Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Long time readers may remember an article in CR3 when we waxed lyrical about acapella team The Leeds Choral Gospel Group. It's taken three years, a name change, and some smart packaging to attract white praise and worship buyers but finally Nelson Word have got the message. This debut album offers Leeds' finest, singing largely unaccompanied versions of various P&W choruses. Despite the overfamiliarity of the material ("I Will Enter His Gates", "As The Deer", "Shine Jesus Shine") the tracks here have a delightful, easy-on-the-ear lilt which I found most refreshing. The real standout is "We Are Marching", a number which began its origins in Zulu worship, had British words put to it in Scandinavia and has been popularised in the UK by the lona Community. To this jaw-dropping example of international musical exchange come the Leeds sisters who, helped by some male chanting ala Ladysmith Black Mambazo (presumably courtesy of Roy Johnson), offer the definitive version.

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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