CD REVIEW: HYMNS/HYMNS 2.0- THE GAITHER VOCAL BAND
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
CD REVIEW
HYMNS (NEW VERSION)
THE GAITHER VOCAL BAND
LABEL: GAITHER MUSIC GROUP
PRODUCER: BILL GAITHER, BEN ISAACS, AND DAVID PHELPS
RELEASE DATE: 2014
MEMBERS: BILL GAITHER, WES HAMPTON, DAVID PHELPS, ADAM CRABB, AND TODD SUTTLES (replacing Michael English and Mark Lowry)
SONG LIST:
Amazing Grace (John Newton: American Melody; Gaither Vocal Band, arr.)
God Leads Us Along (G.A. Young; Gaither Vocal Band, arr.)
‘Til The Storm Passes By (Mosie Lister)
Lord, I’m Coming Home (William J. Kirkpatrick; Gaither Vocal Band, arr.)
Redeemed (Fanny J. Crosby and William J. Kirkpatrick; Gaither Vocal Band, arr.)
The Love Of God (Frederick M. Lehman, Gaither Vocal Band arr.)
More of You (Gloria Gaither, William J. Gaither, and Gary S. Paxton)
The Old Rugged Cross (George Bennard; Gaither Vocal Band, arr.)
My Faith Still Holds (William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither)
I’ll Fly Away (Albert E. Brumley)
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior (Fanny J. Crosby and William H. Doane; Gaither Vocal Band, arr.)
At The Cross (Isaac Watts and Ralph E. Hudson; Ronn Huff, arr.)
Sow Mercy (Reba Rambo McGuire and Dony McGuire)
THOUGHTS:
First off, I’d like to mention that the original Hymns record is one of if not my favorite Gaither Vocal Band album of all time. So, when I heard that the new lineup had re-recorded it last year, I was skeptical of how it would stack up against the Grammy nominated record. I am glad to say that it does!! This new version of the last recording with Michael English and Mark Lowry features Adam Crabb and Todd Suttles taking over the solos for the former members as well as two other re-recorded songs.
As this project features the current lineup, I’m not sure if the project was completely redone. However, it seems to me that several tracks were re-recorded entirely to accommodate the new blend. Since I did not review the original (I was not blogging at the time), I will briefly give my thoughts of the veteran members performances.
Bill Gaither shines on this recording! His smooth, warm bass is heard on the standard “God Leads Us Along,” and the tender “Lord, I’m Coming Home.” I particularly enjoy hearing Gaither take a solo and give a song a feeling of importance with his emotional delivery.
The incomparable tenor of David Phelps can be heard throughout the record most notably on the Celtic styled “Redeemed,” the energetic “I’ll Fly Away,” and the classic “At The Cross.” Phelps arranged many of the tracks on this record and his skill is clearly evident in the incredible harmonies on this CD.
Longtime tenor Wes Hampton shines on the Mosie Lister penned “Til The Storm Passes By,” and the powerful “My Faith Still Holds.” He also is featured on the re-recorded standard “The Love Of God” which originally appeared on the groups 2012 album Pure And Simple. This special song replaces the Michael English feature “Love Lifted Me” on the original release. His fantastic harmonies can also be heard throughout the record most notably on “The Old Rugged Cross.”
Adam Crabb had big shoes to fill when he joined the group early last year. Michael English is one of the best lead vocalists this group has ever had in my opinion. I contend, however, Crabb is the rightful replacement for him. Gaither made a great decision in hiring this incredible talent! Crabb’s soulful voice brings and added element of power to the intricate harmonies on this record. He takes on all of English’s solos and absolutely nails them with the same intensity and tenderness. His standout solo for me is the tender hearted “Lord, I’m Coming Home.” He is also featured on “I’ll Fly Away,” “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “God Leads Us Along,” and “My Faith Still Holds.”
Baritone Todd Suttles also had big shoes to fill when taking over for longtime member Mark Lowry. The same applies here as above. Suttles brings his unique voice with his unbelievable range to each of Lowry’s features. His standouts include the contemplative “More Of You,” “Amazing Grace,” “God Leads Us Along,” “The Love Of God,” and the added track “Sow Mercy,” also from Pure And Simple. The latter feature showcases the warm and gentle tones of Suttles’s voice. He delivers the lyric with emotion and heart.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
This new version is definitely on par with the original release. I would highly recommend attending a Gaither Homecoming event and picking this CD up as it is only available at concerts. I also implore you all to get the original which captured the magic of the previous five person lineup and serves as a swan song for both Michael English and Mark Lowry’s tenure with the group. GO GET THESE RECORDS NOW!!!!!
5 out of 5 stars!! If I could give it more stars I would!! For more information, visit www.gaither.com