Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

I really do dread this sort of album. No matter that it's beautifully played, well produced and all that, the prospect of having to listen to a tinkly Steinway and accompanying ensemble ambling its way through all sorts of 'inspirational' music is daunting. Not only that, but when the tracks include quasi-spiritual stuff like 'Chariots Of Fire','The Wind Beneath My Wings', 'Fur Elise', 'You Light Up My Life' and 'What A Wonderful World' (after Louis Armstrong rather that Chris Eaton), that's when the Cheese-ometer hits hyperdrive. The gushing sleevenotes don't help either; such phrases as '.lose yourself in the beauty of the arrangements .. Elegant, soothing sounds . timeless, beautiful songs. music for your refreshment and reflection' should have been printed in purple. I'd love to know who buys an album like this, thanks to a blandness transplant and quadruple passion bypass, it's nothing more than a therapy tool for insomniacs. If you're fed up counting sheep, try this; otherwise avoid.

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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