Reviewed by Tom Lennie

One of a trio of recordings in the Sanctuary Collection, 'Chants: Sacred Journeys' consists of a collection of acapella-performed chants of mostly Gregorian type songs. With a surprising mainstream market having now opened up for chant this set should find steady sales. First, the chants are not tediously long, drawn-out pieces, but rather come in bite-sized form, lasting two-to-three minutes each (the album lasts just 30 minutes in total). Second, there's noticeable variety between the tracks, and while certainly most songs are rendered in mandatory Latin, several have easily recognisable themes (eg, "Alleluia" and "The Lord's Prayer") and we're also treated to an unhurried version of "Be Thou My Vision". This isn't an authentic recording - no monks on this set - rather a seven-strong branch of The Nashville Choir, but they sing beautifully. Chill out by taking the journey back in time to the roots of this medieval style of worship.

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