Reviewed by Liz Knowles

20 years ago I sang with the choir at the launch for the original Carol Praise. Its new incarnation includes a CD Rom of indexes, musical arrangements and words to print off, and MP3 files. Times have changed, but in many ways Christmas hasn't - the old favourites are all there, so no one misses out on "Once In Royal David's City", "Hark The Herald Angels Sing", "O Come All Ye Faithful" or "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" - which also has an alternative take as "O West Bank Town Of Bethlehem". "While Shepherds Watched" has two tunes - Cranbrook being better known as On Ilkley Moor. There are lots of familiar tunes ("Land Of Hope And Glory" becomes "Christ Is Surely Coming", for example) and there are also folk and traditional tunes from all over the world. Cliff fans will find "Saviour's Day", there's lots of Kendrick, and even a little Bernadette Farrell, Iona Community and Taize. Those involved in school music would find plenty to try too. My feeling is this is especially useful for massed congregational singing, but I think with well over 200 carols to choose from, there might be enough scope for choirs to find some lesser known gems to introduce. The indexes would definitely prove useful to those planning carol services and concerts.

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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