Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Having not been impressed by the live recordings by Matt Redman-Jones' (as he was then) from last year's New Wine and Soul Survivor festivals I was all set to thumbs-down this set. Instead I find myself sitting in the debris of the editorial office (otherwise known as the Cummings' front room) moved and blessed. It was the worship ballad "Glory To My King" which did it for me. I want to throw production deadlines and pressure on one side and tell the Lord again that, in Matt's words, "I have not deserved your love/I have not deserved your grace/I'm not worthy of the mercy I've been shown." A classic arrangement (by producers Matt and genius Martin Smith - remember his breathtaking work on 'Asia Worships'?) with delicious electric guitar licks from Stuart Garrard. There are plenty of hot musos on 'Wake Up My Soul' - also outstanding is lona hornman Mike Houghton. But it's the songs which register above all else. "Here Am I A Sinner Free" has a groove very much in Kevin Prosch's spirit-refreshing style while throughout Matt displays a songwriting craft which utterly belies his tender years. 'Fresh songs of praise and worship' says the sleeve. And fresh indeed they are.

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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