Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

This is a compilation CD to raise profile and funds for the work of Australian missions organisation Operation Africa. Consequently you get 11 tracks from a cross section of Australian Christian music talent. Cross Rhythms festival attendees will recognise the work of David Evans on a couple of tracks and across the board this is top quality stuff. Veteran Oz singer/songwriter Steve Grace does his Bruce Springsteen-style gritty stuff on As Far As It Goes while Youth Alive s live worship recording Lord We re Asking is pretty vibey. New Zealand s Parachute Band contribute the title track from their Adore album. Maori songwriter and blues man Steve Apirana gives us something completely different with an Iona style ballad, full of Celtic pipes and atmosphere. Like I said, it s a cross section - so Liquid People s poppy Blue Skies rubs shoulders with singer Lisa Marie Willis. Her, Tasmin Archer-style and understated, songwriting is compelling. As a window on Oz s CCM scene, this is a good collection and along the way you help mission work in Africa. Everybody wins!

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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