Reviewed by Alastair McCollum

The first track of this CD reminded me of Jean-Michel 'Jarre's Rendez-Vous', but with a violin instead of saxophone, the synth backing and violin improvisation being more than reminiscent of Jarre's tribute to Ronald McNair in 'Rendez-Vous VI'. My initial concern that improvised violin pieces might make for a dull or repetitive listen prove to be unfounded as I listened to Durham-based Gregory-Smith's virtuoso playing aided by Tim Packer who alternated between keyboards and guitar through the album. Gregory-Smith's gorgeous violin improvisations were consistently emotive and executed with tremendous skill. The inspiration for this album is the great hymn "My Song Is Love Unknown" but it is the words rather than the melody that have inspired these songs and the meditations that accompany them (these are available on Gregory-Smith's website). Particularly powerful is the moving "Love Grieving" while the final track "Love Unknown" is another gem. Music to think, pray and reflect with.

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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