spiritual hope has to be admired. And admired he is by some of the music industry's finest. A study of 'Perspective Shift''s sleeve reveals that guitar maestro Phil Keaggy added his masterly touch on several tracks while "vocal and song edit coaching" on "Stretch Out My Hands" and "You Sing Over Me" comes from Foreigner's wonderful one-time vocalist Lou Gramm. Those already familiar with Jim's "soulful acoustic rock" as described in his biography will love his tender-hearted worship songs like "Linen Of Light" ("You are causing this beggar to see/You are going beyond charity") and "I Come" complete with some fine harmonica from Curtis Waterman. Those looking for some heart-stopping blues rock will go ape for the opener "This Is Your Day" where Jim and Tony Hooper offer searing guitar licks or "Letting Go" where Mr Keaggy plays rhythm and lead like only he can. The sleeve tells us that the album title came from a friend who said that "there was a shift in the songs, looking at things from a different angle/perspective in how to approach this God we believe in..." I think that's right. It's an approach of joyful celebration and praise.

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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