Reviewed by Tony May

Nice to see the presumably ongoing success of this series covering the great hymn writers, this is Vol 6 by my reckoning. It pleases me that the timeless contribution made in times past still finds a market and should therefore survive. It's pleasantly refreshing to hear the lovely old standards such as "Jesus Call Us" performed by a smoothly polished choir in the clear acoustics of Coventry Cathedral. Makes you wonder if current trends aren't becoming maybe too overheated and frantic. These two ladies (yes, old Cecil was a "she" - you learn something every day!) gave us a treasure store of such gems as "I Am Trusting Thee Lord Jesus" and "Who Is On The Lord's Side?". Some lyrics definitely suffer from 19th century attitudes though, take the "All Things Bright And Beautiful" verse "The rich man in his castle/The poor man at his gate/God made them high or lowly/And ordered their estate." That kept the rabble in their place, eh? Still, an important collection, preserving much of lasting value

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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