Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

If you like choral music this is sure to be a treat - excellent arrangements, soaring vocals, faultless harmonies, a great sense of sincerity and commitment. I'd love to see them live as my stereo couldn't possibly do justice to the quality of the music. That being said the recording is very professional, with high standards throughout. A look at the composers list shows the ensemble's eclecticism - Andrae Crouch, Vaughn Williams, John Rutter and Graham Kendrick among others. The piano accompaniment by Elliot Launn excels throughout, while Philip Smith's trumpet is effectively used at times. Andrew Shires (percussion) and Chris Carter (bass) also provide subtle support. But of course it is the voices that carry this album, and they are wonderfully balanced. I can't think of any track where they let the listener down. Perhaps there could be more variety in the songs, but admittedly things do liven up with "Anastasis" by Malcolm Westwood and Richard Phillips, and on the African-American spiritual "My God Is A Rock". On Rutter's "Oh Be Joyful In The Lord" the choir really does capture the atmosphere of joy while "Divine Right" by Janet Arter and Derick Kane is a very moving hymn. The conductor of ISS, Dorothy Nancekievill, can be proud of her work.

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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