Reviewed by Norman Smith

This is an artist whom I've observed keenly since the launch of the contemporary Christian music scene in the early 1970s, a time when quality Kingdom music was extremely thin on the ground in the UK. KR was in one of the finest bands of that generation. Meet Jesus Music, whose live performances would make the hairs on the back of your head...etc. Refreshing, then, to hear that gifted piano playing which, in a small sense, rolls back the years, evoking a bygone era. There is a huge difference, however, between this instrumental offering of various popular chorus classics, and the aforementioned '70s pioneers. It is not primarily the non-vocal, non-band scenario which I'm referring to, but rather the overwhelming sense of cozy safety which pervades this current offering. Indeed, to the artist's credit, he achieves what he sets out to do - expressing a peaceful, serene interpretation, inviting the listener to slow down by withdrawing from life's expressway. Many who need this particular brand of de-stressing will doubtlessly welcome "Piano Presence". My main concern is that true peace (God's presence), which incidentally is a peace which the world cannot give, truly occurs in the midst of the noisy city, the angst, when you're feeling afraid and lonely and you don't know what to do. It's the miracle of peace amidst danger, security where there is turmoil. Many, many Christians just don't have a punting-in-the-hazy-sunshine-down-the-river-in-Oxford sort of God, really. The world has been having this sort of "peace" since Mantovani. Peace needs more pioneers, if you ask me.

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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