Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The tireless troubadour here releases an album with the potential to become recognised as his most important work ever. Having got hold of the important teaching that the whole of life should be an act of worship and that we need to step away from the unbiblical idea that worship can only be a sung response in a congregational setting, Sammy here sets out with a cast of thousands (well, dozens. . .) to bring believers a set of songs which are truly an aid to personal devotion. There are many highlights. Sammy and his wife Kylie (who together record and tour as The Sweet Sorrows) offer a Celticana vocal to "Wild Goose", a song which reminds us that the bird of Celtic spirituality was not a gentle dove, but a warrior bird. Then there's "The Nail-Pierced King", featuring veteran Ulsterman Rodney Cordner as well as Sammy and Kylie; "Fearfully, Wonderfully, Beautifully" which has a heart-stopping vocal from Holland's Katie De Veau; and "The Kissing Bridge", inspired by a bridge in Amsterdam. Playing throughout is top-rate, with American Randy Kirkman's guitar and Tim Cotterell's fiddles, pipes, mandolin and accordion all weaving delicious acoustic folk sounds. Complete with beautiful artwork from the Lindisfarne Scriptorium, this is truly an exceptional work of art. And one which will inspire all who seek it out.

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