The International Staff Songsters Of The Salvation Army - In The Name Of The Lord
STYLE: Choral RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 132096-19761 LABEL: Salvationist Publishing & Supp 5060059763573 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RRP: £13.95
Reviewed by Doug Holland
The International Staff Songsters is regarded as the Salvation Army's foremost choir. They record and perform regularly all over the world and demonstrate a wide range of repertoir. This collection (16 tracks, 68 minutes of music) draws on a variety of sources, including as it does some standards, two tracks suggested by members of the Choir's Facebook group and two recently-composed tracks from the Army's Music Ministries Unit. Just a piano accompaniment for the entire collection could, one might suppose, result in a lack of variety across the end-to-end listen, but the skilful and inventive choral arrangements and the fine performances of the Choir and its soloists ensure this danger never materialises. Lyrically the songs here are clear and direct faith statements and songs of worship, with Jesus placed at the centre. The stated desire of the Choir is to "help.listeners along their spiritual journey." In truth, the Choir rarely fails to achieve this goal.
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.
Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.