Reviewed by Andy Cooper

A cheap 'n' cheerful box set reissue of Nick Fletcher's 'Classical Praise Guitar: Soften My Heart' (1994), Stuart Townend's 'Classical Praise Piano: Come Holy Spirit (1995) and Bob McKay's 'Classical Praise Flute: Here Is Love' (1992). For many people, this collection of three CDs would provide the perfect medicine for the end of a stressful day, to calm the mind and re-focus on our creator, or to help the troubled mind find rest at night. The arrangements are smooth and the playing skilful, with enough variety to stop sleep coming too soon: Bob MacKays' flute on "O Heaven Is In My Heart" provides some Latin jazz; while the vibe of "Let Your Living Water Flow" reminds me a lot of guitar giant Pat Metheney; and "All Creatures." brings a string quartet and church organ together. This really is very relaxing music, generally without being dull or uninteresting. One criticism could be for the choice of songs to "instrumentalise": the majority are from the '80s. Though they may be classics from Mission Praise and Songs Of Fellowship, it does nothing to help the stereotype of who will purchase this kind of music. For goodness sake, don't even think of playing it to anyone under 30! But for those who are happy to rid themselves of beat-boxes, decks and crunchy guitars, don't let the sniggers of the young put you off. This reviewer testifies that he has benefited spiritually from these CDs, but to listen to all three in one sitting could cause a coma. Like strong medicine it is effective, but use in small doses.

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