Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Kicking off with a rendition of a traditional spiritual “Guide My Feet”, with interjections from a wailing harmonica (blown by the man himself) and a peddle steel, it quickly becomes apparent that Garth is staying close to the folk blues and country influences which have given his music longevity, now that dreams of breaking into popdom have long disappeared. Garth’s strengths and weaknesses are well known: a strength being his passion for the poor and oppressed, enabling him to bring songs of searingly memorable imagery, try “Community Of Love” (written after a visit to a radical church in Honduras) or “The Followers” (about a Baptist church in Nicaragua); while a weakness is his fruity, limited voice and his use of “carrier tune” melodies which are often over familiar and sometimes corny. All in all though, this album, his first for his new label, is his strongest for years and with some excellent production from Paul Field will no doubt satisfy Garth’s followers.

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.