GLASSBYRD Open Wide This Window (Word) 

Marc Byrd and Christine Glass – hence the moniker – demonstrate a pleasing combination of their considerable talents to produce a worshipful, reverent and ultimately joyous album. Byrd, is best known in CCM circles as the leader of the now-defunct Common Children and co-writer of the popular hit “God of Wonders” and his songwriting & guitar skills take center stage here. With the evident influences of Peter Gabriel, U2 and delirious, songs like the thoughtful “Tonight,” the folky “Weight of the World,” the atmospheric “Jesus You Are Beautiful” and yet another version of “God of Wonders” provide the high points. Glass’s ethereal vocals provide a much needed contrast and her contributions more or less tip the scales in favour of a recommendation. B www.wordrecords.com