Reviewed by Simon Carpenter

Jonathan is, of course, a much-loved bass baritone singer as well as a hugely entertaining raconteur who, down the years, has built up a big following after his appearances at events like Spring Harvest. On this set the singer again steps away from classical and operatic repertoire to perform a set of songs which, broadly speaking, can be descried as "inspirational". With some clever production and imaginative arrangements, Jonathan's rich tones bring new life to much recorded numbers and from the opening rendition of R Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" through to the closing rendition of Chisholm and Runyan's beloved hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" this is a class act, deftly sidestepping worst excesses of sentimental schmaltz while retaining his ability to make music appealing to both non-classical enthusiasts and non church-goers. Stopping off points on the way include Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and, nine songs later, ends with a barrage of hymnody ("Amazing Grace", "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross", "How Great Is Our God" and others). An album that deserves to be marketed far beyond the narrow confines of Christian bookshops.

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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