Reviewed by Liz Knowles

It must be almost as difficult to spell Uilleann pipes as it is to play them, but Troy Donockley is a virtuoso musician with a string of credits to match (Clannad, Maddy Prior, etc). He's probably best known for his work with Iona and it's no surprise to find most of Iona guesting on this album. (He also features on the fantastic Mostly Autumn CD 'Passengers'). This might not be an explicitly Christian CD but it is deeply spiritual and atmospheric, as you would expect anything from the Celtic stable to be. There are interesting instruments and juxtapositions, and it is beautifully composed and arranged, richly textured, symphonic music. If you like Iona (and I do) you'll almost certainly like this too, though it is quite different. It defies categorisation really, much like the work of Ketil Bjornstad, Terje Rypdal and a number of Norwegian (maybe) jazz composers/musicians. It is deeply original and creative and touches my soul.

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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