STYLE: Ambient/Meditational RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 1659-2072 LABEL: Spirit Of Praise SOPD2067 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RRP: £2.50
Reviewed by Tony Cummings
As the editor of a Christian music magazine I'm only too aware that cultural prejudice can creep into a review in the guise of 'radical' criticism. I've read too many snidey remarks about "the cosy Christian subculture" or "sanctified muzak" to not be aware that often such cutting edge radicals are more concerned about rationalising their dislike of cultures different from their own than bringing a modicum of objectivity into the subjective arena that is the record review. Rob And Gilly Bennett are, as everyone who's ever stepped into a Christian bookshop knows, big fish in the small pond of British Christian music. They play a mixture of classical pieces and praise and worship choruses and perform them with flawless technique. Dave Massey, our veteran classical reviewer, suggested recently that the simple melodic structure and repetitiveness of contemporary choruses made Rob And Gilly's renditions dull and bland. I don't agree. I found their playing highly listenable. It must be said that Rob And Gilly's gentle acoustic music CAN be used as a background to the chattering classes. But it can also be played in a meditative context (or a let's put on an album' context!). Long may Rob And Gilly serve the Lord, and the church, through their music.
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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