Review by: Paul Woodland, Managing Director of SonRise Radio
www.sonriseradio.com

SonRise Radio receives CD’s on an almost daily basis, and I would suppose that for the most part all could be deemed to be of a high professional standard, the majority are pleasant to listen to, and as 99% of what arrives on my desk is of Christian origin, it is extremely rare to receive music that does not have a good solid Christian message in the vocals. Unfortunately, few CD’s arrive that when listened to make you sit up and take notice.

A few weeks ago I received a copy of “Coming On The Wind”, a CD by Russ Anderson, it arrived with others, and was partway down the stack. After listening to a couple of the others, for some reason I skipped a couple and placed “Coming On The Wind” in the CD tray and pressed play. The moment the voice and guitar struck up, I knew this was going to be a good album, “Love Is” was playing and memories of Bob Dylan and Don McLean were coming into my head, the superb guitar playing is equally matched with clearly sung, well written vocals. Russ has the kind of voice that draws you into the song. From this opening track I was hooked. Due to time restraints, I often only listen to about a minute of each track, but with “Coming On The Wind” I found myself eagerly listening to each track in turn.

All too often an album will have two, possibly three tracks that are good, “Coming On The Wind” has broken from that convention and presents you with no less than fourteen equally masterful tracks. Each one with it’s own story to tell, and each one leaving you waiting eagerly for the next one.

Coming On The Wind is in my opinion a “must have” album. The musicianship and writing skills of Russ Anderson are second to none. The album contains only two covers, both of which are skilfully presented. The House Of The Rising Sun known to many as a track attributed to “The Animals” is a real pleasure to listen to, and if you have not heard the track previously, I am sure Russ Anderson’s rendering will be the version by which you will judge the others.

Although extremely difficult to pick favourites, Love Is, The House Of The Rising Sun, Arise, Don’t Cry For Me and Birds Of A Feather would be the ones that for me stand just that little bit taller than the others, however, I am certain that everyone will find their own favourites.

If you only buy one album in a year, make sure it is this one, Coming On The Wind – Russ Anderson.