Pianist Cory Reese makes his fourth outing with "Witness," a pleasing selection of his original works and arrangements. Of the twelve tracks, two are his original compositions, one is a cover of a Kenneth Cope song and the remaining nine are his original arrangements of popular hymns.

I had myself a battle to hear this album straight through. My children kept handling it. I think they liked it. Once I managed to pry the CD out of their hands, I was soothed by his selection of favorites.

I love the piano. I play myself. Almost any pianist will get a glowing review from me because I can recognize talent when I hear it. While Reese isn't as spectacular as some pianists, Dino comes to mind for example; he did craft a solid effort.

My two favorite songs were "God Be with You Till We Meet Again" and "Now the Day is Over" because I could hear the melody most clearly in those two arrangements. The others were a bit harder to pick out. I was unfamiliar with Cope's "Face to Face" but found Sam Payne's vocals earnest enough. Reese's two original works were satisfactory, but again not as showy as something Dino would do. That's not a bad thing. I'm just demonstrating that the two artists are very different.

I rate the album a solid three stars for effort and ease of listening. A good pick for the Sabbath.

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Dacia A. Blodgett-Williams

01. I Know That My Redeemer Lives
02. Did You Think to Pray?
03. Angel Eyes
04. I Am a Child of God
05. Abide With Me
06. I Need Thee Every Hour
07. Nearer, My God, To Thee
08. Come, FOllow Me
09. Looking In
10. God Be With You Til We Meet Again
11. Now The Day Is Over
12. Face to Face (with Sam Payne)