Reviewed by Paddy Hudspith

Walton-on-Thames-based jazz composer and arranger Willcox confesses that this is not as obviously Christian a product as his previous 'Good News, Good Music' collection which he recorded with the Backbeat Band a few years back. But the Willcox compositions/arrangements on this 2007 album by the veteran's latest aggregation Band Substance still wears its spiritual heart pretty clearly on its sleeve, including as it does tracks titled "Three In One", "Psalm 98" and (a dead giveaway) a laid-back jazz arrangement of Stuart Townend's "How Deep The Father's Love" featuring an adequate lead vocal by Philippa Stuart. Willcox has assembled a fine collective of gigging London-based jazz musicians here to make a mighty joyful noise, with tracks like opener "Regular Fries" and the lively "Workout" giving the assembled musos quite a (ahem) workout. A very accomplished set, well worth a listen if the big band sound is your thing.

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.