Search - Jim Cole :: Leap of Faith

Christian folk-rock excellance!

08/21/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Passion and excellance abound on this CD. From the start you're aware that Leap of Faith is a rare cut. While the comparison to James Taylor is unavoidable, Jim Cole is no JT wanna be. Jim Cole lays down track after track of great songs, superbly performed, tremendously appealing to lovers of great acuoustic guitar and song, but moreover provocative in their manifestation of real faith. It's soon obvious that Jim Cole is gifted. The songs range from merely beautiful to hard cut passionate statements of faith. If you like excellent acoustic folk-rock that speaks of more than just "feelin good" but touches on your soul...get this CD."

Put Jim up there with Keaggy, King, and Dente

06/18/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Among the great acoustical guitarists on the Christian scene today is Jim Cole.When you hear him, don't be put off by the vocal and guitar similarities with James Taylor. You will at times hear both on Jim's albums. But Jim moves beyond JT in ways and establishes himself as a truly gifted songwriter and musician.Whereas the songwriting and arrangements on "Merciful God" (the previous album) seemed a bit simpler, the songs here are rich, both lyrically and musically. Jim's style will remind you musically of the early James Taylor, and lyrically of the early Bob Bennet (another great Christian guitarist and songwriter). The songwriting here is made stronger by the cowriting of Kelly Willard (on two songs) and the cover of an old Mark Heard song, "Castaway".All of the songs have strong, straightforward Christian content. Some of the songs focus on the Lord: "Shepherd of All Who Wander", the beautiful hymn "Be Thou My Vision", "Deep As the Ocean Blue" and "He Leads Us On" (a duit with Kelly Willard). Others deal with how God is the answer for lifes challenges: "Let Us Be One", "Castaway", "Remedy for This", and the title cut "Leap of Faith". We even get to hear a bit of humor on "Simple Song".Among my favorites is "Remedy for This" where Jim sings: "Remedy for this/solution for that/Voices and choices between fiction and fact/So much talk about cures but I've only found one/Down on my knees before His crucified Son."Though not well known, Jim deserves to be considered with the great guitarists of our day. You won't be disappointed by his mellow sound, excellent guitar work, solid arrangements, and straightforward and uplifting lyrics. Like JT did on his early efforts, Jim's music becomes richer and deeper with each new installment. I can't wait for the next one."