One of the most seasoned musicians currently recording on a Christian label in the UK, Garth Hewitt's been singing his gospel songs for quite some time now. This time around, it's his musical roots which come to the fore with an album full of acoustic instruments and folk and blues sounds.

Like all good gospel singers, Hewitt draws together songs of praise to his God with songs of concern for God's world. "Rivers, Mountains and Trees" talks of the wonder of creation, seeing his different traits reflected in different landscapes and marvelling at the similarities of imagery in so many cultures's creation narratives, while "Word of Peace" is a simple song about Christ's message of peace running over a blues progression. The lyrics remain simple throughout, but gain clarity from their simplicity.

Hewitt has travelled extensively and has strong connections with several humanitarian organizations. There are songs talking of friends across the globe, but there is a particular concern for Israel. Like Jonnys In the Basement, with whom he has travelled, Hewitt is particularly concerned for the working out of justice and a proper understanding of religion in Israel. "In the Name of God" is a song about Yigal Amir, the man who assassinated the Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, claiming he was doing so at God's command--unfortunately the song is a little repetitive and labored, but in some ways this is representative of the horror of the situation.

The best tracks here are simple and refreshing, but there are a few which become tiring. Nevertheless, this album suggests that there is more to come from Garth Hewitt, as he seeks to sing of a holistic gospel.

James Stewart 2/8/2000