Reviewed by Tom Lennie

This has got to be one of most creative and striking recordings of recent years. 'Credo' is the inspiration of John Featherstone, a British composer and performer with a pile of works to his name, who has lived and worked in France for the past 17 years. He tours both on his own as a singer/songwriter (guitar, keyboards, percussion) and in larger-scale shows involving other arts. Featherstone grew up with two dominant interests - music in all its forms and languages. 'Credo' combines these passions, being a study of ancient Christian creeds, interwoven musically in their Latin and contemporary English contexts. (Apparently a French version of 'Credo' was released back in 2003). The texts include the popular Nicene Creed along with other pieces from the Church of England Service book. The hour-long album follows the liturgical order as far as possible, and includes such themes as praise to Lord God, essential statements of faith, the Passion and resurrection events, and prayers for mercy and peace. Both the classical and the contemporary gospel choirs here featured comprise trained singers in all four parts. A three-fold cord is achieved by the inclusion of a 16-piece chamber orchestra, with all its varied (wind, string and rhythm) tones. It's a fascinating concept and, I must say, such is Featherstone's musical ingenuity that the end result is a beautifully complex mosaic made up of delicately interlinked musical textures. Indeed, the juxtaposition of all three scores in contrasting languages succeeds magnificently in producing a diverse, deeply spiritual and profoundly moving series of sounds. I particularly love the forceful exultation "Gloria" and the infectious melodic flow of "God From God". There's so much substance to this recording that it requires repeated listening. As you do, its effect grows. A totally unique work or art, of high professional standard - and nice cover art, too - 'Credo' makes for an adventurous, fascinating and ultimately rather heavenly listening experience.

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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