Reviewed by Phil Thomson You've heard of trad jazz? Well, here are trad hymns in all their glory; that distinctive moment when there is no mistaking the genre - classics, oldies, standards. This 2 CD instrumental set is an evocation of a time when you were familiar with the whole song from the first verse. It was dependable, structured and also managed to re-affirm your grasp on theology with every 'thee' and 'thou'. Only, here there are no words this time - just classical piano, harp & strings, flute & guitar, cello, saxophone and something the sleeve describes as 'Celtic Sounds'. On the one hand, it is no more than spiritual elevator music, and you'll find yourself struggling to recall the words to the second verse while you hum along. On the other, these memorable melodies are exemplars of the hymn-writing craft - and a deeply moving, reassuring listening experience, brought to life through simple, sensitive arrangements. The titles themselves speak volumes: "O The Deep Deep Love Of Jesus", "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go", "O Perfect Love", "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" - the 'O's' setting the reflective tone for the first disc - which also includes "Love Divine All Love's Excelling", "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross" and "In Heavenly Love Abiding". The choice is intended to 'focus our attention on God's unfailing love'. Disc 2 is labeled as 'Hymns of Worship' and counts titles such as "Hallelujah! What a Saviour", "Immortal Invisible", "Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven" as part of an uplifting praise canon. You can definitely get on with things around the house while this is on. For Christians of a certain age.
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On this special all instrumental double disc set, CD1 features hymns which focus our attention on God’s unfailing love while CD2 reflects our inevitable response to that truth as we pour out our hearts in Worship.
The melodies to these time honoured classic hymns are here presented in a range of easy listening styles with Classical Piano, Harp & Strings, Flute & Guitar, Cello, Saxophone, and Celtic Sounds.
A perfect aid to meditation and quiet times, or simply use as a backdrop to everyday living. |