Reviewed by Tony Cummings

A double CD, thematically arranged (‘Dance Of The Morning’, ‘Dance Of The Evening’, ‘Dance Of The Resurrection’), this is haunting instrumental Celtic stuff from a choice selection of Brit musicians, plus one or two super sessioners like Troy Donockly, Dave Clifton and Dave Fitzgerald. Most of it works beautifully, the ancient Francis Of Assisi hymn “All Creatures Of Our God And King” transformed into a fluid Celtic air while Dave Bilbrough’s “O The Valleys Shall Ring” with its wistful fiddle from Chris Haigh sounding like it was recorded centuries ago. Sometimes the arrangements don’t work, Stuart Townend’s “Lord How Majestic You Are” led by acoustic guitar and flute sounding not in the least Celtic and veering perilously close to lift music. Mostly though, producers Tim Oliver and Nigel Palmer lead the musos faultlessly through the well known choruses and hymns. If you’re looking for Celtic instrumentals this three CD set could do nicely.

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