SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: WE HAVE THIS MOMENT- GAITHER VOCAL BAND
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
WE HAVE THIS MOMENT
GAITHER VOCAL BAND
LABEL: GAITHER MUSIC GROUP/ SPRING HILL RECORDS
PRODUCER: GORDON MOTE & BILL GAITHER
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 13, 2017
GROUP MEMBERS: BILL GAITHER (BARITONE/BASS), WES HAMPTON (TENOR), ADAM CRABB (LEAD), TODD SUTTLES (BARITONE/BASS), AND REGGIE SMITH (TENOR)
SONG LIST:
Hallelujah Band- (Becca Mizell, Sam Mizell)
Man Of Sorrows- (Philip P. Bliss, arr. Gordon Mote)
Livin’ In The Rhythm Of Grace- (Benjamin Gaither, Sarh Beth Terry, Todd Suttles)
I’ll Worship Only At The Feet Of Jesus- (Gloria Gaither, William J. Gaither, JD Miller)
Chain Breaker- (Jonathan Smith, Mia Fieldes, Zach Williams)
Manna From Heaven- (William J. Gaither, Reba Rambo-McGuire, Dony McGuire, Chip Davis)
We Are The Sands, We Are The Stars- (Gloria Gaither, Reba Rambo-McGuire, Dony McGuire)
We Are All God’s Children- (Benjamin Gaither, Sarah Beth Terry, Todd Suttles)
Jesus Messiah- (Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash)
You Amaze Me- (Gerald Crabb)
We Have This Moment, Today- (William J. Gaither, Gloria Gaither)
Hymn Of Praise- (Gloria Gaither, William J. Gaither, Gordon Mote)
THOUGHTS:
"Somebody give me that bass/ somebody give me that tenor/somebody give me that baritone with a whole lotta soul in it. Somebody give me that Gospel truth and then, let's all sing it in the Hallelujah Band." The Grammy Award winning Gaither Vocal Band is back with another exciting new recording entitled, We Have This Moment. This great collection of inspirational, classic Gaither, and Southern Gospel songs is the first to feature new tenor Reggie Smith. Smith, longtime Gaither Homecoming vocalist, joined the group in April of this year following the departure of longtime tenor David Phelps. This recording is very reminiscent to early days of the group as well as the Penrod/Hall/Hampton/Gaither era.
The album kicks off with the lead single "Hallelujah Band," which is a fun, up-tempo tune that features each member. "Man Of Sorrows" features epic orchestration and the powerful vocals of Adam Crabb, Reggie Smith, and ensemble. This beautiful song praises the Savior and tells of His Amazing Grace. The climax of this song features quite possibly the highest recorded notes from Wes Hampton. Speaking of Hampton, he takes the lead, in full on falsetto, on the country styled "Livin' In The Rhythm of Grace." This mid-tempo tune simply says everything fell into place when I let go and surrendered to Him. Next, the new lineup gives their take on the classic Gaither track "I'll Worship Only At The Feet Of Jesus." Todd Suttles, Adam Crabb, and Reggie Smith are featured on the verses. The group's harmonies are on full display with this beautiful re-recording of this promise in a song. Adam Crabb's soulful voice is unleashed on the powerful CCM anthem "Chain Breaker," made popular by Zach Williams. Many people have recently covered this track including Triumphant Quartet but I must say that this version is my personal favorite. Next, "Manna From Heaven," is a throwback to a 40's style quartet number complete with the radio crackles in the beginning. Todd Suttles' smooth bass is front and center on this fun song that says the Lord alone can satisfy. Suttles is featured once again on "We Are The Sands, We Are The Stars," but this time he shines in his upper register. This anthem proclaims that we as believers are the promise that was made to Abraham. We proclaim to keep your Word and testify. We are your children. Next, "We Are All God's Children," a classic Imperials style tune, features each vocalist and simply says we are all His children. We have been given a new life in Him. We are learning to love like Him and forgiven. The worshipful "Jesus Messiah," featuring Hampton and Crabb, proclaims the power and the amazing Love of Christ. All our hope is in you Lord! Crabb is featured again on "You Amaze Me," a beautiful ballad written by his father Gerald Crabb. Crabb absolutely nails the delivery of this great song of praise. Next, Bill Gaither takes the lead on his only feature: the though provoking "We Have This Moment, Today," which says cherish the time you have with friends and family. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. We have this moment today. Gaither's tender hearted delivery is sure to make listeners tear up a little. The epic ballad "Hymn Of Praise, " thanks God for His many blessings. Reggie Smith gives a stellar vocal performance and delivers the lyric with great emotion.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THE GVB HAVE DONE IT AGAIN! ANOTHER ALBUM WITH GREAT VOCALS, GREAT SONGS, AND GREAT PRODUCTION QUALITY. GORDON MOTE DESERVES RECOGNITION FOR HIS EXCELLENT PRODUCING. REGGIE SMITH IS A FANTASTIC ADDITION TO THE GROUP. HIS UNIQUE TENOR VOICE FITS THE GROUP PERFECTLY AND ADDS A NEW DYNAMIC THAT REMINDED ME OF PAST LINEUPS, SPECIFICALLY: PENROD/HALL/HAMPTON/GAITHER. ALTHOUGH I DO MISS DAVID PHELPS, THIS CD PROVES THAT NO MATTER WHAT LINEUP, THE HARMONY AND MISSION OF THIS GROUP REMAINS. BILL GAITHER CONTINUES TO HIRE GREAT VOCALISTS AT THE RIGHT TIMES. OVERALL, THIS CD IS A STEP UP FROM THE PREVIOUS RELEASE IN MY OPINION. WE HAVE THIS MOMENT TODAY IS ANOTHER INCREDIBLE ADDTION TO THE GVB DISCOGRAPHY.
GO GET THIS CD ASAP! 5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.gaither.com