Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Alan Opie is one of Britain's most respected vocalists with an international career in opera and oratorio. He has long wanted to record an album of sacred material and now, thanks to the sterling efforts of a new Cornish-based record company he has done so. And what a delight it is. Handling with consummate ease a wide range of material from Ralph Vaughan Williams' "The Call" through to the Negro Spiritual "Swing Low Sweet Chariot". Opie exquisitely and sensitively handles each song, the rich, resonant timbre of his voice bringing life even to over familiar pieces like Gounod's "Ave Maria". And if the rich intensity of that song is a little flamboyant for your palate there's a light, fluid version of Aaron Copeland's "Shaker Song". A fine album which hopefully will get the distribution it deserves.

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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