Derby Central Songsters - Glorious Power

Published Tuesday 22nd November 2005
Derby Central Songsters - Glorious Power
Derby Central Songsters - Glorious Power

STYLE: Choral
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 13677-3719
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Ian Hayter

The Derby Salvation Army Songsters, under the musical direction of Ian Hammond, are well known in the Midlands and widely travelled in Europe and the United States. This, their latest album, was specially produced to coincide with a tour of Sweden. It contains all the hallmarks of a great Songsters' programme - powerful settings of old hymns, in this case "When I Survey", Fanny Crosby's "Give Me Jesus" and "Sing Alleluia", a reworking of St Francis's well known hymn by Harold Burgmayer: some gospel favourites such as "Great, Great Morning" and Andrae Crouch's "You Can Depend On Me" and newer songs in the same style ("Somebody Prayed For Me" and, from Norway, "You Are The Light"): a couple of settings of Bible passages ("With Wings As Eagles" by Benjamin Harlan and Howard Evans's "Psalm Of Thanks"): two pieces by John Rutter, including the beautiful final number "Gaelic Blessing": and the nine minute mini-choral suite which gives the album its title. It's all very well sung, with fine accompaniment on the keyboards by Graham Eacott (occasionally assisted by Philip Eacott on bass and Michael Fox on percussion). I couldn't help feeling that a couple of the grander arrangements could have done with a fuller accompaniment, but that's not to detract from a fine album which will certainly appeal to all fans of the Salvationist style.

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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Reader Comments

Posted by Matt beadle in derby @ 11:45 on Feb 26 2007

i found the harmonies delectable and the piano playing was nothing short of remarkable! This wonderful collection makes for an exciting evening of listening!



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