Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

As Cross Rhythms reported in a recent interview with Somerset-born viola player Annie Routley, the accomplished instrumentalist is given front sleeve billing on this collection of songs by Birmingham's Christian musical composer Roger Jones. Taken from a number of Jones' musicals such as 'Wildfire', 'From Pharaoh To Freedom' and 'David', Routley is also responsible for arranging each track and succeeds in offering up a relatively eclectic programme despite the risks of using one of the less celebrated instruments of the orchestra as its lead. To supplement her performance on viola and to keep proceedings fresh, Routley goes for a fuller sound in the likes of "Suddenly/Jesus Has Called Us" but it's when she dispenses with the electronic backing and relies on a more organic sound that her work really shines - a case in point being "When I See The Blood" which features just a string octet to achieve a poignant feel. Elsewhere, "Let Us Fix Our Eyes Upon Jesus" - written by Routley herself - is a contemplative song of worship that employs the skills of cornet player Kevin Mantle whilst the melodic "High Up On A Hillside" is one of two Christmas tunes featured on this pleasant release from one of Christendom's unsung treasures.

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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