Reviewed by Sarah Richards

The first (published) black hymn writer in the UK brings us seven simple and elegant hymns. Ruthie, a Welsh artist, really does deliver with her new collection of songs. The piano/voice combination is an effective one; the absence of additional instruments, something I'm usually not keen on, is what makes this CD so special as the focus is kept firmly on Thomas' powerful lyrics. "Easter Mary", profoundly written, reminds us of the suffering that Mary must have gone through as she looked on as her son was made to carry his own cross. "The Cross Is Raised (Welsh Revival Hymn)" is a great follow on as it speaks of the triumph that came from Jesus' resurrection. Used by Welsh churches and choirs, this uplifting revival song is perhaps the strongest of all the songs on the CD - I wasn't entirely convinced by the spoken introduction though. "Something In Me" is an equally beautiful song, one which I could imagine being sung well by a choir or ensemble. With the exception of "The Song Of The Robin" about which I had my doubts, the craftsmanship and mastery of the English language is so overwhelmingly beautiful that my biggest criticism of this is that the sleeve did not come with song lyrics.

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