The Finer Things in Life

Description

The Finer Things in Life is collaborative album project by the British singer, songwriter, and blues guitarist Bryn Haworth and the American singer and songwriter Kevin Prosch, released on Kingsway Music in 1997.

Kevin and Bryn have created a masterpiece. Official! It’s an album I’m pleased to have alongside all my other CDs and vinyl. I’ll also play this to all my friends whether they’re Christian or not! lt is that good. Get the drift? Can I be more subtle? How about, “Go and buy it!” It features two talented guitarists demonstrating superb fret work when ducting or playing solo. The harmonies can’t be faulted. What makes the work stand out is that whilst I normally go for the big electric sound. Kevin and Bryn have opted for the acoustic laid back feel. Acoustic albums can often he a hit or miss affair. They’ve succeeded in maintaining your interest throughout with a variety of musical styles and keeping the percussion to a minimum. Like good cooking, the simple ingredients when blended together often produce the best, tastiest meals. The title track even features a 10 string Peruvian mandolin and a mandola (not Nelson!). The result? A song that would create in your mind summer days, enjoying life. etc. It has a good beat too. This is an album Tom Petty should have released but he can’t because Kevin and Bryn have! Now go and buy it. [Martin Purnell, Cross Rhythms, February 1998]

Very few Americans have been as influential on British Christian music in the past decade as Kevin Prosch. An important influence and mentor for Matt Redman and Martin Smith (delirious?), his own passion-drenched records have sold well but never really clicked with this reviewer… the emotion was rather overpowering. Here, teaming up with guitar virtuoso Bryn Haworth, he presents a more relaxed album of stripped down instrumentation and rather accessible emotional outpourings.

Mostly acoustic in nature, this album’s strongest point is its texturing. Traditional instruments and excellent guitar playing mix to provide many a poignant moment. Bryn Haworth’s slide playing may not be his best, but is certainly more than just appropriate. Lyrics too are well crafted, although not quite as consistent as the music. These lyrics, the first on the album, set the tone well:

I can feel the strength of the melancholy
Whether wild or strange, there’s got to be
Some kinda change around here.
I have climbed to the top of the tallest trees
Just to watch you girl
And the stars go sailing by.

In this stripped back setting, Kevin Prosch’s vocals – which sometimes irritate – are more enjoyable as their warm earthy side comes through clearly, a good addition to the likewise earthy instruments. Still not quite an album I could praise as much as some seem to praise Kevin Prosch’s work, but one which shows a strong partnership that looks set to come together again. I’ll look forward to it. [James Stewart, The Phantom Tollbooth, 10/07/98]

CD tracklist:

01. I Need To Sing
02. Blue Jumper
03. So Much Grace
04. The Finer Things In Life
05. I Weep For You Now
06. I Heard A Voice
07. Water From The Rock
08. Haley’s Song
09. When This Passing World Is Done

Note: The Bryn Haworth written tracks from the album are available at Bandcamp: https://brynhaworth.bandcamp.com/album/kansas-city-sessions