Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

When you buy a Salvation Army Band album you tend to know what to expect - usually uplifting hymns and brass band instrumentals. You get all that and more on this live album from Norwich, enough to make it stand out from the crowd. For example there's a Taizé hymn - "Oh Lord Hear My Prayer" and a track "It's A Great Day" that sounds as much like Glen Miller as it does the Salvation Army. There are plenty of meaningful readings between songs, the inclusion which may not be to everybody's liking - not everyone likes their music interrupted - but it does make listening to the album a more varied prayerful experience. The vocal work is also varied, from the traditional choir sound on "I Know A Fount" to the children's choir on the upbeat gospel-sounding "Shoes", which perhaps could have done with more than solo piano accompaniment. The uptempo "I Will Rejoice" almost sounds like pop! The brass band instrumentals are also varied - from the lively "Shalom" to the soft and aptly titled "Shrine Of Quietness". My favourite song was the most beautiful "He Knows My Name", a setting of Psalm 139. The accompanying booklet is comprehensive, with background notes, lyrics and full credits.

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