Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Sweet soul music from Alabama-based Tony Townsend with plenty of musical spice to send shivers down your spine. "Blessed" with a voice that can soar and swoop, and surrounded by enough vocal talent to make the whole project shine, Townsend's debut is a splash of musical sunshine with gospel lyrics and ministry that is inspirational. My two favourite songs come in the middle of the album. There's the sax-filled encouragement of "It's Gonna Be Alright" with its lilting rhythms, jazzy piano and soulful vocals. And it's the vocal performances on "Seasons" that are outstanding, as Tony duels with Melanie Bridgeforth. The album is predominantly laid back in approach, barely breaking into a sweat, other than on the opening cut "Stand Up!" and the excellent "Blessed" which is even given a dancey remix. But then if you love melodious saxophone drenched gospel soul, you won't find much lo complain about here!

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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