Reviewed by Chris Tozer

Alternate tracks on this album feature music composed by Keith Duke and taken from an earlier Kevin Mayhew recording entitled 'Sacred Waves'. 'Celtic Journey' also includes a series of six short talks written and spoken by Ray Simpson who is the Guardian of the worldwide Community of Aidan and Hilda. Both Simpson and Duke regard the Holy Island of Lindisfarne as a spiritual home. Simpson names his talks after the series of centuries old landmark posts that have guided pilgrims across the sands to the island where he has made his home. Worn down over the years but recently restored, he regards these signs as an illustration of how Celtic Christianity has been restored in recent years. On each spoken track he examines a key feature of this long lost church and how it can impact on our lives today. Mindful of the way so-called Celtic styles of worship have come to dominate the Greenbelt Festival in recent years I was not looking forward to listening to these talks. Yet, I have to admit to have found them immensely refreshing - in much the same way as gentler forms of music such as Keith Dukes' six pieces. The simple repetition of the first track, "Here Am I, Lord" reminds me of Taize music whilst "In Nomine" features a delightful arrangement for an augmented flute ensemble. Personally, I would have preferred it as an instrumental piece as I am no great lover of formal choirs. But, for those who are, this album should serve as an unusual yet effective introduction to Celtic Christianity today.

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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