In a fair world, Terl Bryant would be docked simply for leaving Iona, one of the most talented bands in the U.K. Little do Americans know, however, that Bryant has been recording solo music on the side, and Timbrel is a fine sampling of it.
The songs here are drawn from two albums, Psalm and Beauty...as far as the eye can see, both of which apparently focus on Celtic-flavored worship, similar to what Iona does, but with greater commercial appeal. Bryant writes or co-writes most of the songs, and any of them would translate beautifully to a church setting. "The Battle Prayer," for example, features a riveting tribal beat and a triumphant vocal from Ben Okafor. Other tracks, such as "Christ Be in Me" and "Do Not Fear," are more ethereal. Bryant himself does not sing; he instead plays most of the percussion and lets others, such as Okafor and Iona's Joanne Hogg, take care of the vocals.
Although the work here is not as lush and innovative as Bryant's old band, Timbrel will satisfy anyone who can't wait for the next Iona album. The one mistake here is "Israel," a smooth jazz track unable to save itself from Kenny G comparisons, but that's what a skip button is for.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Daren AllderThis album is a compilation of material from Bryant's albums Psalm and Beauty...As Far As The Eye Can See. Timbrel is Bryant's introductory release into the USA on the Rhythm House label, under the 'Rhythm of Worship' banner, along with albums by Adrian Snell and Bryant's former Iona colleague, Dave Fitzgerald. For this supposedly solo set, Bryant utilizes the services of his Iona band-mates, his…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Shari LloydMost people are familiar with Terl Bryant for his work as drummer with Iona. Few US fans are aware that he also released two solo albums in the UK. The best of these songs from Psalm and Beauty...As Far As the Eye Can See is finally being released in the US on the Rhythm House label under the title Timbrel. The album consists of a series of psalms, worship songs, and instrumentals set to jazz,…
