Reviewed by Sue Spencer

Ishmael's second songbook contains all the songs and tunes from his three 'Troopers' albums: 'Trainind Up The Troops', 'Training Up the Troops 2' and 'Songs For Little Troopers'. The layout of the book is much the same as that of Ismael's Family Worship Songbook- a single vocal line with chords above. The Lyics are straightforward and easy to understand without being patronisingly simple. Some songs are obviously writtenwith very littles ones in mind but the majority span Ishmael's "troops" age range- up to 11 years old. Many lyrics will reach deep into 'us adults' too, if we dare to admit it. Tunes range from the slightly trite (perhaps delierately so) to powerful praise songs and beautiful worship settings. Some are predictable, all are essentially easy to learn and sing- interspersed are dancing/marching tunes. The chords are often within the range of aspiring guitarists and pianists so that in many cases the children could accompany themselves. I would question the appropriatness of a couple of chords in several songs, but this may just be personal preference.

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