Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The back sleeve explains it all really: “15 tracks, some new, some from previous albums, all featuring grand piano.” Sometimes it's Ian himself playing elegantly on the concert grand, sometimes the singer is accompanied by that most talented of songsmiths, Chris Eaton. Voice and one instrument recordings often show up the limitations of material less noticeable with a full on band arrangement. But not here. If anything, Ian’s songs come completely into focus. Take “Bridges”, a song I’d hardly noticed on the ‘Deeper In The River’ album, but now it resonates with poignancy and power. Or “Whose Lips Will Plead”, first heard on the ‘Holy’ album (then titled “This Land”) but now with Alex Muir’s original lyrics restored it powerfully asks, “Whose lips will plead for the people of Scotland?” Not everything works quite as well. “Part Of Heaven” is a magnificent performance spoilt by several slight pops on the mic while Ian’s take on “Psalm 62” has never struck me as a very memorable melody. But there’s much here which is magnificent and Ian’s husky, emotive voice has seldom carried his songs of devotion with such power.

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.