Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Conductor Edwin Shepherd presided over these recordings made between 1957 and 1961. For their time, they arc an excellent example of church worship as it used to be. The album contains some absolute classics in its 65 minutes selection including "When I Survey" and "I Need Thee Every Hour". As a snapshot of a choir at the height of its powers, the album still has a certain charm. Elsewhere the world was discovering rock "n" roll but the Church got down to this sort of nice sacred song. Close your eyes and picture a congregation of flowery hats, twin set, tweed and pearls - and that's just the men! For its time, it was as contemporary as it got, but it always amazes me that the English can take spirituals like "Were You There" or "Go Down Moses" and deliver them in this neutered fashion and as much passion as Bock wallpaper. A classic case of singing from the head and not the heart. Immensely popular and accomplished in 1961 and still the thing to buy your favourite maiden aunt if she hasn't discovered Graham Kendrick yet.

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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