NEW AND NOTABLE "B.C. native Michael Hart's newest project, Desire, was four years in the making and recorded in a home studio, but don't expect a homemade sound. Hart, who wrote most of the songs on the album, brings in top musical talent and some interesting instrumentation including the bodhran, bouzouki and bagpipes."

"First, full disclosure: some years ago, I was privileged to be part of a church worship team led by Michael Hart. It left me with a lasting impression of a skilled instrumentalist, imaginative arranger and deeply committed singer. All of these factors, as well as his songwriting gifts, are readily apparent on his latest CD. "The idea behind Desire is not just about our longing for God," he writes in the liner notes. "It is about his desire for us. Any wanting on our end must pale in comparison to his passion and love for us." The title song effectively expresses gratitude to God; 'You are the One' and 'Glory to You Lord' are fine tributes to Jesus; 'He Called' extols Christ's many forms of outreach; and 'Shout for Joy' adapts Psalm 100 to include explicit references to Jesus. 'Surely Goodness and Mercy' - whose title is taken from Psalm 23 - skillfully emphasizes that, through Christ's work, this Psalm will come true. As Hart's richly expressive voice has ripened, it has acquired an edge of tenderness to augment its strength. On this outing, it is nicely enhanced by guests Garth Bowen, Spencer Capier and Graham Ord