Reviewed by David Smale

Those of us who are not Welsh do not understand the depth of feeling there is about Welsh history, singing and hymn writers. It is woven in to the very fabric of Welsh society (just listen to the fans when Wales next play a rugby international). What Mal Pope has done is to take some of the better known Welsh hymn tunes - "Crugybar", "Gwaboddiad", "Tydi a Roddaist" and others and put his own lyrics to them. He has also recorded other traditional Welsh hymns -"Cwm Rhondda" and "Calon Lan" and given them his own arrangements. "The Jacks" supply most of the musical backing, and very accomplished it is too. 'Land of my Children' is well produced, pleasant to listen to and has some very good arrangements. II is not my cup of tea, but those who enjoy Cliff Richard singing hymns will thoroughly enjoy this CD. Mai Pope wants to take the Christian heritage of the Welsh past and pass it on to the next generation, without losing sight of the fact that God is alive and well in this generation. It's an impossible task in one CD, but it is a good place to start.

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