Reviewed by Ewan Jones

I have to admit to having a real soft spot for inspirational Celtic music - it has a power to move, combined with an earthy spirituality that embraces history and origins, rhythm and reflection, providing a powerful way to focus on our loving, profound God of mystery and creation. The music on the double CD and is of a high quality. Sarah Lacy's voice is haunting and Terl Bryant's percussion is as sensitive and provocative as ever. There are one or two odd arrangements, but they don't stand out amongst such a high standard of musicianship and imagination. It is clear that thought and prayer has gone into the preparation and performance on these discs. The problems? Once more, the music on this package has been previously released - as 'Celtic Praise' (1998) and 'Celtic Reflections On Hymns' (1999). It is fine to re-release music, but the outside of the box does not make it clear that you're being offered re-issued recordings, not new material. Furthermore, EMI CMG, if you're going to put two CDs together, it could be worth checking they don't have the same songs on them! "Amazing Grace" and "There Is A Redeemer" feature on both discs and the recording of "There Is A Redeemer" is exactly the same version on both. If you enjoy Celtic music and happened to have missed these the first time then this is a bargain set. But such painfully shoddy packaging must affect the rating.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.