Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

At first glance, this doesn't look promising. Yet another low budget worship EP of covers. But one play and you realise there's something special going on! The Woodgate Worship Group recently played for the Rodney Howard Brown meetings in Birmingham and their treatment of familiar songs has a refreshing edge. Musically the band lays down a contemporary worship groove which is set on fire by lead singer Lisa's black gospel styling. Surprise is...she's white! But she's got the chops to turn this humble little tape into something which deserves wider attention. The songs? Stand outs are Stevie Wonder's "Have A Talk With God" which features some nice guitar playing from Tony. (It's all first names on the sleeve!) Tony's soloing again features on a plaintive "More Love More Power" providing a backdrop for Lisa's soaring vocals. My fave is the old Curtis Mayfield tune "People Get Ready" where again Lisa's lungpower is let loose. The only weakness is the fact that the 30 minute EP was recorded live straight onto DAT so what they played is what you get! It's not perfect but its rawness adds to its impact. Someone give this band a budget and a studio!

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.