Reviewed by Tony Cummings

John Michael Talbot had early musical incarnations as a member of a mainstream country rock band, Mason Proffit, and as a hippy Jesus freak before embracing Catholicism and beginning to record liturgical offerings which would expand the genre by bringing in symphonic and acoustic folk elements. In 1992 Talbot began his own record label, Troubadour For The Lord, and this two CD compilation endeavours to highlight the 14 years of recordings that label has released. Starting with tracks from his successful 'The Master Musician', this 34-song set takes in many beautiful moments including his meditational instrumental series, two recordings of Catholic worship songs, choral and orchestral projects and one or two tracks which hark back to his country folk roots of old. John's voice is soothing, the arrangements bring out all the flowing poetry of his lyrics - usually contemplations on Scripture - and the overall effect is like a healing balm. If you are looking for music to soothe rather than excite, you can do no better than investigate this celebration of the veteran's output.

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