Reviewed by Paddy Hudspith

John Pantry is a name that will be very familiar to British music observers of a certain vintage, being as he is well known in secular and Christian circles for his many production and performance credits since the mid-1960s. He released all his CCM albums in the '80s and '90s, was ordained an Anglican minister in 1993 and two years later began establishing himself as one of the key presenters on Premier Radio, currently hosting Inspirational Breakfast every weekday morning. At the encouragement of his church minister, recently Pantry turned composer once again, setting a contemporary liturgy of the Eucharist to music for today's choirs and congregations; Pantry's aim is to bridge "the gap between the very traditional versions of the Anglican Communion setting and some of the more modern praise and worship music by people like Stuart Townend, Graham Kendrick and Matt Redman." About half of the 17 tracks are directly based upon liturgy, the others being modern worship hymns in a Kendrick/Townend vein and appropriately "The Bread Is On The Table (Communion Song)" is a highlight amongst these. The production by Christopher Norton is typically efficient, with effective and welcome use of established session men like Dan Wheeler (guitar) and, especially, the ever-reliable Mike Haughton (whistles, saxes). Pantry himself shares vocal duties with Ingrid DuMosch and the Adoramus Choir, and it is useful to hear the different voices playing their parts in the arrangements. I particularly liked the "Magnificat" and "Nunc Dimittis" pieces which have become almost ballads of Mary and Simeon respectively. Judging Pantry by the criteria he set for himself, this album succeeds and it will be fascinating to see if the music of 'God Of The Empty Space' finds its way into churches in the coming years.

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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