Reviewed by Simon Redfern

Originally from the UK, Nick Syrett's ministry has been truly varied and has taken him all over the world. Although he is now based in Jerusalem, Nick recorded this double CD whilst on the leadership team at the International House Of Prayer in Kansas City for their Forerunner Music label. As the name 'Solitude' implies, the music on these CDs is there to help people focus in their times of personal prayer and meditation, and it achieves its aim. The piano/keyboard led tracks are highly atmospheric, with the first CD taking the format of relaxing piano layered over ambient keyboard tones with neither overpowering the other at any point. Each title links with an underlying theme such as "Lament" or "Restoration". CD two follows a similar format, but with a little variation such as violin accompaniment on "Everlasting Love" and the very haunting melodies from the low/tin whistle on "My Soul Waits". It's easy to overlook contemplative CDs amidst the vast array of lively worship music on the market, but there are often times in our busy daily lives when we need to focus our attention on the one that really matters. 'Solitude' is a powerful and effective tool to help us do this.

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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