Chris Knight's highly anticipated Heart of Stone (Grifter's Church Productions) contains vocals and songwriting that exceed the set's high expectation level. There's not a single forgettable or disposable work among the 12 selections and several like "Homesick Gypsy," "Crooked Road," "Miles to Memphis" and "Go On Home" rank among Knight's best numbers and recorded performances.

The session features two-guitar backing from Mike McAdam and Dan Baird (who doubles as its producer) with the rhythm section of bassist Keith Christoper and drummer Mike Grando framed by everything from strings and organ to trombone, banjo or accordion lines and stylings.

Knight's compositions ably explore issues from anger and alienation to perseverance and inspiration, and his riveting leads are balanced by fleeting, effective acoustic guitar accompaniment. This is a marvelous release whose quality holds up through repeated listening. --- Ron Wynn