Peter Penrose

Brentwood Records

CD $15.98/Cass $10.98

Diversity is key in funky release

A little bit of pop rock, a little bit of gospel, and a little bit of traditional church music all blend together in the sound of Peter Penrose's new self-titled release. Penrose grew up in Florida listening to his mother's extensive record collection which included everything from the bluesy pop sound of Charlie Rich and the gospel music of André Crouch to the silky smooth Carpenters and Lionel Richie.

For listeners it has resulted in a topnotch first release with Penrose's tenor voice sliding easily from one rhythm to another, always clear and in sync with singable lyrics. The intensity of his voice on songs such as "Long Live the King" have a California sound, and a few of the special effects seem a little funky. From the opening rock sound of "Thank God, the Water Is Free," to the pulsing keyboard and soaring pleas of "Rest Assured," Peter Penrose will have your foot tapping.

Penrose has walked on the wild side a bit during the turbulent teenage years. "I had a long time where I fell away and doubted and denied. It was when I went away to college that my relationship with Christ really kicked in." Now only 29, he toured for a couple of years with Truth. In 1992 he and his wife Nicki moved to Nashville so Penrose could pursue his musical career. He continued to sing in churches and for Prison Fellowship Ministry as he started to get session work and shop his songs. Brentwood Music signed the new artist, and we suspect it's the first of more to come.

Hope is the theme of Penrose's music. "I haven't had a rosy life, but God has still made it a good life. There's always hope." Go have a listen to his cut of "Hope in my Heart" and you'll believe it.

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