Reviewed by Mark Vyner

Recently Cross Rhythms published an article about the folk music pioneer from Northern Ireland and here Rodney teams up with Sammy, who is perhaps best known for fronting Celtic rock band The Electrics. This album is a collaboration where the two rootsy talents share songwriting and lead singing duties, and it all works a treat. At times one could be listening to traditional folk such as Christy Moore, at times there are more hints of Dylan or even Woody Guthrie. The mandolin, dobro and accordion feature heavily as well as acoustic guitars, and the songwriting is of the highest quality. A couple of the songs strayed too far into country and western musical territory for this reviewer's tastes, but overall a great album of songs which stand the test of time. The backing band is clearly very accomplished, not taking the limelight but providing a really solid and varied acoustic backdrop flexibly adapting to the various nuances of each song, whether Americana or more Celtic. So in the bluesy "Don't Let The Devil Come Knockin" the dobro is prominent giving a really rootsy American feel, whereas in for example "Friend In Me" and "Our Gods" the fiddle and acoustic guitar take more of a lead in a song which has a more folksy Celtic feel. And throughout keenly observed lyrics underlay the whole with solid gospel truths and reflections on our need for God. Wonderful stuff!

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.