Reviewed by Nigel Harris

I was briefly taken in by the 1999 date stamped on these CDs because, as the liner notes reveal, they were actually recorded in January 1997! Not only that, but CR reviewed the single CDs in 1997 and gave them nine squares so what more can I say? To start with, why has Kingsway repackaged these (in the fattest CD case ever, plus identical cardboard sleeve)? The few words on the back of both proclaim that these albums feature "authentic Celtic instruments and the finest musicianship from the foremost names in the UK Christian Celtic music scene" - so why not tell us, who they are (or at least were three years ago). My back issues of CR confirmed my suspicions that this is basically an lona and friends project and, yes, the performances and production are first class. I was surprised by the predominance of solo piano and guitar tracks, neither of which are instantly recognised as classic Celtic instruments, but forgetting the Celtic moniker I thoroughly enjoyed lis­tening to and singing along to these albums. The liner notes are, by the way, simply the full lyrics of all 23 songs so if worship lona-style appeals to you, get these and chill out in God's presence!

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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