Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

The making of David Woodman's latest album was very much a labour of love for the Manchester-based singer/songwriter who has taken some of his favourite hymns and recorded them in reverent and faithful fashion. Refreshingly, in this day and age of worship artists substituting the matchless melodies of old hymns with something far inferior, Woodman stays unwaveringly true to the original tunes to allow the wonderful theology-packed words of chestnuts like "When I Survey", "Holy Holy Holy" and "Teach Me My God And King" to take centre stage. Woodman delivers a fairly low key vocal performance to further take the spotlight away from himself and his decision to be surrounded by a group of communal singers makes it feel like you're standing in a church which has a really good praise band, a tuneful congregation and that one person (Woodman) standing near you who you suspect might do a bit of singing on the side. Musically, all involved keep things straightforward and upbeat with little deviation from the manuscript but nice touches such as a hammered dulcimer on "How Great Thou Art", Woodman's fine electric slide playing on "O The Blood Of Jesus" and a Celtic-tinged rendition of "The King Of Love" add the necessary spice to this respectful offering.

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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