By David F. Dawes
RUSS ROSEN has been a fixture on the B.C. Christian music scene for many years. The Fort Langley musician has worked on various projects, for ministries such as Rise Up and Upstream Christian Initiatives; and he provided an outstanding CD for the final March for Jesus. Among his better-known songs are Dancing in a Field, and Wind of the Spirit. Oil is Rosens ninth album -- and the first to fully reflect the unique sound of his group. Produced by recording industry veteran Alan Shacklock, it was recorded in Surrey and Nashville. It features all-original material, mostly by Rosen, much of it presented in an exuberant Celtic style; one key to the musics success is the outstanding violin work of Kathleen Nisbet. Highlights include Through the Curtain, a slow, touching song about Gods love for his children; Stand, written and sung by the bands keyboardist, Sandy Rosen; Courts of the King, which presents fervent worship, set to a very tight 5/4 rhythm; time; and Warriors, an exhilarating call to spiritual warfare, which has a forthrightness that might make some listeners a bit uneasy. Rosens singing is energetic and appealing throughout; but my favourite vocal is provided by Kathleen Nisbet on Down to the River -- in future CDs, I hope shes featured on more solos. All told -- if I can be forgiven a dreadful mixed metaphor - Oil is dynamite!

download "Oil"