Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

One track on this album illustrates its strengths and weaknesses: Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". Although it is well arranged and beautifully sung it is not and never can be a "spiritual" aria. It is an aria and it allows our talented soloist to shine but despite using Biblical imagery it is not a spiritual song and had Miss Jenkins paid attention in Sunday School she would know this. Of course I am making one song carry far too much baggage: it has a pleasant melody and seems to be Biblical and, for most listeners, this is enough but for this reviewer it detracts from the rest of the album which manages to cover a lot of musical ground with Miss Jenkins in excellent voice throughout. We move from the genuine spiritual "Down To The River To Pray" to the established classics of Franck's "Pan Angelicus" and Faure's "In Paradisum". We also have hymns including "Abide With Me" and Howard Goodall's setting of "The Lord Is My Shepherd" that is now and ever more will be associated with a certain vicar from Dibley. "Silent Night" is a standout track although, coming as it does between "In Paradisum" and "Ave Maria", there is an element of surprise as well. A personal favourite is Samuel Barber's "Agnus Dei" that uses his popular Adagio to great effect. Katherine Jenkins is now so secure in her place as a popular entertainer that nothing we say here will make any difference to her career. She has a beautiful voice and is sensible enough to use talented arrangers and good backing musicians. Here we tip our hats to The Crouch End Festival Chorus and The Rodolfus Choir who make worthy contributions to the success of this recording but, ultimately, it stands or falls on Miss Jenkins' performance. She does not disappoint.

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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