Some of the most talented singers and musicians from the Christian music scene in Britain and America have joined forces to support Wayne Drain on his latest album.

The well know worship leader - who has been part of the Pioneer Network for many years - finished recording a 'best of...' selection towards the end of 2006.

The result - Treasures - was made with the help of such popular artists and session players as Les Moir, Neil Costello, Caroline Bonnett, Phil Madeira, Noel Richards, Brian Houston, Sue Rinaldi, Mal Pope, Stuart Townend and Dave Bilbrough.

"I'm so grateful to have had some of the most talented musicians and singers around to work with on these recordings, " said Wayne.

He had chosen ten of his favorite tracks from his previous albums Sweet Rain, Come Away and Hurricane - a recording he formerly made with Noel Richards and Brian Houston as The Hudson Taylors.

The latest selection also includes a new version of a song by Noel and Wayne called I'm Crying Out, originally included on Noel's Calling All Nations CD. In addition, there is a brand new track, Inside Out.

"The new songs seems to capture where I'm at currently," said Wayne. "There's a fresh tug on my heart to realise how much need surrounds us. My growing conviction is it's time to release the Good News from inside the walls of the Church and take it outside."

 

Courtesy of MUSIC MAKER | 2007

'Treasures' is a studio recording of songs by this well known songwriter marketed as 'The Definitive Wayne Drain Collection.'

The band and production crew say a lot about the support the American singer, songwriter, worship leader and pastor has in the UK - including Les Moir on bass, Neil Costello on guitar, Caroline Bonnett on keyboards, Mal Pope and Sue Rinaldi on backing vocals and Dave Bilbrough and Noel Richards as guest vocalists! As expected, the performances are all solidly competent (whilst not fully realizing the potential of those involved, suggesting that studio time may have been an issue here) and they form a transparent conduit for Wayne's songs.

On first hearing the album I was hard pushed to define it musically, imagine a cross between Billy Ray Cyrus and John Lennon! The truth is, and I hope this won't offend anyone, 'Treasures' is a little bit like a bottle of fine red wine; after the initial taste subsides, a variety of other, quite unexpected flavours begin to emerge. Perhaps this is to be expected when the driving force behind this album appears to be more about the songs than the artist (a good thing) and continuity of style is secondary to the communication of the message (another good thing).

In all, it's a solid production with some subtle surprises that will please those familiar with this powerful and prophetic songsmith.

8 out of 10

 

Courtesy of CROSS RHYTHMS | 2007