Bring Them In is an album of various artists that celebrates "the spirit of trek". The CD serves as an effective soundtrack to the Martin's Cove trek, and all proceeds go to supporting Martin's Cove.

There are only five songs on the album plus three accompaniment tracks. "Come, Come Ye Saints" is an instrumental solo-piano piece arranged by Sam Cardon. The arrangement is complete with a wide range of dynamics, and a variation on the song that makes it recognizable, but is not stilted or boring. The arrangement is a bit melancholy, and full of emotion.

"Prayer of The Walking Child" features vocals from Dave Tinney, and is a favorite of mine from the album. More than any other track, this one conveys the true emotions that must have been felt during the historic trek. Lyrics like "Father, I'm so weary. Can I stop and rest here for a while, please keep the cold from blowing" are touching, yet heartbreaking in the same breath. Tinney's voice is rich and tender, and is a perfect fit for the moving song.

Michael Dowdle's guitar playing is the focus of "The Handcart Song", an instrumental, upbeat track. Based on a pioneer folk song, "Handcart" lends to a more lighthearted point in the CD.

"Go Bring Them In" is a whose-who of LDS music with solos and a choir consisting of everyone from Brett Raymond to Cherie Call to Peter Breinholt. The song includes more of a history of Martin's Cove, and the purpose of the saints for making the pioneer trek. The solos are consistent, and the backing by the choir is powerful and full.

The album concludes with "Arrival in the Valley", a reprise of "Come, Come Ye Saints". The majority of the track is sung by Envoy, though the tempo of the song changes a bit at the end and finishes with a female group chorus.

"Bring Them In" is a finely produced theme album that invokes pictures in the mind of the listener of what must have been experienced on the pioneer trek, and would be worth the listen to any group who is studying or re-enacting the historic event.

3 stars out of 5.
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Cory Reese

1. Come, Come Ye Saints
2. Prayer of The Walking Child
3. The Handcart Song
4. Go Bring Them In
5. Arrival in the Valley
6. Go Bring Them In -accompaniment track with choir
7. Go Bring Them In - accompaniment track without choir
8. Prayer of the Walking Child - accompaniment track