Reviewed by Peter Williams

This album first excited me and felt quite qualified to do so, having a wife and children who are interested in the violin and my only claim to being musically gilled was receiving a record token for Christmas and although I do listen lo classical music. Saying all this I found this a little disappointing not doubting the sincerity of Peter Shurley or his skill and commitment to this album and remembering his comments on the inlay card that tells us. "Recording this selection of sacred hymns was both enjoyable and uplifting. I pray that as blessed as I was to record them so you may be as you listen." This album starts off with a great favourite of mine, "Amazing Grace", and many other classic hymns like "Just As I Am" and "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross" and finishes the last track with Peter's version of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness". Many of the tracks are very moving and inspiring and although the violin is accompanied with a range of other instruments, the violin sometimes seems to sound more electronically doctored rather than the crystal clear sound that only a violin can make. Plus, the overall effect is a little repetitive.

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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