Reviewed by Ewan Jones

This CD contains 15 songs written and performed by Farrell that range from traditionally structured hymn to choruses, call and response chants and some more exotic arrangements. For this selection Farrell has chosen her own songs written as far back as 1982 and combined them with newer compositions. Here the choir is directed by Frank Brownstead and they are accompanied by a band that ranges from church organ to African drums to penny whistles. The musicians turn their hands well to a number of different styles. Everyone involved is competent and the live recording creates atmosphere, however it doesn't sound like much effort was made to mic up and mix the instruments so they feel in the distance, as if somebody just placed a tape recorder in the middle of the room and pressed record. The voices are treated with a bit more respect although on songs like "Bearer Of Peace" it really is hard to make out what the choir are singing (in some sort of weird irony, I sound like my mum here). Bernadette is a giant in the liturgical music field but there are much better recordings than this one of hers currently available.

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