Reviewed by A T Bradford

Each year Spring Harvest showcases new material with a studio set and with some fine session talents in the crystal clear tones of Cathy Burton and Nicki Rogers this two CD set is pretty strong. CD 1 opens with a Graham Kendrick/Paul Baloche number "He Is Risen". A standout track is the 2012 Farro/Wickham/Riddle number "This Is Amazing Grace", now almost a classic, performed with tight synth and electric guitar courtesy of the multi-talented Dan Wheeler. CD 1 closes with the 2013 Tim Hughes offering "The Cross Stands", co-written with Matt Redman, Nick Herbert and Ben Cantelon. Writers are increasingly working in partnership nowadays and the lyrics are benefitting. CD 2 opens with "Christ Is Enough", a Hillsong number by Reuben Morgan and Jonas Myrin. "All Or Nothing" is a Pete James song about the crucifixion that unfortunately falls into the common error of confusing the dual meaning of hamartia and makes Christ become sin instead of a sin-offering. There are some updated hymns here as well - "And Can It Be", "O The Blood" and "Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven" all emerge into the new millennium, and happily none the worse for wear. Matt Redman and Jonas Myrin's "Mercy" crowns the disc helped by some sparkling piano from Nicki Rogers.

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