Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

West Coast veteran percussionists John Mehler and Kenneth Nash have produced something fresh in 'Shine On'. This isn't quite an instrumental album because of the very occasional vocal, even so I have to admit to fretting about yet more instrumental versions of my favourite choruses. I needn't have worried, these are different!! You get a calypso version of "Lord I Lift Your Name On High", complete with steel drums which you can drink Lilt to. There's also a surprisingly pleasant jazzy "Shine Jesus Shine". As you would expect from a pair of percussionists, there are some nice grooves on this album. Mostly it's gentle jazzy funky stuff that's being strutted and it certainly isn't boring. The creative use of a selection of sampled sounds keep this from tumbling into test card territory. Nash and Mehler contribute six original tunes to the album. Nash's "Vida" (life) with its sampled vocals and jazzy backing is a goody. The Caribbean makes a reappearance in the duo's closing track "Nukuru In Flight", steel drums, African chant and sunshine sax. If you're reading this on a grey day and you need something to brighten up your life, Mehler/Nash will help you 'Shine On'.

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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