SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: BETTER TOGETHER- GAITHER VOCAL BAND
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
BETTER TOGETHER
GAITHER VOCAL BAND
LABEL: GAITHER MUSIC GROUP
PRODUCER: BEN ISAASCS, BILL GAITHER, DAVID PHELPS
RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 26, 2016
MEMBERS: BILL GAITHER (BASS/BARITONE), DAVID PHELPS (TENOR), WES HAMPTON (TENOR), TODD SUTTLES (BARITONE/BASS), AND ADAM CRABB (LEAD)
SONG LIST: (Featuring/Author)
Working On A Building- ft. Ensemble/African American Spiritual GVB arr.
Led Out Of Bondage- ft. Todd Suttles/Robert Prather
Heart O’Mine- ft. Wes Hampton/Dallas Holm
When He Set Me Free- ft. Adam Crabb/Joe Washington
But I Need You More- ft. Ensemble, Crabb, Phelps/Gloria Gaither & George R. Poulton
Dig A Little Deeper In God’s Love- ft. Todd Suttles, Ensemble/Kenneth Morris
Moses Smote The Water- ft. Ensemble, Adam Crabb/African American Spiritual GVB arr.
We’ll Talk It Over- ft. David Phelps /Ira Stanphill
Didn’t It Rain- ft. Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles, Wes Hampton, David Phelps /African American Spiritual GVB arr.
You’ve Got A Friend- ft. Bill Gaither, Todd Suttles/Carole King
Better Together- ft. Ensemble/ William J. Gaither, Gloria Gaither, Reba Rambo McGuire, Dony McGuire, Chip Davis
Walk On The Water- ft. David Phelps/William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither
THOUGHTS:
“The Gaither Vocal Band has done it again! Moving Messages. Powerful, intricate harmonies, Soaring tenors, soulful lead, and booming bass. What more could you ask for in a recording. This record solidifies once again the five member GVB as being one of Gaither's best decisions in his career in my opinion. Each member blends together to form an incredible vocal unit that continues to produce quality recordings. The GVB has been close to my heart for several years now and this record joins the vast catalogue of my favorites.”
This passage is from my review of Sometimes It Takes A Mountain (2014), but it certainly applies to this exciting new recording from the Gaither Vocal Band! Each vocalist gives stellar performances on this fantastic CD that truly proves that we are Better Together! Bill Gaither says, “We have heard it said that our strength lies in our diversity. But I’ve come to believe that our strength lies in coming together in spite of our differences. I still believe that there is more that unites us than divides us, and I believe the songs on this recording celebrate the things that bring us together. Our nation’s motto, which is printed on our currency, is E pluribus unum, which means “out of many, one.” This is something we believe in as a group. We each bring our part to create beautiful harmony, and we are truly better together than we are individually.”
I can’t help but agree with Gaither’s statement and this recording once again showcases the God given talent of this Southern Gospel mainstay.
This harmony is front and center in the opening track: the groovy spiritual “Working On A Building.” This classic receives the GVB treatment here to great effect. Gaither and Suttles trade off on the bass part while Crabb, Hampton and Phelps shine on the verses. I particularly enjoyed the “Fairfield Four” style ending hum! Todd Suttles takes the lead on the classic bass feature “Led Out Of Bondage,” which showcases his range and energetic delivery. Suttles has truly fit in nicely with the group adding a smooth baritone/bass allowing for more intricate harmonies. Longtime tenor Wes Hampton shines on the mid-tempo country style “Heart O’ Mine,” which tells of transforming power of Christ. If you let Jesus in, He will fill your hateful heart with Love. “When He Set Me Free” features the stirring, soulful tones of lead singer Adam Crabb. This groovy track is full of joy and praise to Christ for His Grace. You should’ve been there when He set me free! Todd Suttles also has stellar bass step out lines on this track.
One of the hallmarks of any GVB record is harmony. The award winning harmony is showcased on the beautiful prayer song “But I Need You More.” While Crabb and Phelps have brief solos, the group’s exquisite harmony is the primary feature.
Next, the GVB puts their own spin on the classic spiritual style song “Dig A Little Deeper In God’s Love.” Similarly to the first track, both Suttles and Gaither take on two different bass parts. Wes and Adam take the lead on the choruses and simply knock it out of the park. The influence/tribute to the Fairfield Four is definitely apparent on this track which was awesome! The ending was almost exactly like that of the Fairfield Four’s version! Next, the group covers another popular spiritual “Moses Smote The Water,” and “takes the listeners to church.” This is definitely one of my favorite songs on this project!
David Phelps is one of the greatest Southern Gospel tenors in my humble opinion. His performance of the Gospel standard “We’ll Talk It Over,” once again showcases this. Phelps delivers the lyric beautifully. His range and vocal control are on full display here.
The rhythmic spiritual “Didn’t It Rain” features Crabb, Hampton, and Phelps on the verses. This mid-tempo groove is sure to leave a memorable impression on listeners. Bill Gaither’s lone feature on this record is the classic “You’ve Got A Friend,” which fits his tender baritone/bass voice nicely. Suttles joins Gaither on this heartfelt track. Next, the title track also showcases the incredible group harmony as well as proclaiming the overall message of the project: We are Better Together. Different people yet so much the same. We must love all people. Nothing can defeat when we are waling side by side. What a poignant message! This fantastic album closes with another Phelps feature with “Walk On The Water.” This groovy track simply asks Jesus to guide us in our lives.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THE GVB CONTINUES TO PRODUCE TOP QUALITY RECORDINGS! THIS CD IS A MUST BUY! BRILLIANT SONGS, INCREDIBLE VOCAL PERFORMANCES, AND ANOVERALL ENJOYABLE LISTEN!! EACH VOCALIST BRINGS THEIR “A” GAME AND BLENDS WELL TOGETHER! GAITHER’S STATEMENT IS TRUE: THE GROUP IS BETTER TOGETHER AND SO ARE WE ALL!
5 OUT OF 5 STARS
FOR MORE INFO ON THE GVB: www.gaithermusic.com