STYLE: MOR / Soft Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 163989-24938 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
A recording of the Scottish choir's appearances at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall in 2016. Under the direction of Ian Watson, the approximately 350-strong choir knows exactly when to ebb and flow for maximum impact and the sheer power of the collective must make for a stirring live experience. Thankfully, this largely translates well onto disc thanks to the skill of producers Watson and Clifford Haxton who have managed the undeniably difficult task of recording a large body of singers without losing any depth. In addition, an accomplished and sensitive backing band allows the choir to take centrestage whilst adding some oomph to the mainly mid-tempo praise material that dominates the release. A foray into gospel territory in "Working It Out" adds some needed variety and sees the choir impressively pull off a black gospel choir sound alongside stellar performances from guest vocalists Bethany Cranfield and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir's Onaje Jefferson. Cranfield and Jefferson take the lead on a handful of other songs alongside fellow vocalist Jane Gallan whilst some characteristically scene-stealing flourishes from guitar maestro Phil Mellstrom are a highlight. Although this release may serve primarily as a souvenir for those who attended the Glasgow concerts, the skill of all involved allows it work well enough as a standalone piece.
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