Reviewed by Robin Thompson

This CD features the Salvation Army's Staines Songsters and the Band Of The Scots Guards. On some songs they are separate entities whilst on others they perform together although I don't think there is enough of the latter. The pieces featuring the Guards tend to work better than those featuring just the singers - the piano accompaniments seem quite tame in comparison with musical tapestries woven by a full band. Added to that, I don't think the Songsters match the same polished level that the band do - this is not to say that the singers are bad because they aren't, but there is an unevenness in quality. There is also slight tension in having a CD with army songs on the one hand ("Under Two Flags" and "Soldiers" for example) and worship songs on the other ("In The Name Of The Lord", "Gloria", etc.). As a result it is hard to know exactly who this might appeal to.

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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