Duane Guakel
CW Music Reviewer

BEVACQUA - FREE
GEORGETOWN, ON:
SONSHINES MUSIC
CDN $18.99

Over the last few years, we have seen an abundance of worship albums with two or three original tracks and 10 "great new arrangements" of worship tunes that have been recorded on every other recent worship album. However, the latest pop/worship offering from BevAcqua, Free, is like a refreshing sip of water on a hot day. With 11 original songs as well as two previously released tracks, this album is an original sounding mixture of worship tunes and pop songs reflecting a broad spectrum of influences.

Daphne BevAcqua's solid vocals, somewhere between Amy Grant and Nichole Nordeman, deliver straightforward lyrics with unpretentious honesty. Praise songs like "I Love You Lord" and 'Jesus" invite the listener to say, "Amen, this is my prayer too!"

Many of the tracks speak of life lessons learned. "What Love's About" is like a privileged glimpse of the more difficult side of working on a marriage, while "Fair Weather Friend" is a deeply moving expression of penitence and Christ's infinite forgiveness.

Joe BevAqua's rock-inspired guitar licks blend with pop style songs to produce a unique sound. He also sings lead vocals on some of the tracks. While I enjoyed his smooth vocal quality, I'd like to hear him let loose a little and sing with a little more passion.

Produced by Andrew Horrocks (100 Days, Thousand Foot Krutch), fans of minimalist production will appreciate the transparent clarity of this album. Good musicianship has been allowed to speak on it's own without "smoke and mirrors." I look forward to hearing more from BevAcqua in the future.

Duane Guakel is the music manager at Hull's Family Bookstore in Winnipeg.

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For rates and availability, please contact BevAcqua.