Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Got to confess from the cover, as soon as I saw the acoustic guitar and mellow cover, a chill went down my spine. Oh No! Another bland, boring, obvious, instrumental album with the usual choice of old hymns and choruses re-recorded for those who wish their music to be the audio equivalent of Kraft cheese slices. But never judge a CD by its cover! The contents here are created by the masterful acoustic guitar playing of Don Potter combining with the virtuoso violin and flute of Leonard Jones. Together they create instrumental music that for once lives up to the inspirational moniker. Born from a time of seeking God privately to make music that went beyond entertainment, Potter has captured the lively dance of the Holy Spirit, sometimes quiet and intimate, sometimes intricate and often rhythmic and confident. Never predictable, this album is full of little surprises. My favourite is the powerful percussive playing on "Making Ready" which is immediately countered by the almost breezy lyrical-laid back "Garden". Elsewhere the opening "String Dance" sets the tone for this album, with a Celtic style melody thrown over an understated multi-layered bed of percussion. There are elements of folk, Jazz and Latin all combining lo make a special blend with the nearest equivalent being some of the instrumental work of Phil Keaggy. Potter himself spent a number of years working in Country music, most notably with The Judds, but this ain't no country album! Just the clear gifting of his guitar playing combines with the anointing of God to make this an instrument! album that stands out from the crowd.

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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