Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

The Keswick Convention scarcely needs an introduction as a popular annual Bible teaching event and, with 2015 being its 140th year, Keswick Ministries has released this retrospective collection of sung worship live recordings. Whilst for obvious reasons we cannot hear what the singing sounded like in 1875, attendees from more recent years will recognise songs and hymns that have stood the test of time and remained popular year after year. Apart from the traditional hymns the majority of the songs included were written in the 1995-2005 period; classics such as "When I Was Lost You Came And Rescued Me", "There's A Place Where The Streets Shine" and "Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord". Only four written since then are given a place, the most recent being "10,000 Reasons". Across the 30 tracks the various worship leaders are not identified, although you're bound to recognise voices such as Stuart Townend and Kristyn Getty. The songs and hymns all fit together well stylistically; on the whole definitely more MOR than pop, reflecting the style of the event, and some of the more hymn-like arrangements perhaps come across a little flat on CD. In terms of picking out highlights, the Stuart Townend/Phil Baggaley adaptation of "It Is Well" swings along in a joyful, gentle country style, the pedal bass note in the final chorus giving it a real lift. Paul Oakley's "Who Is There Like You" is presented in a gently funky style and Laura Story's epic song of God's glory, "Indescribable", is uplifting. A good set of memories for Keswick regulars.

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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