Reviewed by Ian Hayter

The All Souls Orchestra, under the direction of Noel Tredinnick, has become something of an institution in Christian music making, so it's only right that they should indulge themselves with a disc to celebrate their first 25 years. The music is superbly played, the atmosphere of live performance enhances the feeling of worship, and the guests perform magnificently. The disc opens with Cliff Richard singing "From A Distance" (he also sings "When I Survey" and the wonderful "No Power In Pity"). Graham Kendrick contributes three songs ("Shout!", "White Horse" and "Rejoice. Rejoice"), none of which loses anything by being accompanied by a full orchestra. David Suchet reads a couple of Psalms (Psalm 139 is stunning). And Catherine Fish sings two songs. Unfortunately, her voice doesn't seem quite right for "Gospel Train" and the arrangement of "My Song Is Love Unknown" (here entitled "O Who Am I?") doesn't really get going. The orchestral pieces (Tchaikovsky. Bach. Richard Rodgers. Clive Malabar) are played with real verve and aplomb and the performance of '"And Can It Be" raises the hairs on the back of your neck! This is music played quite obviously for the glory of God, with skill and passion that is often lost in the slick imports which reach us from across the Atlantic. At over 75 minutes of music (and applause) you're certainly getting your money's worth.

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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