Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Christopher Norton does it again creating a middle of the road, smooth, relaxing meditative instrumental experience. This time it features Ms Kanga's fine harp playing accompanied by a unobtrusive programmed backing. Also featured is the excellent oboe of Christine Swan. At times the soloists play a serene musically intertwined ballet, dancing melodically around each other, simple but lovely. My main quibble is in terms of song selection. There's quite a lot of the usual suspects - "Arise Shine". "Amazing Grace". "Abba Father". "Morning Has Broken", etc. leaving me wishing that Mr Norton would consider interpreting a more interesting/modern range of material rather than these tired old tunes. The playing, of course, is absolutely faultless, Skaila is a top class harpist and her CV includes recording with artists as varied as Elton John, Frank Sinatra. Henry Mancini and Pavarotti. This is a class act on a recording designed to soothe your soul -just put it on and drift away. Effectively constructed, beautifully presented and a totally undemanding listening experience. Expect it to be playing on permanent rotation at a Christian bookstore near you. But if I hear another instrumental version of "El Shaddai" it'll be time for a sharp exit and a Lionel Blair!

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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