Reviewed by Anthony Longville

Now here's an interesting 2CD set. The packaging describes what you get - "Light jazz backgrounds support gorgeous close harmony arrangements.sink back into your most comfortable chair and enjoy the beautiful sounds of voices in worship." Now something within me tells me that worship is not meant to be "comfortable" and is not something easily done from an armchair. But as I listen to this set, I have to say that the overall impression is that it is very pleasant. To be fair the vocals, which are excellent, perhaps are not that different from a number of other quality worship releases. The 25 tracks are well known worship songs from writers such as Richards, Kendrick, Bilborough and Redman. All very familiar. A lot of this has a chill out feel and generally I think the slower songs work better. Not every song works for me with the jazzy arrangements. The vocals take the lead, with the music very much the servant, often just a piano. Only the pianist and sax player (very tasteful) get a musical credit although other instruments are in evidence from time to time. Of the vocalists I recognise two names, Simon Goodall and David Lyle Morris. I could well imagine this being played at the start of a service or at home at the end of a long day. Of the up tempo numbers I'm not sure anyone could listen to "We Want To See Jesus Lifted High" without tapping their feet. Not an album that will set the world alight but a nice one to have in the collection.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.