Reviewed by Tony Cummings

This is the album - released in 2005 - that convinced me that UK recorded reggae gospel could be every bit as good as the Jamaican variety and several cuts here could make it to the next praise party, if I ever get around to organising one... maybe for my funeral. All the songs were written, sung and toasted by Winston Blake, he who is King Arthur, and the accompaniments produced by Given Edwards are rootsy, authentic and perfect. Having said that, King Arthur's sleeve credit that Given "played the keyboard as King David played the harp and I know that through that great ministry that the Lord has given to you many souls will be delivered from the Kingdom of darkness" strikes me as a tad OTT. The only other misjudgement on this gloriously infectious album is the sincere but maudlin acoustic ballad "Mamma". But when you sway and pray to the undulating vibes of bold Jesus-praising gems like "Never Be Ashamed" or "Glory" such quibbles are irrelevant. This is an album that without the slightest musical hint of ganja smoke or Rasta heresy gives the glory to the living God.

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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