The Phantom Tollbooth

Music and more from a Christian perspective

Slow down, and have your change ready

Since 1996

If any musical realm should be open to physically handicapped performers, it's contemporary Christian music.

The highlights on this disc come from very different places, whether an arms-aloft-and-swaying anthemic chorus, experimental pop or a timeless bluesy ballad. Her beautifully nuanced vocal brings it all together.

Celestial Fire's sweeping, often majestic music combined with thoughtful and literate lyrics create a one-two punch to both spirit and soul, resulting in a listening experience as devotional as it is entertaining.

Dave Bainbridge Celestial Never one to use a straight 4/4 when a 13/12 rhythm will do, Bainbridge's musical spirit flies free on this prog tribute, as colourful, rich and majestic as the Hubble image that covers the digipak.

Inspired by such musicians as Jack Bruce & Keith Jarrett this collection of twelve improvised pieces is somewhat reminiscent of the piano release that Charlie Peacock put out a few years ago.

A brilliant balance of vocal and instrumental tracks, To The Far Away will thrill and delight fans of both Celtic and ‘traditional’ prog-rock, and anyone open to more adventurous realms of music in general.

The multi-instrumentalist lays down all his other options to concentrate on solo piano. The midnight mood comes through.

One thing you can guarantee with Bainbridge is that the sound will be rich, layered and succulent. He treats ears like Cordon Bleu chefs treat taste buds. Feast on the details.

With its thin card sleeve, this may appear to be a humble budget update to the Dave Bainbridge canon, but don’t underestimate the enjoyment it contains.

Ereic_Baker_90 Eric Baker sounds right at home on his mature-sounding debut, full of thoughtful lyrics and a solid classic rock/pop musical foundation...

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Electric guitar may be anathema in some circles; it serves a higher purpose here.

Dominic Balli American Dream reviewed in Phantom Tollbooth This polished, reggae-spiced CCM is easy on the ear, but harder to get very excited about.

bamboPerfecto The real star of the album is the ensemble playing, live in the studio – funky jazz fusion with the kind of back-and-forth that only comes when human beings play together.