Reviewed by John Hebden

Hearn and Fettke continue to serve the international hymn singing community with a collection which includes at least part of some 32 different traditional hymns. And, who can blame them, given that their previous releases have already sold over half a million units! 'Blessed Assurance' is a reissue of an ancient project and includes just about everything you would expect an American recording of the all time greatest hymns to have. So, it goes firmly for the traditional - both in choice of material and the choral/orchestral arrangements. The main players are the Nashville String Machine and the list of vocal soloists includes Travis Cottrell. Of course everything on 'Blessed Assurance' is beautifully played and sung though UK ears may find these overblown arrangements of ancient hymns less appealing than our American cousins. 13 out of the 17 tracks are thematic medleys - which does give the CD some much needed freshness. But, in truth, these florid, bombastic arrangements don't serve classic hymnody too well.

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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