Reviewed by Ewan Jones

Clearly a niche release, this CD is intended, as the title suggests, to be an audio Advent calendar. Each track ranges in length from one and a half minutes to five minutes - perhaps an addition to quiet time rather than a replacement. Each day begins with a song, either a traditional instrumental rendition of a popular carol, or a band arrangement of original, modern songs. There is a sharp contrast in quality between the recordings; the St Michael le Belfrey Chamber Ensemble are clearly recorded and mixed, while the modern band recordings of the St Michael le Belfrey Musicians fare less well - although the songs themselves are good, they are let down by poor timing and sound quality. David Smith's thoughts for each day tend to last a minute or so and are made up of Bible readings and portions of teaching relating to spiritual fruit and life. This is an intriguing project that some will find edifying and inspirational this Christmas - it's a shame more time was not taken in the recording.

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