Reviewed by Ato Erzan-Essien

Producer Dave Bankhead has assembled a bunch of British musicians quite a few of whom are well known (Troy Donockley, uillean pipes, whistles; Martin Neil, bodhran, percussion; Simon Bernard-Smith, low whistles) and ditto with the singers (Joanne Hogg, Simon Goodall, Sarah Lacy, Lucy Britten). Starting off with the intense classic hymn "O The Deep, Deep Love Of Jesus" there is good balance between the old and new, but all given a distinctive Celtic twist which goes some way to make each song as atmospheric as they are easy on the ear. Other songs include two much loved hymns that also have strong Irish connections, an instrumental "I Cannot Tell" and "Be Thou My Vision". More modern contributions come courtesy of the likes of the Graham Kendrick-penned "Peace Be To These Streets" and "Through The Days Of Rage And Wonder" as well as Matt Redman's "I Will Offer Up My Life". However, anyone expecting to hear the great words that accompany many of these songs will be disappointed - some numbers are just instrumentals which, as good as they are, still relegate them to the realms of pleasant background music and nothing more.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.