Deni Reid - Beat The Drum

Published Wednesday 28th May 2008
Deni Reid - Beat The Drum
Deni Reid - Beat The Drum

STYLE: Roots/Acoustic
RATING 4 4 4 4
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 45706-14083
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Paul Knab

Apparently, this is the only gospel album from the Scottish Borders in the last 10 years. If this is anything to go by, should we be grateful? Recorded at PFL Pro Audio in Berwick-upon-Tweed, singer and guitarist Deni Reid and his band from Galashiels unleash a series of very predicable melodies. Musically, there is nothing outstanding here and if listeners can cope with Deni's gruff and strained voice then some might be moved by the testimony lyrics. With its inevitable build and Scots marching drum beat you just wait for the pipes to come in and of course, they do! The Smokie, "Darling"-influenced "Freedom" is a good pub rocking-style song with the honky tonk piano taking the forefront. But nothing can hide the fact that this is a dated sounding album which is unlikely to be heard beyond Deni's circle of supporters.

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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Reader Comments

Posted by Mary Mc Kay in County Kildare , Ireland @ 18:53 on Jan 7 2012

Hello Deni. I dont think you will remember me. I sang backing vocals with your band in Edinburgh in 1978/79 i really dont remember. My friend was called Fiona Mc Leod . I would really like if you still have it of course, a copy of the songs. " If i were a king.." " here comes the rain.." Mainly for sentimental reasons. Could you e mail me back to let me know if i could have copy please. best wishes, Mary. ps. All the best.



Posted by lorna mccarter in usa @ 22:23 on Aug 22 2010

ciontact me aimee will be in scotland in sept



Posted by Paul Glancy in Broxburn @ 15:03 on Jul 6 2008

On hearing 'Beat the Drum', Martin Van Der Laan of Radio Compagnie (Netherlands) rated the song 10/10 and said that it was a "Fine example of NCM (New Christian Music)."





Posted by Mary GEAR in Dalkeith @ 17:27 on Jul 5 2008

Have to disagree with Paul Knab on this one. I like the range of songs on the CD, as did the very mixed crowd at the concert launching the album, which was the first time I'd heard the band. It has also been well received by listeners to Iain Anderson's show on Radio Scotland - a much wider audience than "Deni's circle of supporters"! All the best for the future guys.



Posted by Paul Glancy in Broxburn @ 13:19 on Jul 5 2008

Roger Hill (Journalist), In Touch Magazine, had this to say about 'Beat the Drum' :-

"Deni's voice is captivating and I hope this song grows on you as it grew on me".



Posted by Paul Glancy in Broxburn @ 14:07 on Jun 27 2008

Here is a slightly different review of the album by Paul Davis, of New Christian Music:-

‘Here some solid message-music for the common man, and it’s the best Brit band of its grassroots type that that I have heard in many a year! The Deni Reid Band wonderfully captures street-life credibility via this Brit roots-gospel-rock! I’m sure their local fans will express a note of thanks for the release of this gem that is highly deserving of wide airplay. Deni is a vocalist of quality, adding something uniquely special to the UK Christian music genre. Genuinely engaging, the free-wheeling Band from the England-Scotland border has innovative vocal skill and virtuosity. This most appealing offering is a definitive set of gospel straight -talk. Kicking off with ‘Beat The Drum’, the happy-go-lucky project captures some diversity from the starting line to the finishing post. Along the way there’s some wonderful rich imagery laced with gospel passion backed by a winning instrumental combination. http://www.newchristianmusic.co.uk/

You can keep up to date with the band at:-

http://denireidband.googlepages.com/




Posted by jordan reid in selkirk @ 16:20 on Apr 28 2008

i really enjoyed your concert.
i let a couple of friends listen to the cd and they liked the songs aswell.



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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