The Govan Citadel Songsters 2nd CD: 'Carry The Light' Only £10.00 inc postage. Cheques payable to The Salvation Army Send to: Chic Ramsay 36 Eider Grove, Greenhills, EAST KILBRIDE G75 8UB
CD review from The Salvationist 30 June 2007 Assistant Territorial Music Director Andrew Blyth reviews Carry The Light' by Govan Citadel Songsters 'Enthusiasm and energy!' FOR many Salvationist sections the opportunity and privilege to make a recording is something that is never available to them, even in this technological age. For those who have this opportunity, the responsibility to provide a well-balanced and meaningful tool for ministry is immense. Carry The Light is the second CD from Govan Songsters (the first being the well-received Alive) and the pieces chosen once again reflect the songsters' ministry from week to week. The songsters continue to keep busy and their enthusiasm and energy is felt throughout the recording. The repertoire contains a diversity of musical and spiritual emotions from the lively 'God Of My Praise', 'There's Never Been A Mountain' and 'Jesus Is Alive' to the more reflective and poignant settings of 'With Wings As Eagles' and 'Come Into Our World!' The programme also includes a beautiful setting by young Salvationist composer, Alexander Addis entitled 'All To Jesus'. Govan Songsters are blessed with many talented soloists and it is encouraging to hear them on this recording. Five are featured, including a fine rendition from Fraser Ramsay on tenor horn of the traditional Scottish air 'My Ain Folk' All the solos are of a high standard but a particular highlight for me was Matthew Ramsay's singing in 'Put On The Armour'. The notes by Commissioner Keith Banks and design layout of the CD are of the highest standard, leaving us in no doubt about the mission and focus of the group. For those who enjoy Salvation Army vocal groups and repertoire then this recording will be a welcome addition to their CD library. Congratulations must go to Songster Leader Chic Ramsay for a well-thought-out and prepared programme and a recording that assures us of Govan Songsters' commitment to 'Carry the Light!'
Reviewed by Doug Holland (www.crossrythmms.co.uk) The Songster Brigade was formed in 1918, the final one of the four Govan music sections to be so. It currently comprises volunteers from a wide variety of walks of life and performs regularly at Sunday services, at concerts, in hospitals and many other arenas and tours abroad. This, its second CD, comprises 18 tracks (67 minutes) of assorted hymnody with the track list mixing compositions old and new (including in the latter category Lenny Leblanc's 'Above All', which is a joy). Several members of the Brigade take centre stage to bring us solos (vocal and instrumental), and these all contribute to the resulting wide range of tempos and sounds found across the collection. The expected solid choir sound is never far away, however, and supported by an effective piano, bass and percussion accompaniment the result is an enjoyable and uplifting listening experience. Pleasingly, virtually all words sung are understandable without recourse to the lyric book, which is by no means always the case with choir recordings. For fans of Salvation Army vocal groups this is likely to be a big hit, with no obvious weaknesses in design or delivery.
Govan Citadel Songsters
