Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

The music ministry of the Calvary Chapel organisation is legendary for its enduring excellence of both performance and songwriting, and the latest product of the Merritt Island branch is well up to standard. Situated just down the Atlantic coast of Florida from Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Centre, and pastored by Malcolm Wild of Malcolm & Alwyn fame, it's the home to several class acts, and Mary Barrett is one of them. Her voice is a very expressive alto, reminiscent of Kim Hill but slightly higher up the register, and like Kim, she has the ability to write simple but very effective songs. The whole album is so good, it's difficult to pick the standout tracks, but the title track (written by Pastor Malcolm's son Joel), "So Close", a gentle devotional ballad, and a live cut of the old Julie Miller country opus "All My Tears (Be Washed Away)" are my present faves. Having said that, doubtless the rest of the songs will worm their way into my subconscious, to ensure that this is a CD that will remain top of my personal heap for a long time. Recommended.

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.