Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

The Luca in question is the autistic son of David and Debbie Bainbridge and this is the second compilation to be released to raise money for the special treatment that he is receiving from a radical teaching programme. Once again the compilation is packed with thirty songs, many of which have never been released before. So you get rarities from Moya Brennan, Martyn Joseph, former Kajagoogoo man Nick Beggs and Iona sidekicks Troy Donockley and Joanne Hogg. For fans of Bainbridge's work with Iona, there are even new versions of the Iona songs "Journey Into The Morn" and "Bird Of Heaven". I love the collaboration between Bainbridge and ace American guitar legend Phil Keaggy on "Across The Sea". Apparantly they have done further recording together and I wonder whether an album release may happen one day. That would be quite a thing! If you haven't checked out Aradhna, they are going to be an amazing find for you as they record Christian songs in an Asian music style. Bainbridge's wife Debbie is a talented musician in her own right and contributes the drifting elegaic "Sacred Space whilst Theophonic Cloud have created a gorgeous piece in tribute called "Luca". The collaboration between Nick Fletcher and Bainbridge on "Red Son" brings the double album to an atmospheric and beautiful close. It's in a good cause but don't feel like you're just making a charitable donation, this is packed with 140 minutes of rare, beautifully crafted songs that bristle with musicality, vibe and beauty.

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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