Reviewed by Stephen Luff

Amongst the duties of the International Staff Band is to make monthly weekend visits to corps of the Salvation Army, presenting concerts and aiding worship. On this CD, the world's most famous brass band, under Staff Bandmaster Stephen Cobb, presents listeners with a quality collection of songs that demonstrate exemplary musicianship. From the enthusiastic title track to the more gentle "A Special Moment" and the beautiful "The Garden" (Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend), the variety of repertoire and the crisp ensemble work keep the listener's attention throughout. They even play a composition called "Cross-Rhythms". ISB also demonstrate 'text painting', a technique used by composers to musically portray ideas already expressed in words - in this case Good Friday. This is a fine example of a brass band who, even after decades of faithful service and hundreds of musicians passing through their ranks, can still grip listeners with their consummate skill and interpretive powers.

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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