Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

In Ireland spiritual music has been gaining more acceptance in the mainstream music scene in recent years, and here's another fine example - a Tommy Fleming double album, unique in many ways, not least for being recorded in the Basilica in Knock, Co Mayo. Fleming is "The Voice" - full of strength and commitment, a style eminently suitable to the inspirational material. If his aim is to present familiar inspirational songs the venture is a success - we get "From A Distance", "Morning Has Broken", "Ave Maria", "Bridge Over Troubled Water", "Amazing Grace" and many more, but perhaps therein lies a question - why revisit so many songs that have been so well covered in the past? Familiarity doesn't quite breed contempt, but a more adventurous approach to song selection would have greatly improved this album. Having said that, there are a couple of unexpected inclusions like Jimmy McCarthy's mystical "Bright Blue Rose", and Beth Nielsen Chapman's poignant "Sand And Water". Maybe next time we'll get some contemporary Irish spiritual songs. One final point of note, 'Voice Of Hope' also contains four bonus studio tracks, featuring Fleming on more familiar ground with well-crafted contemporary roots songs, including the fine parenting song "Things We've Handed Down", by Marc Cohn.

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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