Celtic Psalms

Praise and worship music isn’t something that was invented in the 1970s. And Eden’s Bridge, a foursome from northwest England, pays homage to Christianity’s Celtic roots in two U.S. compilations culled from the band’s British releases.

Based in West Yorkshire, a region that’s near Scotland and is known for both its beautiful moors and the brooding literary work of people like the Bronte sisters, Eden’s Bridge mixes contemporary praise music like Rich Mullins’ "Awesome God" with evocative compositions ("Stones and Sea") and an occasional hymn ("Spirit of the Living God") for these two serene albums.

Front and center are the crystalline vocals of Sarah Lacy, whose combination of classical precision and spiritual fervor makes songs like "For You O Lord (I Exalt Thee)" soar on wings of praise.

One can raise questions about these projects. The "Celtic" in the title is probably less a musical description than it is a marketing plan to capitalize on the latest hot genre. This is nicely done praise music with an occasional Uillean pipe and tin whistle thrown in for good measure (and the nice percussion work of Iona’s Terl Bryant). And the Celtic Psalms collection contains songs that make that title a stretch. But rarely have marketers conspired to give listeners such a beautiful collection of melodic and moving music.