Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Tylko Jezus (translated as "Only Jesus") is a long-running Polish worship project headed up by husband and wife team Mariusz and Grazyna Śmiałek which has only just seen the light of day in recorded format. Masterminding that side of things is Poland-born, Dundee-based producer, multi-instrumentalist and Simon Kennedy Band keys player Mirek Hodun who has turned the Śmiałeks' straightforward but effective songs into something rather special. To reflect the fact that both parties now call Scotland their home, the opener "Pan Zmartwychwstał" fittingly begins with the bagpipes before making way for a variety of different styles that include modern worship, country and indigenous folk - all sung in the Polish tongue by Mariusz and a variety of female singers. Such is the sheer joy of the music on offer, any language barrier melts into insignificance with the title track and the album highlight "Tańcz dla Pana" in particular possessing an infectiously upbeat quality that will put a smile on your face and set your toes tapping. Part of the success of this release is the amount of instrumental variety on show (mostly acoustic) with some great violin and a star turn from Hodun on accordion adding the icing on the cake of this hugely enjoyable slice of alternative worship that refreshingly comes from beyond our usual worship providers.

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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