Reviewed by Tony May

You forget don't you. With all the current ruckus and din, you forget the cool classical beauty of great hymns given a pure, skilful traditional rendering. Hearing them again sung this beautifully brings echoes of a time when simple faith sufficed for simple lifestyle. How did it all get so complex? Has Christian simplicity gone forever? This collection introduces a Kingsway series on 'The Hymn makers', each with a booklet providing a biography and some absorbing info. The recording took place in Coventry Cathedral and features the excellent St Michaels's Singers with organist David Poulter, and occasional brass. Ol' Isaac's songs come up fresh and exciting and how refreshing to hear lyrics with some strongly stated solid truth. The old boy would have surely winced at some of our contemporary fluff. Well recommended, an enjoyable programme of all-time great music.

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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