Reviewed by Tim Walker

Volume 4 of Kingsway's acclaimed 'Celtic Expressions Of Worship' series is barely a year old, yet already it has been reissued as a two-for-one CD set with Volume 3 -conceivably a sign of the popularity of these recordings. As with the first two instalments, what you get here is exemplary Celtic-styled arrangements and performances of favourite Christian worship songs and hymns, played by British roots-orientated Christian musicians such as Dave Clifton, Nick Fletcher and Tim Oliver. Volumes 3 and 4 added vocals to some tracks (1 & 2 were entirely instrumental), and Joanne Hogg's voice adds the same haunt-ingly beautiful sound that she brings to lona's albums. Indeed, so many of the musicians here have a past and/or present association with that group {eg, Teri Bryant, Tim arries, David Fitzgerald, Joanne Hogg, Fiona Davidson), that a similarity in sound is almost inevitable. Not that this is a problem; indeed, quite the opposite, and the inclusion in the booklet of the lyrics to each song (instrumental or otherwise) makes this CD set useful for meditating on the words as one listens. A highly recommended collection... unless of course you already own the single CDs!

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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