Reviewed by Peter Dilley

Although it's subtitled "More songs, stories and prayers from Northumbria", the opening track of this second collection featuring singer/songwriter/guitarist Andrew Lobb is actually about another island of pilgrimage. However, "Reflections Beside Iona" does give an accurate indication of Andrew's plain and unadorned acoustic folk style. Punctuating his music are spoken contributions from David Adam (the Anglican Minister on Lindisfarne) and Ray Sampson of the Community of Aidan and Hilda. Thought-provoking and challenging words, but on a CD it feels a bit like taking in a week's worth of Thought For The Day in one sitting. And returning to the songs, it's certainly not quite as easy on the ears as you might first expect: "For All Things Bright And Beautiful" (a rewrite of the children's hymn) is "in response to the needless slaughter of so many animals during the Foot and Mouth Epidemic 2001." To make the best of 'Pools Of Light', I'd suggest it's best listened to in instalments.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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