CD REVIEW X 2: WHEN HIS BLOOD FELL- HEAVEN'S MOUNTAIN BAND & I JUST MISS YOU- TIM LIVINGSTON
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENT
CD REVIEWS:
WHEN HIS BLOOD FELL- HEAVEN'S MOUNTAIN BAND
RELEASE DATE: 2015
LABEL: BUTLER MUSIC GROUP
PRODUCED: ROGER JOHNSON
MEMBERS: ROGER & DEBORAH JOHNSON, RODNEY JOHNSON, MURLIN JOHNSON, ANITA DAVIS, CHRISTIE GLASCOW
SONG LIST:
Calm The Storm
When His Blood Fell
I'll Ride The Ship To The Shore
Looking At The Sky
Book Of Grace
I Pray The Lord
Living Like A King
Little Stick Men
The Maker Of The Cross
When Children Cry
BRIEF THOUGHTS:
The Heaven's Mountain Band was formed in 1986 and has made it their mission to spread the Word of God through song. Their pure Gospel Bluegrass has been a great addtion to the roster of Butler Music Group. The group has experienced some great success in recent years with several hit songs. The quality of this recording is fantastic which is a credit to Roger Johnson, group founder. Johnson also wrote all but one song on this CD. This solid collection of songs present the powerful message of the Gospel in a beautiful way. Rather than analyzing each song, I will highlight several tracks the stood out to me. The title track "When His Blood Fell" talks about the power of Christ's blood. We were so wretched and lost in sin before "His blood fell where our sin was." This simple song conveys a powerful message of hope and truth. Christ freely gave His life for sinners like us. A standout track is a Deborah feature called "Looking At The Sky" which looks to the Rapture and to our Heavenly home. It's not if but when and will you be ready?!! Amen!! The country flavored "Living Like A King" also talks about our future home. Since I believe in Jesus who died for me, I will live with Him in Heaven forever. Whether poor or rich down here on Earth, I am living like a king knowing that Christ is my Lord and Savior. Another standout track is the tender ballad "The Maker Of The Cross" which is from the perspective of the man who made the cross that Jesus was killed on. The song is the story of this man who came to realize that the man who died on his cross was His Savior. What a powerful message!!
This album is a must buy for fans of good bluegrass music. Each song drives home the message of the Gospel and features excellent vocals and instrunmentation. It is well produced and an enjoyable listen.
4 out of 5 stars.
I JUST MISS YOU- TIM LIVINGSTON
RELEASE DATE: 2014
LABEL: DIAMOND MILL MUSIC
PRODUCED: LES BUTLER
SONG LIST:
More Than Enough
I'm In Good Shape (In The Ship I'm In)
I Can't Erase The Message
Falling The Right Way
I Just Miss You
Waiting At The Top
I Want To Be The One
Headed For Higher Ground
Without You
Take Him To That Place
You're Not The Only One
BRIEF THOUGHTS:
The son of the late Reverend Norman Livingston, a Gospel music pioneer, Tim Livingston has become a highly successful soloist as well as serving as a preacher. His distinctive lead/baritone voice with it's slight country twang shines on this recording. Livinston is also an accomlished song writer as this record reflects. Rather than analyze each song, I will highlight a few songs that stood out to me. The title track "I Just Miss You" deals with the loss of a loved one. It simply says I miss all the good times, the way you were, and I just miss you. This song hits home for me as my grandmother passed this past July. Livingston delivers this beautiful lyric with emotion and power. The groovy uptempo tune "Heade For Higher Ground" shows off Livingston's twangy style and reminds listeners that we soon will be moving to our Heavenly home. The midtempo worshipful song "Without You" is a prayer in a song. It says Lord you are my everything and I never want to live day without you. On this great song Tim is joined by Joyce Martin Sanders, a member of Grammy nominated Southern Gospel Trio The Martins. Sanders' angelic soprano blends well with Livingston's voice in this duet. Another incredible track is the reflective "I Can't Erase The Message" which honors Livingston's late father. The message of Christ is transformative and cannot be erased. Jesus loves us so much that He gave His life for us.
This solid collection of songs feature the incredible talent of Tim Livingston. The quality is great and is a credit to producer Les Butler. It was definitley an enjoyable listen and includes some incredible songs. Go out and get this recording and You will be blessed! 3.5 out of 5 stars