Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Knowing a little of Ralph Carmichael's history (in years past Ralph was the perpetrator of over 70, yep 70, albums of largely eminently forgettable MOR) made me distinctly unenthusiastic to face this, especially as the album's subtitle 'Big Band Gospel' made me recall those lacklustre Big Band Praise albums put out by Kingsway. But once on the CD all bad associations slipped away. This is a top quality band with excellent arrangements that almost approach Stan Kenton on the blaring trumpet ensemble work and some nifty (though too short) solos. The numbers ("Tell It Like It Is", "He's Everything To Me", "My Little World") often come from soundtracks Ralph once provided for Billy Graham movies while there's even a bit of George Gershwin on the title track. A classy album that walked off recently with the Dove Award for Instrumental Album Of The Year.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.