Tom Howard - Beyond The Barriers

Saturday 1st February 1992
Tom Howard - Beyond The Barriers
Tom Howard - Beyond The Barriers

STYLE: Ambient/Meditational
RATING 6 6 6 6 6 6
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 10685-1084
LABEL: Myrrh 7016932613
FORMAT: CD Album

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Surely one of the hardest working men in America's CCM industry; film scores, pop gospel, praise and worship albums, Tom's done it all. But presumably, these instrumental albums, which he commenced with Maranatha's Colours series some years back, are closest to his heart and this, to my ears, his most satisfying so far. At times there's a hint of jazz, it could almost have been Art Tatum on the opener, more often it's a relaxed, meditative approach, partly recalling his classical musical roots (witness the Bach-style fugue on "Joseph's Magical Parade") and partly the film scores of a Henry Mancini. His deft arrangement of the old hymn "Wayfaring Stranger" worked particularly well. The piano embellishments are never overdone and never descend to Richard Clayderman territory, while the string and woodwind orchestrations are used sparingly to keep it the right side of muzak. Use it as an aid to meditation or superior background music. 'Beyond The Barriers' (complete with a fine sleeve painting) is excellent. But it's a long, long way from those Jesus rock days he once spent with Larry Norman.

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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Reader Comments

Posted by Doc Greene in Houston @ 19:13 on Jan 5 2006

This is a great piano jazz album from a world class Jazz Pianist. I have all of his albums and for those people that like that sort of thing, this is the sort of thing they would like.


Reply by Jim W in Seattle area @ 00:45 on May 29 2010

According to Wikipedia, Tom Howard had a fatal heart attack while hiking in January of 2010.

[report abuse]

Reply by Jan in Washington @ 06:27 on Aug 27 2008

What has happened to this artist?? I have searched the web and I keep coming up with dead ends. His albums are not available. Anyone know where he is?

[report abuse]


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