Reviewed by Tony Cummings

40 or 50 years back I discovered blues music and was enthralled by those world weary tales of cheating women and hard times. And I also loved those gospel blues songs and their poetic proclamations of faith and transcendence. Now a journalist colleague, Lins Honeyman from Perth, Scotland, has finally delivered his debut recording proving once again that the blues isn't about ethnicity and that whether you live in Tupelo or Tranmere it's a musical feel which makes blues, secular or sacred, convincing. Lins has that feel in abundance. Wisely adopting a pared-down approach with a small group of musician friends, Lins offers here a highly enjoyable glimpse into his take on gospel blues, singing and playing his own piano on "I Want Jesus To Walk With Me", acoustic guitar on "O Mary Don't You Weep" and dobro on "Where Can I Find My Peace". There are plenty of memorable moments, Mona Young's thrilling duet on "I Want Jesus. . ." and Les Dalziel's moody piano on the bluesification of "O Little Town Of Bethlehem". Impressively, Lins' own composition "Where Can I Find My Peace" is possibly the best of the four songs here. Let's hope a studio album comes in due course.

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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