The second release in The Clerks’ Group’s continuing Josquin project brings us the Faisant regretz Mass‚ so­called because it is based on a four­note figure which sets those words in a rondeau by the 15th­century Englishman Walter Frye. Such is Josquin’s skill in handling this little motif that it never irks; indeed‚ it is perfectly easy to ignore it‚ even though it gives the work a distinctive character‚ provoking some fast­changing harmonies and ringing sonorities. As if to reward himself for sticking to his task‚ Josquin then ends the Mass with an Agnus Dei which presents Frye’s tune in the top part; this may not be one of his most popular masses (there is no other recording at present)‚ but there is no doubting its craftsmanship. It is coupled here with the Frye piece – a beautiful lyrical creation – and five Josquin motets from the Motetti de passione B collection of 1503‚ including some of the surprisingly clear­cut‚ chordal settings which used to be considered part of the composer’s early Milan period until it was discovered that he did not have an early Milan period. The Clerks’ Group perform with predictable stylistic expertise‚ producing a solid‚ low­lying sound (the sopranos are only heard in Ave verum corpus) but maintaining absolute clarity at all times. The recording helps here since it is somewhat drier than is usual in this kind of music‚ though the downside is that every moment of vocal uncertainty‚ however minor‚ becomes detectable. Of these there are a surprising number‚ and indeed it may be the singers’ awareness of the harsh scrutiny of the microphones that is responsible for the fact that these performances often sound strangely tentative. Only the Frye has a truly natural flow‚ led by some mellifluous singing from alto Lucy Ballard. This is not really The Clerks’ Group at their best‚ then‚ though the addition to the catalogue looks like a valuable one. The CD booklet and cover‚ by the way‚ have listed Ave verum corpus and O Domine Jesu Christe in the wrong order.