Reviewed by Dave Brassington

How best to describe this rather granite voiced singer? My only word would be "addictive!" The Kettering cowboy sounds like someone who might have once sung in a Johnny Cash tribute band, while this four CD compilation of recordings, made down the years in various studios and sometimes in Dave's far from plush home studio, particularly when the backings are sparse, occasionally remind me of The Man In Black, so there is simply NO distraction from what is on offer, which in this case is solid and very meaningful strong gospel material. The material in this collection is mostly self-written; just to pick a few examples at random, "In The Darkness Of The Night", "Salvation Comes To Those Who Believe", "Running On Empty", are all strong expressions of the Christian faith that nobody who follows Jesus could ever argue with lyrically. The only question being is whether you would enjoy Dave's rather hard voice, with simple backings, over four CDs? Thinking about this at great length, any attempt to "pretty it up" might detract from what is quite a strong expression of musical spirituality. However, whilst basically Dave is fine on much of his own material, from time to time his versions of very well-known and much loved gospel tunes such as "To God Be The Glory", "I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say" and "Amazing Grace" in truth don't really stand up against much better recordings out there. The packaging of this boxset is as basic as the production - there's no CD sleeve, let alone information about where, when these recordings were made and who plays on them. However, I don't think that will detract too much from Dave's band of supporters from purchasing this, particularly as it's at a bargain price. Those who have been blessed by the journeyman's faithful service to the country gospel cause down the years should investigate.

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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