(27 May 2000) Tammy Trent, with her empassioned spirit for the Lord,shares her fire for music in Set You Free (SPC/D 1732, 2000), herfirst release on Sparrow Records (USA). Like many other secularartists, Trent grew up around the Church. Following her motherby travelling to churches, women's conferences, nursing homes,and prisons, Trent learned that "Christian music was a verypowerful thing, full of hope and a huge source of strength."This latest 9-track album was produced by Michael Linney but includestwo tracks produced by Mark Hammond. The album's executiveproducer was Grant Cunningham. The music on the album is bestcategorised as pop.

Seeing Amy Grant in concert gave Tammy an urge that pushed a dreamforward. "She was affecting my life so much, I thought it wouldbe awesome if I could inspire a little girl someday just like shedid me," Tammy recalls. From then on, she knew her dream was music.

Set You Free has not only upbeat tunes, but ballads too. TammyTrent sings under Gospel influence, but her music incorporates R&B and popas well. "My Irreplaceable," "I Do Believe," "If You Need Love," "Everybody Move With It" and "He's Right There" are all upbeat songs but each has a different musical influence. "He's Right There" brings out a strong R&B influence. "Everybody Move WIth It" uses a pop influence withrap vocals by DjMaj. These tunes really show that she is excitedto perform with her zest for life while spreading God's word.

Trent easily switches gears and channels that energy into a quietreverance with ballads like "Light of Love" and "Your Love Pursues.""Light of Love" is a song about the importance about being areflection of the Lord. "That song is a prayer for me me thatspeaks so true to my heart about simply being a reflection of God in all I do," says Trent. On "Your Love Pursues," she addressesthe miracale of God's love and forgiveness and its awesomemagnitute. "How God's love pursues us is an amazing thing,"says Trent.

"Without You" and "Trusting You" really bring out the Gospel influencein Tammy Trent's music. She shows through an upbeat ballad that she is true to Jesus and she needs direction in her life. "I seemyself growing closer to more of an image of Christ."

It's imperative to Tammy that she record only songs that speaktruth that she can both relate to herself and others. She takesher responsibility as a conduit for God's love seriously andhopes to continue growing and reaching more and more peopleas she stretches as an artist in future years.

This latest album from Tammy Trent can be further exploredat her website or at Sparrow'sexcellent website. Youcan read further reviews, hear soundbites and order the album atamazon.com (link will be provided) from June 20. Certainly worthy of further exploration, the album is a nice listen!—Deborah J. Elliot