Reviewed by Dave Massey

The classical praise series that Kingsway have begun compiling is more of a clever marketing ploy than an accurate label for the music that is produced under the title. This album comprises mainly of slow tempo soporific piano renditions of choruses like "Be Still", 'The Steadfast Love Of The Lord" and "Spirit Of The Living God". Hardly 'classic' melodies by any standard as choruses are by nature simple and repetitive. Having said that, if you listen to some Richard Clayderman classics the melodies are hardly more challenging, but his use of inventions like playing the melody in octaves and varying the treatment of the tune turns a melody into a piece of music. That's what is lacking on this recording ~ nothing to alleviate the boredom - everything sounds the same. Even something as simple as moving through related keys on each new piece would have gone some way toward providing more interest. On a spiritual level, sitting back and letting this kind of music wash over you while you enjoy a bit of communion with the Lord reveals the ministry aspect to this kind of instrumental music which in my book certainly brooks no criticism.

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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