Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Inverness-based songwriter and pianist Stephen Hutchison's debut release sees him team up with his son - acclaimed Glasgow producer Iain Hutchison - for a collection of gentle worship songs that have been tried and tested in his local church. Without losing any of its home grown charm, this is a consummate affair that sees Hutchison cannily choose to tap into the considerable skills of in-demand Scottish artistes Allan McKinlay and Yvonne Lyon - a combination that works incredibly well - for lead and backing vocal duties respectively. However, it is the quality of Hutchison's songs that shine through amidst his son's sensitive production and the McKinlay/Lyon factor to add further weight to the argument that the Scottish Christian music scene is indeed a burgeoning one in terms of new worship music. Although proceedings start with the more generic folk worship feel of "The Reason For It All" and "You Are My Refuge", Hutchison really proves his worth in songs such as the piano-led "Show Me Your Way", "The Greatest Heart Of Greatest Love" and "Who Do You Say That I Am" which evoke the memorable melodies of hymns of old. Lyrically, Hutchison's style is poetic and God-centred with tracks such as "This I Know" and "Doxology" containing the theological and artistic depth missing from some of today's worship lyrics. All of which makes this humble yet accomplished release one to seek out.

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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