Reviewed by John Hebden

Bradford-based pianist and long-time Kendrick associate Steve Thompson leads a swinging Salvation Army Big Band though the greatest hits of the last 100 years of Christian songs. The album is released under the banner of the Salvation Army's Roots project and was recorded in Southport last year at an event which brought together a number of stalwarts of the UK Christian music scene. The playing and singing is okay and some of the arrangements breathe a bit of new life into hackneyed songs ("When The Saints ." for example). However, the most enjoyable bits for me were the all too brief instrumental passages, because the choice of material is so uninspiring . "O Happy Day", "Be Bold" and - oh my goodness - the truly dreadful "Give Me Oil In My Lamp". Even the Kendrick songs seem to date back to a bygone era. The only nod to 21st century writing comes with a medley of Hughes' "Beautiful One" and Tomlin's "Forever", which come as a truly blessed relief. Which all begs the question, why? I guess the Salvation Army link is part of the answer, but don't the Army - with the massive contribution that they have made to church music over the years - demand more of those who choose what they play and sing?

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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