Reviewed by Aaron Ferris

Arranged, performed and introduced by a casual Rick Wakeman is a selection of well known hymns packaged together in a two disc DVD/CD format. Prior to each piece Wakeman gives some insight as to the writer and/or previous performers and also telling us that we've probably sung it in Sunday School at some stage. The accompanying studio footage and clips, including those of mountains, stained glass windows and melting ice, don't exactly make compelling viewing that is until "Abide In Me" during which some clips and images of unforgettable moments in history are shown like those of the Munich Olympics, Hillsborough disaster, Dunblane Primary School and the Twin Towers, sombre viewing. Before even looking into this guy's musical career, there is no doubting Wakeman's fingers are well practiced and highly skilled on the ivories, though the sense of being left on hold for a prolonged period of time does surface after nearly an hour of straight instrumental. It is only when Wakeman's daughter Jemma appears in front of a mic, backed by The English Chamber Choir during "Amazing Grace", is he accompanied in any real way. Other tracks include "There Is A Green Hill Far Away", "All Things Bright And Beautiful", "When I Survey" and "Ode To Joy" but realistically, how many more versions and releases of Amazing Grace can there be?

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